Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1870-01-04
TRADE.

The activity which prevailed incur gen.
eral markets previous TO the holidays was
not maintained during the week just past.
1t was rather a dull week so far as the
wholesale trade was concerned, but our
retail houses did a fair business. The
weather was particularly favorable, and,
until Saturday, our streets were lined
with shoppers of both exes. The first
day Of the New Year came in with rain
and very decided change from the
last days of the year gone by.
The meat market probably exhibits
more change than any other since our
last weekly issue. Holders hardly know
what to ask, as prices are almost daily
huctuating. Bulk clear sides have sold as
low as Ice. and except in a small way, a
lot could not be closed out to-day at any
better figures. The demand is very light;
only for. present use, and from the evil
dence before Us, we think buyers are safe
in taking only enough for present use.
Prices, we think, must 60 down, as the
hog crop is larger than last year very ma
terially, and the money markets of the
West are not in a condition TO permit the
holding Of stocks to keep up prices. The
small packers are already giving way,
and it is only a question Of time with
those who pack larger quantities. They,
too, must shortly submit to the decline,
and be satisfied with small profits, if
not with loss.
The other markets are generally steady,
though receipts have been light. The ice
has put a stop to navigation for some days
above Cairo, in the Mississippi, and the
present cold snap may again close the
river in that direction.
Among the events Of the week we may
mention the arrival, from California, via
the Pacific Railroad, of three hundred
Chinese, or their way to Texas to work on
on one Of the railroads Of that State.
This is the first lot arriving from that
quarter-the advance guard, probably, of
a people who may yet exercise an infiu-
snce upon the South for good or bad. So
has already been written Of them
that we deem It unnecessary to say any
hing further about them. They seem
hardy. and are said to be willing to work,
whether they can be made useful in
Dur cotton fields is as vet undecided.
BOOTS AMI SHOES.
The market has been moderately active
Turing the holidays and prices are steady.
The demand is mostly on orders, and the
,tocks on hand are very good. Dealers
viii hardly replenish before they lay in
heir spriag stock. OF the New York
market the Reporter says:
With the exception Of the activity at
endant upon extensive preparations for
he business of the coming season, there
5 little being done in any of our leading
Wholesale houses. There are still a few
,uyers here, and asmallnumher of orders
re being received from distant points to
III up broken assOFGtAepts of winter
,oSds, but stocks have been pretty well
leaned out here, and our dealers will en-
er the new yeaf with but few lois of old
oods on hand. In fact, this is so gener-
iIy understood TO be the case ia the trade
il is rHmOred the st. Crispins vail
axe advantage OF The starting up of bust
.ess, when the warehouses GTe all bare of
Gods. to make fresh advances ia their
Gale Of prices. This seems hardly posi-
lie. in view of the rates fOF wages and the
mall margin Of manufacturers for profits
he past season. Prices are steady for all
lasses of goods. a..
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