The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-05-15
BUSINESS AND THE STRIKES.
Figures Showing Progress of the Move
ment for Shorter Hours of Labor.
s Better Business Outlook in Some of the
Smaller Cities, but No Improvementin the
East-General Strike and Labor News.

New YORK, May 14-Specal kilograms to
Braistreet's indicate that the industrial agta-
ton in favor of fewer hours work daily has
largely disappeared elsewhere than in Chicago
At New York it has been a practical failure,
while at Chicago the attitude of manufacturers
in several leading lines promises to arrest the
progress of the movement. Supplementary
ports to Bradstreets show that within about two
weeks there have been strikes in leading indus
trial centers for shorter hours, aggregating
100000 employees. and that 100000 have
secured concessions without striking, and that
not over $4,000 of the 200, 900 strikers have
secured their ends This indicates that over
one hundred and ninety thousand employees are
working fewer hours per day than one month
ago, small proportion of the total number
claiming to be interested. With the favorable
change in the industrial outlook general bust
ness is reported to have made some advances,
notably in such cities as Detroit, Indian
apolis, Peoria, Omaha and Dubuque,
and like advices come from Savan-
nah, Dallas and New Orleans. There is
of course a marked improvement at Chicrgo, in
part due TO the receipt of delayed orders, the to-
tai volume being equal to average weeks
business at this season. At CINCINNATI and Mil
waukee trade is quiet, the labor troubles still
having depressing effect. At St Louis it is
dull, and prices are not steady, being shaded,
notably in dry goods.
At the larger Eastern cities there is no i'm
provement visible. Philadelphia reports trade
sluggish and unsatisfactory. Baltimore reports
that business continues checked, and Boston re-
ports business inactive.
The New York stock market was fairly strong
during the greater part Of the week, and ad-
vanced irregularly on manipulation of prices
The death of prominent bear operator was the
chief feature of the week, and the labor
situation was little discussed. Govern
ment bonds were quiet. Railroad mortgage
bonds were irregular and investments steady
Money on call Is in fair supply at from II to d
per cent Commercial paper is scarce with rates
steady at 4! per cent for best names Mercan-
tile collections have improved at St Louis,
Dubuque, Burlington. and at New Orleans, but
are slow and unsatisfactory at most other points
Interior money markets are generally easier
The demand at Kansas City has been largely for
renewals. Funds are in good request at st.
Paul, and commercial paper is offering with in
creasing frequency at St Louis The Chicago
money market is quiet
Leading iron markets are duller, and deliveries
on contracts continue to be delayed Prices are
weaker. The bears" have been favored in the
grain markets. Heavier interior stocks and
speculative influences, backed by very favorable
crop reports, have resulted In decline of &c on
No. red wheat at New York during the week.
and an average decline of 10 cents per barrel on
-four.
At Louisville tobacco receipts are light. Bur
ley Tugs are Ac higher.
The distribution of dry goods has not met ex
pectations, being particularly light from COM
mission houses. Decreased consumption and
heavy stocks of sugar depressed prices both at
New York and London. The consumption of
coffee is also light but the rate of exchange
lends some strength to the market