, 1872-12-29
bonds and other first-class Investment securi-
ties, but the offerings have been light.

ponos ana other nr8t-clasS investment eecur1-
ties, but the offerings have been light.
The railway and miscellaneous speculation
started OFT buoyantly and prices advanced up to
Tuesday afternoon, since which time the market
has beon irregular, with frequent intervals Of
weaknesB and lower prices. Business on the
Stock Exchange has been smaller than usual,
while the fluctuations l.ayo been contl;cd within
narrower limits, with the exception Of q very
few shares. There has been au entire absence
in extremely tashionablo' securities of any Of
past Tic smaller class Of professional specu-
latorB and outsiders have continued to buy
during the week for tie January rise," and
are now thoroughly q fortified " for this expect
ed event. At the close, despite tho continued
stringency in money, there was buying move
ment on the part Of small operators which stiff
fencd tho market, and carried the general list
up from the lowest prices previously made.
The foreign commerce Of the port for the
week was as follows General merchandise inn
S s1,sso'324; toIal merehandiso n p'ira, im
ports since Jan: 1, ,s375, 1921, ,7o4,
against ss6s. ESQ, 164 last year Total exports Of
produce, 1896 027 ,4T4 against S237, 1854 041 last
year. Total exports Of specie, s7o,55o,3 ,333,
against S66, ,532, ,039 last year.
Tho bank statement, while showing large
loss in legal tender notes. is favorable as far as
the bank reserves are concerned. they having
been strengthened by AGs 7oo gol Shilo ,aH the
Tbs +, total Lab liabilities .! Of the he, banks Is
six days ha ero o.n @ssooh h.n less so.roa than
81 1.239, 0c0- The banks now hold in what they
reckon IS lawful money 81 $685. $50 above tho rs
po- cent requirement. Last week they 30 held
$6C2 IT'S. Of course the specie shipped by to-
days steamers does not fully show IN this weeks
business last night. So it is fair to infer the
banks have less specie than appears by this
statement. The large loss Of legal tenders is
explained by the shipments of currency to the
South and West end by the Treasury policy. It
is possible that money has been locked up, but
there are 10 Indications Of it.
MONEY
was very stringent aEa;i to-day. Call loans aa-
yanced to sic per dem. -tlos1 OF tho business
during the day was at SIG, and closing loans at
Jig.
GOLD AND EXCHANGE.
Foreign exchange heavy and lower. Gold
ranged from Ills to 112!]s, and was dull.
The stock market today Was generally firraor
and higher.
Government bonds were firm at the bost prices
! OF the week.
Flour clo=es stronger, with little offering
| family grades firmly held, but quiet; No. and
| supers in more active demand and better.
Southern -four firm, but very quiet. Tho mar
| ket for wheat closes better with
port Winter is wanted for milling
at higher prices. Some demand FOR spring for
! the South. OF our present stock some $4,000
| bushels are sold chiefly for Europe. Pork is in
| fair demand with sales Of ATS brls at $13.50@
| 375 for new mess, cash. Cut meats are in
! moderate demand, with sales Of so tierces picked
| bellies at 75sc; 1000 heavy fresh rough eides at
| &c; 500 fresh bellies at 7d714c and $50 do hams
ct 811c. Bacon is firm Oh the spot at 1905
| for short clear and &c for long clear. Lard
| rules quiet at 75iGD7 1916 for rev Western for
| December; 200 tierces to arrive sold at 75sc;
| 500 tiecces for March sold ct S114c; 751c bid fol
| January and no sellers.