Rensselaer Journal, Volume 12, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 August 1902 — GOOD PROSPECTS FOR FILL TRADE [ARTICLE]

GOOD PROSPECTS FOR FILL TRADE

Adjustment of Many Labor Disputes Clears the Atmosphere. STEEL IS IN URGENT DEMAND Trade In Print Goods Is Delayed by Uncertainty Regarding price of Cot- • ton on Big Crop—Cereals Maintain High Level. 4 Prospects have greatly improved through the adjustment of numerous labor controversies, yet the anthracite coal strike situation is unchanged and supplies are nearing depletion. Distribution of merchandise has met with some interruption, owing to freight blockades, the volume of business being very heavy. Statistics of pig iron production on Aug. 1, according to Iron Age, are more satisfactory than might have been expected, in view of the great scarcity of fueL Output Shows Increase. “A weekly capacity of 336,405 tons is 15,599 tons less than the high record of May 1, it is true, but compares favorably with all earlier dates and shows an increase of 32,618 tons over the output a year ago. These figures by no means suggest a serious setback in the industry, but rather emphasize the abnormal condition of demand which finds such a heavy yield inadequate. Southern furnaces have contracted so far in advance that they practically have withdrawn from the market, and all dates for deliveries are remote except where foreign arrivals are offered.” R. G. Dun & Co.’s weekly review of trade makes the foregoing summary of the trade situation. Continuing, the review says: Steel In Demand. “Pressure for steel is undiminished, and the urgency of domestic consumers is shown by additional imports of large size. Structural material is sought by carshops and bridge builders, while many office buildings and other steel structures are planned. Coke production in the Connellsville region exceeds 250,000 tons weekly, and outside ovens are also surpassing all records of activity. “Shoe manufacturers at the east have received practically the fall orders that will be placed, and new business is now restricted to sample orders in spring lines. Leather has again risen in price and sales were heavy during the past week, not only in sole, but also upper stock and belting butts. Recent violent advances in hides have been fully maintained, and large transactions occurred, while heavy Texas steers reached a new record price. Hinges on Cotton Crop. “Despite the very favorable reports from dry goods jobbers regarding the volume of business transacted, and the bright outlook for fall trade, conditions in primary market and at the mills are now devoid of incident Buyers are still governed by the impression that a large cotton crop is acsured and the resulting lower prices for raw material will bring better terms for goods. Holders thus far have made few concessions and consequently trading is dull, except specialties. “Considering the official report of cereal crop conditions the firmness of quotations during the last week has been somewhat surprising. Failures for the week numbered 196 in the United States against 168 last year.”