New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-02-01

| facturers. The great uncertainty of future prices
dependent upon the tardy action of Congress in set
Ting the vexed question Of currency, as well as the
slow movement of the army-hangs like a wet ban-
ket on all new commercial enterprises, and depresses
the stamina of trade in the regular channels. Cotton
Goods have maintained former prices in the majority
of fabrics and in some instances have commanded an
advance on previous rates. while other stycs, held in
greater stock in absence Of demand, have yielded
fraction. While Gix6i Printing Cloths have declined
nearly one-half cent per yard being quoted ut 81 a
Sic. the lower counts like iSx52 and 53xoo nave
advanced aud have been sold at higher rates. Thls
NAV be attributed to the fact that the consumers are
disposed to use lower count of goods rather than to
pay even the advanced prices of the past month.
for the better fabrics. Heavy Brown Sheetingt
have been bought cheaper than previously, inasmuch
as spectators Of tie Autumn disposed TO realize
their advances, although the manufacturers are irm
in their demands at previous rates. Heavy Drilis
remain without change. Cotton Duck has declined
during the month pact in such degree as to prohibit
production almost entirely. B!eached Sheetlngs are
without much movement, and the stocks on hand DO
not diminish Every manufacturer is holding his
goods for more active market, with the expectation
of clearing out lis stock in advance Of bis neghbor
in making concessions in advance II al act on this
principle stampede in prices may occur without
any good reason except the timdity OF holders. As
We have before remarked the future is 80 uncertain
that it is the part of wisdom TO limit the produc-
ton as much as possible, for the whole ques-
ton of prices depends upon the receipt Of cot
ton from the South and that will not depend 80
much upon the early OF our arms in the defeat
Of the rebels the question whether they will DESTROY
il in anticipation Of defeat. We have net an intelil-
gent manufacturer to-day who has been at Port Royal
and other points during the pact few weeks to make
observations with reference to future supply OF cot
ton His opinion is quite positive that under no cir
cumsiances can we expect supply from the Sou1h
for long period after the occupation OF the territory
except on portions of the coast easy OF access On
tie other hand We know that many Of the largest cot
ION operators al the South contracting for all the
cotton which can be found at Z! a Sc. per pound
This policy does not contemplate lite premature de-
struc,ion One gentleman, in particular, in Augusta
personally known us, whose operations lave ith-
crto exceeded those Of any house in this country
who at the time # the rebellion fitted out an enlire
regiment fox The Confederate army at his own ex-
peu,e ia an extensive buyer at the present time.
The wants of the South may compel many planters
10 prepare their cotton for market at low prices.
viii can be readily dispatched to the Northern fac
tories on the approach of armies. This seems to
~ the more probable. Even the late accounts from
| New-Oreans show lat the embargo which was ear
~ laid upon shipments Of cotton FROM the interior IL
at present practically imperative.
Woolens for army purposes are inactive, and
prices are declining. We hear that the Government
has declined receive great many lots which were
% Lave been delivered by houses in Philadelphia on
the plea Of fraud Ia previous lots, or tie goods not
being equal to sample. The refusal has been 80
Ldifcriminate to affect many manufacturers who
have been honest in their production. Ii the supply
department should employ experts in the examination
Of goods received, no such difficulty would exist
but il seemf that military preferred in such
paces The mills however are generally being
placed on other styles, and the wants Of the Govern
ueut will soon compel ,hem, hitherto, TO accept
that which is offered.
Tie Leather Manufacturers Bank has purchased
the building No. % Wall street for 10000. They
will get possession in May, 1863.
The following statement of railway earnings for
December shows an increase OF 80 & cent. Had the
New-York Central figures been included, the showing
would have been still better: