The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-24
TRADE AND COMMERCE.
More Activity in the Local Markets-Prices
Stiffe ming.

moro ACTIVITY the LOCaA AarkeLS-PflceS
Stifening.
INDIANAPOLIS, Jan, %.
In some departments of trade there is a
marked improvement and stiffening of prices.
In groceries with the exception Of coffees) there
seems to be a stronger tone in rate values Es-
pecialy is the sugar market active and prices
higher, The course Of the sugar market during
the next two months will have most important
bearing upon the question Of future supplies,
and it is being watched with no little interest
in sugar producing countries throughout the
world. The prices recently current have repre-
sented loss to all engaged in the cultivation and
manufacture Of cane as we'll as beet sugar. and
accordingly unless some improvement developes
between now and the time for planting another
crop planters will find it impossible to secure
the advances necessary to enable them to con-
tue operations. The London market, with
which we are in close sympathy, has advanced,
and there is reason to believe that sugar
has touched the lowest point. In the
drug market there is a gradual but steady in
crease in trade Confidence seems to be takln e
the place of distrust, as indicated by the moro
frequent inquiries for goods, and the moderate
though satisfactory, increase i'll the volume of
sales The orders to hand are for the most
part, small but occasionally interest in full lines
is manifested, though buyers yet are rather eau
tious and are disposed to venture slowly until
the strength of the present position is no longer
in doubt. Merchandise values generally are low,
and few are Of the belief that any further mater
ial concessions are probable, the majority view
ing the situation as favoring an Improvement on
most descriptions. The produce. markets as we'll
are fairly active. Eggs and poultry receipts
light Prices firm at quotations. given. In com
menting on the commercial situation, the New
York Shipping List says: 'The occurrences of
last week were calculated to apply severe test
to the Improvement that siuce the first of the
year, had been slowly but steadily developing in
almost every department of commercial activity.
1t is true that this improvement had been more
IN sentiment than IN the volume of actual trade,
and that progress had been manifest mostlyi in the
speculative markets, particularly of stocks and
produce. but the growth of confidence had been
shown by more inquiry, and buyers were seem
ingly more disposed TO replenish their supplies
than has been the case for many months This
improvement was in some measure checked by
the events of last week, but it is satisfactory to
find that after the first shock has passed away,
Che situation still retains undoubted elements of
strength, and justffies the opinion that upward
and substantial progress has really commenced
GRAIN
The local market continues strong and active.
Dealers show some interest in futures as we'll as
spot stuff. The Board of Trade Price Current
says of wheat: No quotable change in prices
or feeling. Scarcity of offerings and arrivals
still continues. Demand both for spos and fu-
lures remains good. We quote:
a...