The Indianapolis journal., 1886-05-06
INDIANAPOLIS MARKETS.
Crop Reports Continue Encouraging-Our
Exports Continue Light.

Exports Continue Light
INDIANAPOLIS, May 5.
Crop reports continue as they have been for a
month past. the one encouraging feature of the
present situation. There has been nothing to
show that the country has made one of those ad-
vances in food production which have so often
caused phenomenal advance in its prosperity.
The serious blow inflicted on winter wheat in
Kansas and Missouri will be counterbalanced by
the enlargement of spring acreage, but there is at
present no likelihood that at best the 500 000 900
bushels which for seven years has measured our
wheat product will be exceeded, although in this
period our consumption of wheat has advanced
over one fourth. The spring has almost passed
into summer with none of those serious local
blows to large production which have marked
each year. except 1882, since 1880. This is much,
and it promises more for the near future. Corn
and cotton, whose planting is now under way or
just at hand, will probably show a sufficient
advance in acreage to cause a perceptble
growth in product Such reports would fore
sha dow prosperity and stimulate trade If it were
not for the deepening shadow of labor troubles.
The Financial Chronicle publishes tables show
ing that our exports for the first three months
of the year were smaller than for the first quar-
ter of any previous year since 1878. The total
amount is $163, 900, against $685. 872 600 last
year, 1924. 8S7. 600 in 1883, and 1926 882 600 in
1881. This failure is not one of great discour-
agement, however the Chronicle says as the
decrease is not in the amount of products ex-
ported but in the prices received for them. The
imports for the three months we're, on the con-
trary, quite heavy making slight mef-
chandise balance against as. The sugar
market continues to attract good deal of atten-
tion. Prices, however, are far from being as
strong as they were week ago. The circular
of Messrs Willett, Hamlen & Co., says the strike
has now continued a week. and put an end to
nearly all business in raw sugar, the three refn-
cries still at work having full supply or obtain
ing what they need from the other refiners. The
effect of the strike upon the figures does not
show as much as it will later on. still receipts,
deliveries and MEETINGS in the four ports to-
gether show considerable falling off. The stock
in al hands is 40 219 tons under last year Hold
ers of sugar show no anxiety or pressure to sell,
and quotations are fully maintained The sim
gle sale of a choice lot of high test centrifugals
at an extreme price is not fair Indication of
the market, although if the strike should end
soon rise in raws would very likely follow.
The refners thus far have made no attempt to
overcome the strike evidently hoping that the
men would become tired of idleness and no pay
and withdraw from the union" which is de-
manding recognition as condition OF settle
ment. The present week will very likely bring
crisis in the situation and manufacture be
resume to some extent either peaceably by the
old men or forcibly by, new men. The coffee
trade is moro active. The advance in exchange
has led to higher prices in Rio coffee but the
business has been moderate for consumption,
with more speculative activity in options. East
India coffee has been qnier but firm, and the
sales have been at full prices. Mocha is higher,
and has been selling at 204 020a cents per pound
West India grades have been active, and consid
cradle sales of Laguayra and Maracaibo at full
prices. The tea trade is sluggish Eastern pa
pers say buyers are indifferent about operating,
and the outlook for next season is not encourag-
ing. Choice Formosas ere fairly steady but
low grade oolongs are decidedly in favor of buy
ers. Congoos are also unsettled. Japans are
not attracting much attention. The produce
markets are fairly active. Eggs are weak at the
reduced quotations Poultry steady. Really
choice butter sells readily; poor stock difficult to
dispose of at any price.
GRAIN.
The local market was in much the same posi-
ton as ON Tuesday. For choice milling wheat
and sound corn there is a good demand, at
prices quoted below: