The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-05
TRADE AND CoMMERCE
Better Times Predicted-A Restoration Of
Confidence Gradually Appearing.

Better Times Predicted-A Restoration of
Confidence Gradually Appearing.
indianapolis. Jan: 3.
Trade still feels the effects of the holida Us
more or less, but the belief is general that with
the incoming Of next week, should the weather
be favorable, business will take on more activ-
ity. No boom is expected, and none is wanted,
but a good healthy increase would be highly ap-
preciated. 1t is thought that grain will begin
to move more briskiy this month. It is true
that the farmers have cause to complain of the
bad markets at home and abroad. Manufactur-
ers and workingmen cannot fully avail them
selves Of the cheapness and abundance of pro-
visions because their earnings have not been
sufficient to enable them to maintain their
former modes of living. Wherever it is possible
there is a retrenchment of expenditure. and the
commodities in the markets are in ex-
cess of the demand. There has been a
strong reaction against the feverish activity and
speculative spirit in business that were wit
messed two or three years ago. AS a result of
the industrial relapse many thousands of work
ingmen are out of employment or are receiving
reduced wages. But as the new year opens
there are cheering signs that the depression has
reached its lowest point and that afresh impulse
viii soon be given to industry and trade. Some
industries that were In a depressed condition in
the beginning of the past year have actively re-
sumed operations and others are preparing to
resume, and the outlook is Frightening. The
year just closed was a severe one on business
men generally. The failures of the year show a
marked increase over recent years. The records
of the mercantile agency OF b. Russell &
Co. show that the total number in the entire
country has been 10, 96S, against g,ls4 in 1883,
and G, 738 in 1882. The largest number reported
for any previous year was OATS in 1878 The
liabilities of the failed firms this year are quite
large, amounting to $226, 300, 600, against $l72.-
S74, 172 in 1883 and $101, 547. 564 in 1885,. In 1875.
when there were nearly as many failures as this
year, the liabilities amounted to 1924, 1888, 1872.
While the figures for the entire country are dis
hearteniEg, both in the number of failures and
the heavy liabilities, it must be remembered
that a radical Improvement followed close upon
the numerous failures in 1878; and there are
many of our best business authorities who look
with confidence for a similar change in 1885,
Locally there have been with the opening of the
year but few changes in values, but increased
fluctuations may be looked for in the early part
OF the coming week. So unfavorable are the re-
ports from New York markets that poultry and
eggs are quite likely to drop in prices.
GRAIN.
Another rather off day in local markets, deal
ers seemingly not having got over holiday enjoy,
ments. The attendance on Change was small;
bidding ~lifeless. The Board of Trade Price Cur
rent says of wheat: While prices rule about
IS yesterday, yet feeling is rather dull, and
no trading noted. Inquiries are generally for
small lots. We quote;
No. 2 Mediterranean o. 80
no. . Mediterranean o. --.--.-----.---..-- TIA
10. 3 red o. %
Cora-No special change since yesterday. Re-
eeipts continue light, with a fair demand for
cash deliveries. Futures uninviting. Local
consumers report receipts not equal to demand.
We quote:
10. 2 white o. 3sla
nSho", ,, -.---..---.-- DO
High mixed Q. Observation-Disclosures 35As