Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 37, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 March 1905 — COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL

~ ~ ~1 Bradstreet's report or. NOV lOrk. hie general trade of the “ country during the week is ns follows: More springlike weather has induced expansion in distributive trade at nearly all centers, relatively best reports coming from the central western markets. where the number of buyers is largely increased. Low rate excursions have drawn more buyers to southwestern markets. Dry goods, shoes, hats, clothing and millinery have moved more fry fly and farm implements, lumber an 1 building material have been in gieat demand. Iron and steel, as heretofore. hold the center of the stage. Collections are still draggy, and there is almost practical unanimity in the reports that payments yet have not shaken off the lethargy of winter, business, failures in the United States for the week ending March 2 number 206, against 220 last week, 195 in the like week in 1901. 171 in 1903, 178 in 1902 and 20S in 1901. In Canada failures for the week number 22, as against 27 last week and 19 in this week a year ago.

The weekly review of CnlCdQO. Chicago trade, published by R. G. Dun & Co., says: Bank exchanges reached recordbreaking proportions, and are $14,000,000 above those of the week ending Nov. 19. 1904, the previous high point. Aside from the usual large March settlements, no abnormal financial operations appeared, and the notable gain evidences improved trade conditions. Further recovery from the hindrances caused by recent severe weather is seen in lessened railroad congestion. enlarged movement of commodities ami strengthened''demand inoproductive and distributive branches. The marketing bf grain, live stock aiicT hides was unusually heavy, and eastboun.l shipments increased. Retail trade has been considerably sth'nulated, and encouraging buying has set in. Large accessions were made to the numbers of visiting buyers, and transactions in the principal jobbing lines became active and promise to continue so throughout this month. Staple goods sold freely for prompt delivery. the dealings disclosing excellent demand for dresswear, millinery and cotton fabrics. Construction work resumed normal conditions, and preparations indicate the early opening up of a very brisk season. Building material has been in strong request, and the sales of lumber of all kinds made headway, receipts of the latter being 27.255,000 feet, against 19.393,000 feet a year ago, and prices were quoted firm. Coal stocks have suffered a gratifying depletion. the late demand having been of unusual extent. Iron and steel interests added to their bookings and higher prices were enforced for a few forms of finished steel. Pig iron quotations show further rigidity, producers expressing firm views as to deliveries for rhe last quarter. Railroad commitments for rails, cars and other equipment have been on a liberal scale, and these assure much future work. Machinery requirements made a larger showing. Woodworking branches are favorably influenced by the excellent outlook for new building. Mail orders made a fair aggregate in clothing, men's furnishings and footwear. indicating that road salesmen find interior buyers in-need of fresh supplies. Reports from the agricultural sections have a favorable tone, and needs for approaching spring work will be large. Fewer defaults appear among traders and less complaint developed as to collections in the South. o'Failures reported in the'Chicago district numbered 21, against 30 last week and 23 a year ago.