Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 64, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 April 1898 — WAR SCARE FELT. [ARTICLE]

WAR SCARE FELT.

Geusrul Trade Quiet —Dullness in the West Suffers Less Than in Other Sections. New York, April 16. —Bradstreet’s says: “The effect of the prevailing uncertainty in foreign affairs is reflected in a further perceptible quieting down of general trade, so far as future engagements are concerned, in nearly all parts of the country. While there is a little more activity to be noted in the demand for seasonable staples at the west and northwest, where better weather - has helped retail and wholesale trade alike, rather more quiet Is reported at the east and at the South Atlantic and gulf ports. The least notable effects yet exhibited are found in the central west, where distributive demand and movement is reported of a seasonable character, the only changes noted, in fact, being the strengthening of money rates and the discouragement of new enterprises, such as railroad building. In the iron trade business continues of large volume. Wool continues dull, at nominal prices, at the east, and the activity in dry goods is confined chiefly to goods needed at once. Cotton goods prices are steady, except for print cloths. Low-price woolens continue in most active demand.” R. G. Dun & Co., in their weekly review of trade, say: "The meaning of congress regarding Spain Is not in doubt, but the form of declaration at this hour is in question. Ths president's message has been accepted as a strong statement of the situation, and the question in congress Is whether it will without change adopt hla proposal. Preparations for war continue as if it were inevitable. There la some hindrance in business, and yet the volume of payments through clearing houses Is still 12.9 per cent, larger than last year, and outelde New York about 2.3 per oent. larger than In 1K92, though speculative stagnation here makes the aggregate lower. The industries are doing well because they have enormous order* taken in February and March or earlier, Which insure operations for periods varying from a fortnight to several months. "The volume of legitimate business Is enormous, and meanwhile failures are remarkably small. For the week they have been »M in the United States, against 307 last year, and 134 n Canada, against 30 last year.”