The Sun.
London, England, 1864-01-01 00:00:00

STATE OF TRADE,

MANCHESTER, Dec. 31.—We have had one of the most
excited markets for yarn and cloth known here for a long
time past. The statement telegraphed here today that
the stock of cotton at Liverpool in excess of the ordinary
returns does not exceed 18,000 bales Les taken every one
by surprise. The matter had been previously discounted,
and there was but one opinion, that the excess would be at
least 100,000 bales. Whatever credit ?eople may be dis-
posed to attach to it, there is no doubt of its effect on the
market. The yarn-market has beer very excited, and
most of our spinners have been asking :d. per lb. advance
on the rates of Tuesday, and, indeed, noon the prices they
would have accepted yesterday. The advance asked by some
spinners is as much as 2d. per lb,, and the market for ship•
ping yarns closes buoyantly, with a dcided tendency to
further advance. The rise in prices has checked business.
It is believed that but for the higher rates some considerable
sales would have been effected, For cop yarns a very ex-
cited market is also reported. Sellers are generally asking
Id. per lb. higher, with but little offering. The advance in
yarns, with a reported advance in Liverpool of ld. per
lb. on cotton, has not been without ics effect on the cloth
market, though a fair amount of business has been done. On
India shirtings an advance of 6d to 9d per piece has been
obtained, and in some instances rather more, as compared
with the depressed rates of Tuesday. Fur 71b. shirtings sales
have been made at 18s per piece. The advance on other
goods has been in the same proportion ; but many people
have withdrawn their stocks and decline to name a price.
There has not been much purchasing for the home trade,
the business having been chiefly among shippers. There
is a general opinion that the sudden and unexpected rise in
prices to-day will decide many of our spinners as well as
manufacturers, who had not made up their minds upon
stopping their mills, as the change comes very inoppor-
tunely upon the recent bad accounts from the East. A
spinner received a telegram from Liverpool to-day stating
that the cotton houses had advanced I.lcl per lb. since yes-
terday, and people so situated, with a prospect of their
goods, if turned off the spindle, having to go into stock,
naturally feel disposed to show some hesitancy about
going on. We hear of oue of the largest firms in the
district of the spinners and manufacturers (a firm using
a large amonnt of cotton, because makers of heavy
goods) having given notice to close, but stating that
they will advance their workpeople three days' wages per
week.

BRADFORD, 31st.—The last market in the year shows a
somewhat improved state of things. The cotton•market is
a little more buoyant, and it is now pretty well known to
what extent failures will affect the trade, and these causes
tend to restore confidence. The. e have been more inquiries
for wool during the last two or three days, and transactions
are more numerous to-day. There is greater firmness in
pri3s, but no advance. Quietness still prevails in the
worsted yarns. The export houses are still influenced from
operating by the unsettled state of the German qaestion.
Still, there are more inquiries for Russia and. Germany.
The home trade is pretty good, and though not many new
orders are given for autumn, spinners tontine pretty well
employed on old contracts. Business in pieces is very
limited. Still, there is great cheerfulness and confidence
pervading the market.

ILEARICETS—This Day.

MARK-LANE.

Fresh up to Mark-lane to-day the arrivals of English
wheat were very moderate, but the condition of the produce
was good. There was a better attendance of buyers, and
the trade exhibited more activity, fully Monday's quotations
being obtained in all transactions.
With foreign wheat the market was but moderately sup-
plied. Millers, however, operated somewhat cautiously.
Nevertheless, prices ruled firm.
Floating cargoes of wheat were in improved request, at
extreme rates. Spring corn afloat, however, was a slow
sale.

The supply of barley on sale was large. For all qualities
the trade was in a sluggish state, yet no farther change
took place in the currency.
Malt—the supply of which was large—sold heavily, at
barely late rates.
The supply of oats on sale was very moderate. Good
and fine corn ruled steadily, at full prices ; but inferior
produce commanded very little attention.
In beans and peas, the amount of business transacted
was small, previous quotations.
Barrel flour was very scarce, and nominal in value.
French, Spanish, and country parcels were, however, in
fair supply, and a moderate business was transacted, on
former terms.

ARRIVALS TIIIS WIER.
Wheat Bartel. Malt Oats. Flom.
Stnglish...... 640 I 730 I 3,000 1 390
..... 14,710 • -
Voraign...... 3190 12,360 6,770 1,850 aka,

NEWGATE AND LEADENHALL.
The supply of meat on sale is moderate. Good and prime
beef and mutton rule firm, otherwise the trade is dull.

Per Slb, by the carcase.

said
Inferior beef .. 2 10 3 2
[►liddling do. .. 3 4 3 8
Prime large do. 3 10 4 0
Do. amal, do. .. 4 2 4 4
Large pork .... 3 6 3 10
Inferior mutton. 3 6 3 10
BOROU(

sdid
Middling mutton 4 0 4 4
Prime do .. 4 6 4 8
Vaal .. 3 10 4 8
Small pork 4 0 4 4
Lamb

H HOP.

Our market is but moderately supplied with English and
foreihn hops. The demand, however, is by no means
active ; nevertheless, prices are well supported.
flid and East Kents...Es Os to £9 Os per cwt.
Weald of Kents 4 lOs to 6 6s „
Sussex 4 lOs to 6 Os „
Yearlings
Olds
Belgian
Bavarian
American
COLONIAL.

Public sales of colonial produce have been suspended, the
market being closed for the Christmas holidays. Business,
however; will be resumed on Tuesday next, the sth inst
In the tallow market it more cheerful tone has prevailed.
P.Y.C. on the spot is quoted Ms 6d to 61s 9J, and for
spring delivery, 43s to 428 9d per cwt.

THE COURT JOURNAL.—Established 34 years.—
See the Court Journal of -aturday, which contains a vast
amount of exclusive news of public interest, and per'ectly
original Courtly, Fashionable, Theatrical, Naval, Military,
and Sporting Intelligence, Club On Dits, &c., not to be
found in any daily or weekly paper. Price bd. ; stamped,
6d.—W. Thomas, 26, Brydges-street, Strand; sold by all
news agents, and at the railway stations.