Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 37, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 March 1905 — COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL [ARTICLE]

COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL

Ney York.

Bradstreet’s weekly review of trade says: With the exception of a

few lake and seaboard ports, which show <>ffe< t of past bad weather, distributive trade at most leading markets assumes.,a, more favorable aspect. This is due to the spread of milder weather conditions and the increase in the number of country buyers. Especially active lines are dry goods, notions, boots and shoes, rubber goods, hats, hardware and groceries. Jobbers' stocks are generaly reported light and the feeling grows that spring trade will be heavy as soon as seasonable weather definitely sets in. Relatively the best reports as to trade come from the central valleys and the South. The general tendency of reports as to the winter wheat crop is that the heavy snow covering has helped the crop. Heavy rains on the Pacific coast have made for good crop prospects, especially in California: Among the industries iron and steel still show relatively the most active demand and the largest turn over. Pig iron has sold better at all markets, rails also have been bought more freely, and locomotives, cars and track supplies have taken more largely. The market seems to be turning more in sellers’ favor, and second and, third Quarters’ requirements are being anticipated. Milder weather has helped coal shipments, and bituminous grades have softened on better supply.

Chicago.

Dun’s Review, published by R. G. Dun & Co., the mercantile agency, says:

Traffic does not yet exhibit a full recovery from the recent setback caused by an unusually severe winter, but the Improved weather conditions this week have made operations easier in both transportation and production, resulting in larger dealings in staple merchandise and less complaint of slow deliveries. Kailroad earnings again disclose slight shrinkage, yet there is satisfactory comparison with the corresponding period a year ago, freight offerings being on the Increase in both manufacturing and farm products. Dealings at leading retail points indicate that consumption Is equal to normal .volume, and stocks undergoing seasonable depletion, re-orders being frequently placed for ordinary ntf ce’ssities and wearing apparel. Leading foodstuffs have shown only moderate activity, due mainly to restricted export trade. Live stock and provisions in more liberal supply, bn* the movement of grain fell short of expectations, the total receipts beipg only 2.500,593 bushels, against 4,104.432 bushels a year ago, and the shipments 531,070 bushels, against 1,958,351 bushels. Corn made a slight gain in value over the closing a week ago, and sheep held steady, but other firm products and provisions declined; wheat, pork and cattle being weakest. Bank clearings, $107,918,216, are 8.8 per cent over those of corresponding week last year. The general demand for money was a little better, but the discount rate remained at 4 to 5 per cent for choice, commercial paper. Failures reported in Chicago districtAiumbered 30. against 30 last week and 22 tryear ago.