Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 62, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 March 1904 — COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL

. Dun’s weekly review of '*61110300. Chicago trade says: The re- ■ turn of more seasonable weather conditions and lessened difficulty in the movement of commodities were favorable factors. Reports show gain in the distribution of goods and larger receipts of farm products, while the manufacturing industries advanced in activity. New business improved in the volume of finished iron and prices were strengthened, although commitments were mainly confined to present requirements. Notwithstanding the high average cost the final consumption of necessities has continued strong and buying was heavier in leading retail lines. Jobbing sales of spring wares reached a satisfactory aggregate, with frequent requests for early shipment to western points. Large transactions were closed in the dry goods, millinery, clothing and footwear divisions, and dealings were increased in suits and clonks, men's furnishings and hats and caps. Easier deliveries placed groceries and canned goods in better position and sales widened. Mercantile collections generally presented little complaint. “The demand for Iron and steel has shown more urgency and covered a wider variety of needs, with rails, pig.Jron, structural and wire materials in best request. Receipts of lumber ran 20 per cent short of the volume a year ago. Grain shipments were 2,372,457 bush els, 1G per cent under those of a year ago. With the recent fall in values improvement was looked for in the spot demand, but actual sales failed to develop importance, and receipts of nil breadstuffs, except corn, were heavier. Prices declined steadily until Wednesday, when recovery set in, but, compared with the closings a week ago, quotations have declined in wheat 1 cent, in com % cent and iu oats % cent. Receipts of live stock were 253,251 head, as compared with 297,436 head a year ago. showing the first notable decrease this season. ~ ! R. G. Dun & Co.’s nBW I Ola. Weekly Review of Trade -——— says: More ' seasonable weather has brought increased activity in business, normal conditions existing for the first time this year at many points and there is evidence of an effort to. recover lost ground, and prepare for a large spring trade. Collections also arc improving, and structuraroperatior, revive with the higher temperature, stimulating the markets for building materials and increasing transfers. There has been great damage from floods, although the severe winter has caused unusual preparation for troubles of this nature. Manufacturing returns are favorable ns to steel and footwear but textile mills are not active, and r; further curtailment of cotton spinning is probable. Settlement of several important labor controversies has been accompanied by new strikes, and soft coa? miners have not yet reached an agreement with the operators. The percentage of idle machinery steadily, decreases, and conditions are not only much better than seemed posse ble when the year opened, but some reports state that the outlook is brighter than at any time since last spring. The only disturbing element pertains to fuel. Movement of coal is retarded by inadequate transporting facilities.