Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 37, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 March 1905 — COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL

PT ~ ,~~l Bradstreet’s weekly re|Ml xOfn. view of trade-says: 1 ~ The merchandise movement in practically all sections save a portion of the South has expanded considerably, the railways have begun to win out of their car congestion. troubles, and are handling a very large traffic, preparations for an active building season are reflected in the market for material, and the iron and steel and allied industries report a keen demand. unprecedented consumption for this season, the only complaint being that deliveries of crude and finished products are not up to consumers’ needs. Retail trade shows little expansion as yet. and the late Easter season favors some continued quietness, but no complaint conies from this source except in the metropolis, where the transportation strike .affects sales. Collections fag, except at a few Western points, which represent improvement. Money is phenomenally easy. Business failures in the United States for the week ending March 9 number 190, against 206 last week, 200 in the like week in 1904, 176 in 1903, 224 in 1902, and 207 in 1901. In Canada failures for the week number 40, as against 22 last week, and 27 in this week a year ago. Wheat, including flour, exports for the week ending March 9 are 1,285,956 bushels, against 907,936 last week, 1,834,632 this week last year, 3,366,796 in 1903, and 2,906,250 in 1902. From July 1 to date the exports are 44,698,362 bushels, against 110,324,313 last year, 116,043,930 in 1903, and 182,643,201 in 1902. Corn exports for the week are 1,756,706 bushels, against last week, 2,026,810 a year ago, 3,257,999 in 1903, and 183,414 in 1902. From July 1 to date the exports of corn are 48,229,938 bushels? against 41,967,091 in 1904, 37,750,103 in 1903, and 22,160,871 in 1902.

Dun’s Review, publishCbiCdQO. 6(1 by R ’ G ’ Dun & Co ’’ says: Business conditions were less handicapped, weather and transportation having improved, and the opportunity to advance operations is encouragingly reflected in the week’s results. These indicate increased deliveries of commodities, better demand for necessities and future factory output, afitl an enlarging use of bank accommodation. Money remained in ample supply, but the revived commercial borrowing imparted more firmness to the discount rate. The marketing of farm products was unusually heavy, and values suffered a slight impairment. The markets for general merchandise were well attended by outside buyers, and transactions exhibited larger volume than for the previous week. The buying has emphasized confidence in the approaching spring trade, and many purchases were made on a discount basis. Requests again were numerous for prompt forwarding to the interior of dry goods, footwear, clothing and groceries. Manufacturing branches have added to the'volume of production, and in most of the leading lines new business made further gain. Rails were more freely ordered, and other railroad requirements increased, notably in cars and locomotives. Furnace output has been augmented in response to heavier demand, and the tonnage booked exceeded last week’s. Specifications for structural steel were more promptly supplied and deliveries will be larger. • Bank clearings, $194,405,301, were 1.7 per cent over those of the corresponding week last year. Money ex-’ liToited more flrinnesA, although the rates for commercial paper remained quoted at 4 to 5 per cent. Failures reported in the Chicago district numbered 20, against 21 last week and 35 a year ago.