Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 104, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 September 1903 — COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL

Hew York.

“Business Is well maintained aside from the quieting influence of the vaca-

tion season, which somewhat restricts trade and retards collections. Making due allowance for the period, there is no cause for complaint. The adverse factors that have been operating against prosperity in recent preceding weeks are no longer as potent, normal influences gradually prevailing. Labor controversies still eyist, curtailing the output of a few products and the consumption of all the necessary things of life,” according to R. G. Dun & Co.’s Weekly Review of Trade. Continuing, the report says: Crops are not going to market as freely as usual, although the agricultural outlook is distinctly favorable. In spite of several obvious reasons for expecting a check to freight traffic, earnings of railways thus far in August show an average gain of 9.6 per cent over last year and 18.2 per cent over 11)01. Complaint is beginning to be heard regarding the inadequate facilities of the railways, and it now appears that inconvenience and lo.s must again be experienced, notwithstanding the extensive improvements. Sensational stories of the large number of buyeiu now at this center and the fabulous sums that they spend cannot be accepted as" statistically accurate, but it is probable that an increase over all previous years is actually occurring despite the demoralization in cotton goods caused by speculation in the raw material. Although production of coke at Connellsville has been moderately enrtailed, supplies accumulate anil prices are depressed. A fairly liberal tonnage of iron has been placed during the past week, providing abundant demand for all the pig that is being made. More large contracts for iron and steel have been placed by a prominent manufacturer of agricultural machinery, and as much of this business lias been held back entirely on account of prices, it is believed that no further concessions nre to be expecteil. In view of- the very' satisfactory jobbing trade that is repotted iu dry goods, it is surprising that no reflection of the activity is seen in the primary market. Makers of cotton goods find no business offering except such.-small orders for immediate requirements as emanate from urgent dealers. Moderate orders for 'light-weight woolens and worsteds have been placed._fac—sprlng deMvery. Heavy shipments of shoes from Boston make striking comparisons with preceding years, and the volume of new business promises to maintain a heavy movement, but it is noteworthy that there is a tendency to operate moderately and frequently this year, rather than to buy seldom and largely as in other seasons. Somewhat easier prices for the great food staples testify to brighter crop prospects. - Fallures this—week numbered 238 in the United States, against 207 last year, and 8 in Canada, compared with 30 a year ago. Bradstreet’a Trade Review. Weather and crop conditions are still' 'the keynote to fall trade. In the Northwest and South buyers are taking hold energetically, and reports as a whole are as good or better than a year ago. Wheat (including Hour) exports for the week ending Aug. 20 aggregate 3,372,789 bushels, against 3,413,191 last week. 5,954.759 this week last vear, 6,C0G,980 in 1901 and 2,695,163 in 1900. For seven weeks of the cereal year they aggregate 21.833,233 bushels, against 31.339,769 in 1902. 4*.153,895 in 1901 and 20,077,606 in 1900. Corn exports for the week aggregate 509,495 bushels, against 707,387 last week, 51,649 a year ngo, 524,883 in 1901 and 3,493,375 in 1900. For seven weeks of the present cereal year they aggregate 7,453.975 bushels, against 639.509 in 1902. 8,257,103 in 1901 and 24,760,195 in 1900.