The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-03-03
TRADE AND COMMERCE.
Merchants Begin the Month Hopeful-The
Outlook More Favorable.

Outlook More Favorable.
INDIANAPOLIS, March l.
The general expression in business circles is
that the month of March begins with more
promise than did either of the preceding months
of the year. Travelling statesmen, as well, speak
of the situation as being more favorable, and
they brought in on Friday and Saturday better
list of orders than IN any preceding week of the
year 1884. Yet, after all this is said, there is
lack of snap about trade which none seem able
to explain. Sixty days of the year 1884 have
passed, and the entire time trade has been dis
appointing in volume Prices however, in the
main are unusually steady, so there has been no
loss on that score. The general features of the
dry goods trade are the same as for some weeks
past. There lisa moderate movement, Eastern
papers say. The advances which have been
made on cottons during the past two weeks give
manufacturers better chance for profit, but it
yet remains to be seen whether buyers will re-
spond to the new rates. 1t may be well to note
here, that while both manufacturers and iobbeFs
are complaining about the dull trade and small
profits. there are very few failures in the bust
ness. Dealers are paying their bills promptly,
ana the financial condition of the dry goods
trade generally appears to be decidedly sound.
The retail trade rises and fails with the weather
The people appear to be anxious to take advant-
age of the bargains advertised by the leading
houses, and come out in full force when the skies
are clear The cold weather has stiffened up the
egg market considerably to-day. and holders as
rule, were refusing to sell below the outside
quotation of yesterday, The butter market con
tnues dull for poor stock, and even for the finest
grades the feeling is weak. Beans and dried
fruits in better demand and firmer, but prices
Femain'unchanged. Cheese reported firm, with
an increasing demand Poultry in rather better
supply and easier in price. Potatoes in liberal
cum nT,I1 ,,n
firm in sympathy with the advices' from the sea-
board, where the syndicate still appear to hold
1t well in hand. Sugars weak and dull but
changed
The local markets were in much the same
position on Saturday as far as prices were
concerned as for day OF two preceding The
fact is that receipts are not sufficient to supply
the home demand Bidding on Change was
quite spirited for spot stuff. Dealers, however,
touch futures cautiously. The Board of Trade
Price Current says of wheat Locally we note
no special change. Cash No. red is still in
active demand at firm prices from millers. Ar
rivals light and choice grades scarce Very
little inquiry for futures forward deliveries be-
ing touched cautiously New York is steady;
Baltimore lie higher Chicago is 3-Sc off from
yesterday. We quote
No Mediterranean, .SI.O6
No. Mediterranean, track. .....-........-.. 1.OA
No. Mediterranean, track. -..-------...... 1.O2
40 = hec' track -----.s--.-----.----.- 1.O2
No. Red, track. .--...-.--......--......... 90
Corn-Cash deliveries in local markets are in
good demand, local dealers usingsa large proper
ton of the gradable arrivals. Receipts small
New York is lac higher; Baltimore 3-Sc lower
Chicago 34c lower We quote;
No White, track. so
No white, track OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. so