, 1885-04-05
CROWDING CATTLE.
The Weeks Stock Business at
the Chicago Yards.
But Little Call for StOckers
and Feeders.
Too Many Cattle Now Going
to the Market.


rHHa - - ~ AAh
during the part week has been slow and
generally easier. Shipping grades started
dull and lower. 1t some cases good to
choice fat beeves averaging 1850 lbs. and
over sold at fully former rates. At least,
they showed no material decline. but of
common to fair and medium sorts there
was a heavy supply, and such dragged at
10(G15c off. Buyers were cautious in
their movements, as there was a general
belief that receipts would be heavy
throughout the week and hat they would
be able to ret all the cattle they wanted at
much lower figures, but on the whole the
demand was much better than might have
been expected, and at the modified prices
everything fit to go east was picked up.
Statesmen who had inferior stock, however,
had to work very hard without much sat
isfaction.
In butchers stock there was no great
change from the close of the previous
week, as supplies did not seem to be more
than equal to the demand. There was a
brisk local inquiry, and, while trade was
slow in sympathy with the weakness Of
the general fat cattle market, prices were
pretty firmly held.
Stockers and feeders were not much
called for, as only a few country buyers
were present. Receipts, too, were
rather above the average and yard
dealers took advantage of the situation
by bidding Toe lower. During the early
days c~learances were generally made at
about this reduction.
As the week advanced receipts contin-
ued to come in freely and a weak, sluggish
feeling resulted. Buyers wanted the cat
tie, but they wanted them at lower prices,
while statesmen as a rule felt they had al
ready made concession enough. The
choicest, latest beeves were comparatively
scarce, and they sold readily enough at
just a shade under former rates. Ex-
porters complained, claiming that it
was impossible for them to buy and ship
the best cattle except at a loss, but of late
there had not seemed to be enough good
cattle to supply the American demand.
Over common to fair grades was where
the ~wrangling came, and but few lots
could be moved until holders con-
sented to a furth err decline of Solo cents
after that the demand turned out to be
very good.
Butchers and canners had large supplies
and a good big assortment of cows, bulls
and general mixed stock to draw from.
There was an active demand, however, for
fat COWS and heifers, while bulls sold fairly
well to the Gamers, and although there
was a feeling that prices weretoo high and
some traders held back a little, there was
not quotable change.
Stockers and feeders though in better
request than before, were not as active as
for some time previous, nor were they as
firmly held. BUYERS were afraid of the
prices and were bidding lower. Hence
the general trade was rather slow, but the
market was about steady.
Toward the close of the week supplies
kept up well. Advices from New York
and western markets also told of big re-
ceipts and lower rates. With this state of
affairs. most purchasers, although in
want of cattle, thought they should and
could buy them Mt reduced figures. Sales
men, however, were more reluctant
than ever to come down, and at times
there was a kind of deadlock. Business
was unsatisfactory all around. In some
cases good judges claimed that they had
better luck in selling their cattle than be-
fore, while others declared that prices
were l5c. lower on medium to common
stock. As a rule the market was dull and
somewhat easier, with a feeling of reluc-
lance among buyers to paying the prices
asked. Choice beeves were again scarce,
but it was hard to get the full market
price even for them. Too many cattle
are coming to market, and prices promise
to go still lower if the supply is not i'm
mediately curtailed. For some time past
receipts have run nearly n third ahead oil
this time last year, while much less is do
ing on export account now than then.
Cows and mixed lots were weak and
easier; supplies increased. The amer
commenced to hold back, rather than pay
the high prices, and values took a down
turn. Quotations generally declined lOG
l5c., but many sales of old cow were Is
@25c. off.
In Il general way, stockers and feed
ers did not show much change
but the market was less active and buyers
more exacting than before. Good ts
choice feeders were not very abundant
and sold well. There was also a good
demand for calves.
Closing quotations range as follows: