The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-05-12
TRADE AND COMMERCE.
Merchants Still Inclined To BE Conservative
in Their Business.

INDIANAPOLIS May 10,
The week closing to-day was fair average in
volume of trade with that of six preceding weeks
There were three brisk days, and three in which
business was dull. There We're but few changes
in values except in the produce markets. where
prices ranged lower, and the wool market prices
being frmer. There is better tone to the -four
market, and Western millers are now Indifferent
whether the trade purchase in small or large lots
The choice wheat, both winter and spring, con
tinues to rule high, and is scarce at all points
West, and millers are confident that there is
no more choice and sound wheat in the country
than will be wanted for home consumption.
Eastern papers report trade still quiet. Dealers
appear to purchase only for immediate wants
but there is no pressure to sell, and purchases
can only be made at full current rates. 1t is, in
fact, dull market, but very confident one
and leading brands have evidently touched the
lowest point. although we can scarcely look for
any Improvement The English and continent
al markets continue to be well supplied with
breadstuffs, and no prospects of any favora-
BILE change, and the wheat crop never looked
more promising at nearly all points
Unless this crop meets with some
disaster low prices for flour and wheat must con-
tinue to rule for some time to come. The best
brands are now low and cheap, cheaper than for
many years, and the mass of the people cannot
complain about the high cost of living, so far as
prices of flour are concerned The exports of
the week from this port have been unusually
large. The indianapolis Grocer Of the 10th, in
its review of trade: says: Speculation is driv-
ing at the, cause for so decided holding up in
business. You see it everywhere. In manufact-
uring centers and in the midst of mercantile
life there is the same business debility 1t is a
blessing that the power of hope is so well de-
veloped. 1t is the heaven of business. Despair
cannot long lodge among people so well pro-
vided with the money making qualifications as
are the people of this country. Mills shut down,
houses suspended and employees thrown out,
crops fall short, floods and cyclones come, and
where these despair pitches its tents; but the
spirit Of hopefulness, of self-reliance and indie
pendence drives this ugly squatter else
where, and builds around itself a new
and prosperous existence. In New
York, financial troubles agitate trade,
but it was only the outer rim of a wave which
early spent its force and left no serious results
Money is close, both here and in the country, but
this is the Unfailing spring symptom. Collec-
tions do not come up as they should, but this
will never be remedied as Tonga iobbers and re-
tailers make the credit system bid for trade.
One set of terms for ALL strictly to the letter,
would bring trade as near perfection as human
thought and skill can get it.
The sugar market is taking stand for a
better profit; unless a combination is brought
about. it is doubtful if prices can go much
higher There is too large supply of raw ma
teral Coffees are frmer they are like inter
mittent fever-this is their day of-strength
probably tomorrow they will be down; there is
no confidence in any improvement that says
Il have come to stay" if prices should go up it
will be for no reason beyond speculation, or the
cooking Of figures by gamblers
GRAIN.
A dull Saturday covers thelocal market. The
Board of Trade Price Current says of wheat:
Our local markets are rather dull both in feel
ing and prices. No. red is 1-sc lower that yes
terday, and the demand is less active. No re
ceipts. and sellers are few. Futures dull and
uninteresting. New York is 1c higher Balti-
more steady, while Chicago has suffered a sharp
decline of Sc under the vigorous pounding of the
bears We quote: