Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 38, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 February 1906 — COMMEPCIAL AND FINANCIAL [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

COMMEPCIAL AND FINANCIAL

Chicago.

Against a large number of failures aud the short interference to business i-1.!,. —t- ' fw ■ if'LA

due to storms this week, it is to be noted that raw material markets continue strong, indicating that manufacturing holds -steady, anti that together with increasing arrivals of- buyers there is further distinct case iii money. Transportation gnd outdoor-work recovered quickly from weather interference and the lower temperature stimulated demand for fuel, retail trade also doing better in seasonable dines, especially warm apparel. Wholesale operations assumed more extended proportions, both house and mail orders reflecting substantial' buying of spring wares for early delivery Selections were large in dry goods, footwear, hardware and furniture for the interior; new business also appearing in staples from south and southwestern points. Agricultural reports are favorable, winter grains being well protected against frost, and there are extensive preparations for the early resumption of activity on the farms. This adds to the confidence of country merchants in making present commitments for merchandise. Conditions in the markets for pri- : mary foodstuffs reflect sustained activity in provisions, with poorer cash dealings In the grains and flour. Price changes, as compared with the closings a week ago, are mainly lower I—corn, 1 —corn, % cent a bushel; wheat, I*4 cents; pork, lard, ribs and cattle, each 10 cents. Bank clearings, $201,822,783, exceed those of the corresponding week in 1905 by 13.3 per cent. Commercial paper is in improving supply,-but there is more bidding for choice names and the discount fell to 5 per cent. Failures reported in the Chicago district number thirty-six, against twentyfive last week and twenty-four a year ago. —Dun's Review of Trade.

New York.

Barring a touch of cold weather in the West, the season still retains its

previous appearance of a mild, open, winter, with natural effects upon retail trade, industrial operations in general and prices of many commodities, which tend downward: Perhaps the most notable feature at present is the continued activity in building, which has practically gone on without a break and which is making new records in prices of lumber and in demand for other materials. Final distribution is still being stimulated by forced sales at retail, and a few lines of wholesale business, notably heavy clothing and rubber goods reflect unreadiness to buy freely for next season’s wants. As to spring trade, only optimistic reports are current. Shipments are being called for and made freely, open weather favoring the railways as rarely before to handle the large business offerings.

Business failures in the United States for the week ending Jan. 25 number 270, against 279 Inst week, 228 In the like week of 1905, 242 in 1904, 230 in 1903 and 303 in 1902. In Canada failures for the week number 33, as against 36 last week and 43 in this week a year ago.—Bradstreefs Commercial Report.