Rensselaer Journal, Volume 12, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 October 1902 — GENERAL BUSINESS IS LIVELY [ARTICLE]

GENERAL BUSINESS IS LIVELY

Demand Is Good and Trade Prospects Are Bright. R. G. Dun & Co.’s weekly review of trade says: “Distribution of merchandise shows* no diminution, and prospects are bright for continued activity. Dealers in many lines are urgent for prompt shipments, calling upon jobbers and manufacturers for goods already overdue. The indication of reduced stocks is a good sign, and tends to sustain quotations. Western reports are especially favorable and the early marketing of cotton has brought distinct improvement at the south. Voluntary advances in wages have been announced in a number of instances, while the labor situation is more satisfactory, although not entirely free from controversy. Strictly commercial failures in the United States during the first nine months of 1902 numbered 8,676, with defaulted liabilities of $85,407,490. Last year there were 8,083 failures for $80,560,852. In addition there were 47 failures of banks and other financial institutions with liabilities of $28,027,198, against 61 in 1901, Involving $17,295,564. While the exhibit is less satisfactory than last year’s, only one other year during the last two decades made as favorable a showing.”