Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 56, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 March 1904 — CANDY CATHARTIC COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

CANDY CATHARTIC

COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL

~~ Dun's weekly review of LDICdGO. Chicago trade says; . a 1 With wheat commanding present prices and other produce sharing in the advance this gratifying measure of added prosperity means much to the agricultural classes and provides a healthful stimulus to general business and the promise of larger dealings developing in this market. Ollier favorable features are not lacking. The movement of merchandise increased during the week, buying became more active in the jobbing linis and the expected improvement in demand for iron was confirmed in freer commitments. Retail trade has shown more breadth, ne- " cessilics having experienced a well sustained consumption, and the advance spring styles exhibited were well patronized. Travel was less impeded by adverse weather and visiting buyers appeared in increased mi mfrerg. rcsiiltiiig in augmented dealings throughout the jobbing lines. The uncertain position of raw cotton and scarcity of finished goods caused some hesitation in the buying for country stores, but the better qualities of dress goods and silk materials were in favor. * Iron and steel emerged from their recent quiptude, the new demands reaching iurge tonnage in rails, wire product* and j>ig iron. Prices were slightly shaded tor immediate deliveries to smelters, but finished materials were quoted firm lynd for steel bars and nails tending higher. Requirements for railroad and structural purposes have shown notable expansion, and implement and machinery makers are now larger consumers. Lumber dealings were more active, mostly on country orders, but the city trade in hard woods showed less dullness. Shipments of grain, including 1,022,477 bushels of corn, aggregated 2,223,669 bushels, an increase of fully 7 per cent over a year ago. Receipts at primary markets have become heavier, farmers finding prices advantageous. The speculative markets were srrongly intlneneed by various bullish conditions in addition to the war news, and quotations advanced easily, the closings compared with a week ago showing gains in th'e May options, for wheat 7 cents, corn cents and oats 2% cents. Failures in the Chicago district number 28, against 25 the previous week and 26 a year ago.

“ , R. G. Dun & Co.’s Nglf YOrK. Weekly Review of Trade — last week says: Inclement weather alone prevents n definite revival of business. Outdoor work is "retarded and traffic impeded to an extent that cannot be accurately measured, but is obviously sufficient to neutralize the favorable effect of many encouraging factors, while winter wheat is threatened, although not yet definitely injured, and early farm preparations must he postponed. Several leading branches of manufacture are increasing active capacity, and thousands of interior buyers are placing liberal orders at the principal cities. The usual temporary advantages of war are felt in the markets for staple commodities, notably food stuffs, but, while this helps the domestic producer, it harms a much larger number by enhancing prices to home consumers. There is little friction between employers and wage earners, except regarding the bituminous scale. Despite interruption by storms, railway earnings thus far reported for February were only 4 per cent smaller than a year ago. when there was also much severe weather. Foreign trade returns for the last week at this port show an increase of $1,152,012 in value of exports, as compared with last year, but imports were slightly smaller. Financial conditions are satisfactory, money remaining easy and foreign exchange undisturbed by complications abroad.