Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 112, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 September 1904 — COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL

Chicago. |

Dun’s review of Chicago trade says: Considering the enormous

financial loss incurred and the privation caused within the last two months, the decision of the packinghouse strikers to return to work has removed a most serious obstacle to business. This clearing of the industrial atmosphere encourages renewed effort among the manufacturers, and it may suggest the early termination of labor controversies -which are impeding progress in the production of machinery, woodwork and clothing. Notwithstanding these interferences the manufacturing situation presents evidence of widening activity. Demand exhibits distinct improvement in the leading departments. Rail mills secured additional contracts, and there are indications that further heavy requirements soon must be provided for. Lower cost has stimulated the buying of wire product and structural forms, while shipbuilding contracts will absorb large tonnage of plates. Distributive trade sustains the advance noted last week. Conditions have been favorable in tlie prominent retail branches, and merchandise stocks were satisfactorily depleted. Visiting buyers thronged the jobbing markets, bringing gratifying reports as to the business outlook in their localities. Grain shipments, 3,595,145 bushels, are 10.5 per cent over those a year ago. There was more urgent use of cars to market farm products, receipts of which are the largest in several years. Board of Trade operations were less susceptible to crop damage rumors and values of breadstuffs closed but slightly changed over a week ago, although there was downward tendency. Live stock receipts, 203,191 head, were under the number expected. Choice held steady, but values advanced, for hogs 40 cents a Jiundredwclght and for sheep 25 cents.

Nev York.

According to Bradstreet’s commercial report, trade, crop and

industrial developments have been generally favorable this week. Distributions on fall and winter trade account have enlarged at most markets, the corn crop has progressed another week toward final maturity, which, however, this year is later than usual, and several industries hitherto greatly depressed or operating on short time have resumed running full. The industrial situation Is slightly less strained than it was, and tlie beef strike Is now ended. In iron and steel past and prospective price reductions have encouraged inquiry, consumption Jias finally overtaken production and stocks Of crude material are smaller. With the beginning of the cfop movement, which is reasonably heavy for this period, has come Improved collections and better railway earnings returns. August results point to a 6 per cent increase in gross receipts over a year ago. All In all, the prospects continue favorable for a fairly active trade in most lines, but nothing in the way of record-breaking is looked for In general business or in crop outturn. ■ 1