Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-09-29
RETURNING PROSPERITY.
THE IRON AND STEEL MARKETS
COMPARATIVELY ON A BOOM.

Increased Orders Reported by Coal
Producers-Builders and Contractors
Very Busy I'm PhlIa6elphia-Flat ring
state of tho Boot and Shoe Trade
ClOthfera Overcrowded with Orders.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 2S,-The past six
days has developed more marked
and encouraging improvement IN the
iron and steel markets than has
been shown for the past year
Material OF all kinds has advanced;
Pig iron 90 cents to 81 per ton; bar ana
plate iron oue-tenth. Bridge and building
iron is likely TO 90 up. Nails are selling at
card rates and are on the eve OF an I'D
vance. The wrought iron pine makers
met and agreed to advance prices WlthIn
thirty davs. Steel rails are selling at
SOS. 80 t0SsA. Old material is in active
demand Merchant steel Of all kinds is
held nj druer prices than for six months.
All these are very encouraging iudica-
t0ns to manufacturers OF New Jersey,
Pennsylvania and Ohio, ana are welcome
not so much for the tIifilng advance, as an
eyideuce-of the general improving c0ndi-
ton Of the country.
HEAVIER ORDERS FOR COAL.
The coal producers East and West are
securing heavier orders for winter de-
livery. but there is no sign of the general
Improvement in prices. Competition in
coal is likely 10 continue very active,
which will be to the advantage Of manu-
facturers and domestic consumers.
Contractors and builders are rushing
construction very actively in this city
and all other Eastern cities, and lumber
of all kinds IS selling very low. because
Of the anxiety Of holders, both North aud
South, TO unload all the stocks possible
for cash Ii seems to be the general
opinion among manufacturers or lumber
that prices viii improve 10 per cent, next
spring: but this depends upon their
ability to restrict production very mate
rally. Yellow pine Is rather scarce,
owing to the lighter arrivals at New York
and Philadelphia during the past two
weeks. HemlOck is selling at $40 to Sl2;
white pine at SIS to $32. The hard woods
are moving with fair activity.
BOOTS AND SHOES.
The boot and shoe makers are crowding
out more stocks than at this time last
year, and manufacturers of all grades of
goods make lattering reports as to the
present prospective condition Of trade.
The Philadelphia and Massachusetts fac
tories are all busy, and in many cases
samples for spring goods.
mere tIe Iuiuble Vi dl huN duflHA ltl-
dency in leather, but an advance is doubt
ful.
Clothiers report that they are behind
hand in filing OF orders. Two years ago
the clothing business was overdOne. Since
then the clothing manufacturers have
been pursuing n more cautious course,
and the demands OF the country have not
overtaken supply. Prices have not been
but no further concessions are
likely 10 be made. The next years cot
ton crop fs.esti mated ct 800, 600 bales. In
view of this abundance a decline in cot
ton goods next year is anticipated There
II abundant inquiry for woclen and cot
ton goods in all Eastern markets, and
prices are quite. firm, especially for nov
elites. The market for fiannels Is grow
ing stronger every day on account Of the
expected advance in wool. There is
heavy Southern demand for satinettes
and fancy cassimeres and suitings. The
fun hosiery and knit goods machinery is
now in operation throughout all Eastern
markets, and is wholly engaged in orders.
The carpet manufacturers are still
crowded with orders, and prices are firm.
THE SITUATION As A WHOLE.
Theindustries in general are more prof
ftably employed than at any time for
months or two years. The de-
mRnd under which themills and factories
OF the country are working is for actual
which have been withheld
for a long time. During the past few
months every effort possible has been
made to decrease the cost Of production
and 10 increase the productive capacity of
mills, by improvements in machinery, &c.
A great deal OF new and improved ma
chinery has been erected in mills of all
kinds, and there is scarcely an industry
TO be named but what has increased Its
productive capacity and decreased its
cost Of production. Any advance in
prices viii give them a cOTrespOndingly
better margin. A pretty general
advance in the rate of wages
has been made, which will Offset
the advantages somewhat. There is a
general increasing demand and hopeful
ness among buyers and manufacturers
firat the extreme depression has been
reached, and that with the avoidance OF
unnecessary legislation IN Congress a
larger spring trade win be opened than
has been enjoyed for years.
rAeNHTNrVg A VNANFG1 CUrTCTnE