A year ago the prospects of the oil trade looked black, as
the output of American oil was in the hands of a powerful ring, who
seemed likely also to obtain control of the Russian supplies; but,
fortunately, this was averted, and, at the present moment, the Russian
pipe lines are flooding the market with an abundant supply, which
those best able to judge tell us is practically inexhaustible, so that
prices may be expected to have a downward rather than an upward
tendency. But even should a huge monopoly be created, I think I have
found a source of light at home which will hold its own against any
foreign illuminant in the market.
For a long time I have felt that in this country we had sources of
light and power which only needed development, and the discovery of
the right way to use them, in order to give an entirely new complexion
to the question of carbureting; and now by the aid of the engineering
skill and technical knowledge of Mr. Staveley, of Baghill, near
Pontefract, I think it is found.
At three or four of the Scotch iron works the Furnace Gases Co. are
paying a yearly rental for the right of collecting the smoke and gases
from the blast furnaces.
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