Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 81, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 June 1904 — COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL

Special dispatches to Nev York. the International Mercantile Agency describe a general trade revival this week at prominent Western and Southwestern centers. The situation is noteworthy in contrast with conditions during the previous month, and has its basis in more seasonable weather and increased orders for spring stock. The crop situation has been greatly benefited by the warmer weather, which has advanced wheat in sections where backward spring did great damage. Although wheat suffered serious damage from the setback during ths recent cold snap, a fair crop can be counted on if normal conditions prevail. Most grains will be harvested two or three weeks later than usual, although it is possible that the next government report will describe a generally better condition than was shown Ly the last figures. Winter wheat is showing up particularly well in some sections. Seeding in the Red River Valley district has been retarded by unfavorable weather, so that the crop outlook in that section is problematical. Elsewhere throughout the Northwest encouraging conditions prevail.

■ CblCdQO. trade for the week says: L—The protracted tie-up of lake commerce has remained the most significant barrier to a close return to normal business activity. Notwithstanding that drawback and its adverse effect upon receipts of lumber, coal and ore, the forwarding of food stuffs reached the heaviest aggregate in two months past, making a considerable addition to railroad traffic.

Following the strike settlement and resumption of building work there was a strong demand for materials of. all kinds for structural purposes and dealers reduced stocks at firm prices. Receipts of farm products declined owing to the rush in completing seeding. Reports emphasize much improvement in agricultural conditions, especially throughout Illinois, and dealings reflect enlarged consumption of necessities both in city and country. Stocks of heavy weight wear have been measurbly reduced and the demand has turned to the lines adapted to warm weather. The local buying at retail was well distributed and strongest in dress goods and footwear. Wholesale transactions were steady in dry goods, clothing and men’s furnishings, with reorders more numerous. Mercantile collections hive continued satisfactory. Grain shipments were 2,742,345 bushels, while the best aggregate recently reported is 80 per cent under those a year ago. Dealings In the coarse grains showed Improved demand. The market for cash wheat and flour was very narrow. Compared with closings a week ago. May wheat advanced 9 cents per bushel,) due to speculative influences, and corn gained 1 cent, wane oats were practically unchanged. Receipts of live stock were* "439,754 head, compared with 239,345 head the previous week and 275,223 head a year ago. Failures reported in Chicago district number twenty-four, against thirty the previous week and thirty-eight a year ago.