=Probable Changes in Coal Trade.=--In the ocean coal trade of the world the greatest change likely is that the United States will more largely supply South America, its coal being substituted for that of Great Britain. The ocean distance is markedly in favor of the United States, particularly on the west coast of South America by vessels passing through the Canal. With the increased shipping facilities of the United States, there is every reason to believe exports of coal to South America will be equally shared between the United States and Great Britain. At the present time, it is evident that the British coal-mining industry is in a bad way, and publicists are expressing serious alarm at the possible loss of the greater part of the export trade and the curtailment of home industries through a great decrease in production accompanied by a rapid increase in cost. In 1913 Great Britain produced 287,000,000 long tons, and exported 77,000,000 long tons of coal. During the war, owing to the large number of miners entering the military service, the output greatly declined, but was expected to recover rapidly with the signing of the armistice and the return of the miners. But labor unrest, resulting in strikes and absenteeism, kept the output down, and on July 16, 1919, the so-called Sankey award went into effect. This award shortened the miners’ working day from eight to seven hours, exclusive of the time taken in hoisting and lowering, but inclusive of the time taken in reaching the working place. Rates were raised so that the miner received more in a day with the seven-hour day than formerly with the eight-hour day, and the Controller raised the price of coal six shillings a ton to offset the increased cost. Sir Richard Redland, chief inspector of mines, predicted that the output for 1919 would be 230,000,000 tons, and for 1920, 217,000,000 tons, or a reduction of 70,000,000 tons from the output of 1913. Presumably, in the course of time, by using additional shifts, Great Britain may recover its former output, though manifestly at greatly increased cost; so that unless the cost in the United States goes up correspondingly, there is every probability that this country will be able to compete successfully in export business, not only in South America, but also in Mediterranean ports. At the present time, demands for coal are reaching the United States not only from those parts of the world, but also from Scandinavia, Switzerland, Denmark, and The Netherlands. On account of nearness, however, Great Britain should be able to take care of the fuel requirements of northern Europe.