The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-01-28

Merchants Report the Volume of Trade
Quite Satisfactory.

Quite Satisfactory.
INDIANAPOLIS. Jan. %.
The volume of business this, the third week of
January, was the largest of any week for two
months, and really up to the expectation of mer-
chants in most branches of trade None look for
boom in business but are gratifed that it
shows some improvement. The beautiful winter
weather, the excellent condition of the country
roads, and easy money market are certainly ia
vorable to more activity in commercial circles.
Prices rule remarkably steady in all depart
ments, and where there are fluctuations, as
rule the tendency is to higher prices. Eggs,
poultry and hog products, especially are strong
at quotations. Apples potatoes and beans are
IN fair demand; prices firm al,
though not quotably higher Commercial
papers in the various markets all speak more
encouragingly of the situation. The New York
Shipping List says there is gradual increase in
tbs sale and distribution of many kinds of manu-
featured goods and general merchandise, and
the prospects of continued improvement in
trade as the season advances are daily growing
brighter If we except further decline in grain
and few other articles which are subject to
speculative manipulation, the tone of the mar
kets is decidedly better than it has been for
many weeks. The condition Of the speculative
markets however, is exceptional, and decline
in products that have been long maintained upon
artificial basis will have but little erect upon
general trade. The heavy decline in wheat dur
ing the last fortnight has involved the bull
spectators in heavy losses, but they have very
few sympathizers, certainly none among the
allied interests which have suffered in pocket
from the protracted export blockade 1t is
maintained by those who favor the form of grain
gambling known as options that it imparts life
and activity to the market that would otherwise
be wanting Under this system the farmer, we
are told, has not long to wait for customer.
He can make instant sale of his product at rates
publicly fixed. If he is sharp-sighted he may
sell when the figures are highest. But it will
not take moralists long to decide that this is not
sufficient compensation for the other and
greater evils of the system. There are many
elements OF uncertainty in grain gambling To
win, the operator must make lucky guesses as to
the extent of the cereal crops at home and
abroad, and the probable export demand. There
is no amount Of genius OF knowledge that he can
put into the business which will make him mas
ter of the situation.
The local markets are much in the same posi-
ton for several days past. There is a good
demand fer spot stuff. With light receipts, deal
ers show but little interest in futures. The
Board of Trade Price Current says of wheat
I'VE note no material change in local
markets. Fair demand for cash offer
ngs, and sales of No red were
L. @. u.
meager, with only light milling demand Flu
lures are touched cautiously, and no opposition
to trade iii them Seaboard, while quotations
are shade better yet feeling is far from strong.
New York 3-4e higher for cash and 1-Sc for
March; Baltimore lie for cash and 7-Sc better
for March; Chicago Sac lower We quote:
No. Mediterranean, track. --.--..-.-.-....$1. 05
No. Mediterranean, track -...---..--..--. 1.03
NO . Mediterranean, track ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS LOO
No. red 0. b.-....--.-..--........... 99lo
January track. OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. 90
March, track 10Ol2
Corn-Locally we note no startling change
Under heavier receipts offerings are freer. Not
only are arrivals heavier, but there is an i'm
preyement in quality. Large receipts are8noted
at other points, especially at Chicago, and il re
ports be true, that elevators cannot receive more
what will they do with and where will they put
it, We are still of the opinion that there are few
bushels Of good corn in the country, and that
if prices boom it will make its appearance. New
York Is steady at lie off for March; Baltimore
34c lower for March, Chicago ! 1-9c off for Feb
ruary and 7-Sc lower for May. We quote:
No. 2 white track Observation-Disclosures
No. 3 white, track As
Yellow track. 40
High mixed track. 4914
Mixed. track. Observation-Disclosures. AZ
No. 3, track AZ
Rejected. track NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. 45l2
Rejected high mixed, track Observation-Disclosures. As
Sound ear, track AZ
Oats still in good demand at full quotations
Arrivals continue small, and local dealers find it
difficult to fill orders. We quote
No. 2 white track ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS SO
Light mixed track OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES 80
Mixed, track. 80
Rye-No nominal.
Mill Pedal kinds of mill feed are firm aud
scarce, in consequence of some mills running
only on part time and others stopped altogether.
Bran firm; scarce; $l4 bid held at $15.
GRAIN IN STORE
Jan. 25, 1884.