, 1877-03-18

Some Of our shippers seem to be afraid that the
proposed change in the laws relative to grain in
spcctton will practically put the direction Of affairs
into the hands Of receivers, and lead to gradual
but sure lowering Of the quality Of the different
grades Of grain. It is not impossible that mischief
should come in that direction, after so long time
during which the shippers have had very little to
say in the matter Their falling as class, is un-
doubtedly in the direction OF q downward move
ment in the standards Of value, which Is equally
opposed to the interests OF shippers and the good
| OF the whole trade.
| The leading produce markets were rather more
active Saturday, aud comparatively steady. Pro-
| visions were hrmer Wheat aud corn were easier,
and there was little change in the prices OF other
breadetuffs- The weather was fine and warmer,
being more favorable to an early spring seeding,
and not specially favorable to the receipts Of prod
uce- Those OF the day we're all small except corn.
There was little doing for shipment the interest
centerins almost exclusively on trading for future
delivery.
The market for domestic dry goods Was without
change in its general features. The peasanter
weather led to more cheerful feeling among Job
bers, it is believed to herald the return Of activ
ity in the demand for goods in this line. Prices
were quoted steady and unchanged Groceries we're
reported quiet, with prices Of the leading articles
still dislaying a lack OF strength. Sugars were
''oh" another 11c, aud were not firm at the de-
cline. Si1ups aud mo1asses also were weak, with
downward tendency. Prime and fancy cofTces
are scarce md very firm, but common to good
grades may be bonght at concession from the
quoted prices Jobbers Of dried fruits report con-
tinued quiet and comparatively steady set Of
prices. Fish were ordered q little more freely
than on the earlier days Of the week. but were not
active BY any means. Prices were unchanged.
Butter was in fair demand and was steady. Cheese
ruled firm. In the oil market no changes were ap-
parent, trade remaining quiet at about steady
prices. There was more inquiry for paints, and
the price Of pure white lead has been fixed at
81. rs per 100 bs. Leather, bagging, tobacco,
coal, and wood remained as before.
Hogs were in active demand, and advanced 100
20c, selling at 81 S5G5.5 IS for poor to extra.
Cattle we're In good demand, and were firm at
Frday's prices, or at So. 50@5.75 for common to |
choice. Sheep were firm at 81. 5O@5. rs.
The lumber market waa moderately active aud !
steady. The local demand was light, but dealers |
we're busy filling Interior orders, which have accu-
mulatcd during the storm. The wool, broom /
corn, and hay markets were unchanged. Seeds
were steadiet, being In better demand and smaller
supply. Hops were very dull aud weak, and as
the brewers generally are supplied, there s little
prospect OF an improvement in trade. The de-
mand for poultry again was fully equal to the sup
ply and choice stock was firm at the lat8 advance,
Eggs we're stronger. Most varieties OF green
fruits were in better demand ut unchanged prices
Rail freights were dull and irregular, with no
change In asking figures. The nominal rate was
35e to New York and 40c to Boston per 100 lbs OF
grain.
Lake freights were quiet, with no change In
isures- Corn to Buffalo was quoted at 34@3nc.
md &c to Kingston to load Immediately: Ba. non
~ corn was taken to Buffalo at 3Ac
The following shows the packing at Milwaukee
turing the two last se8snna. |