The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-23
INDIANAPOLIS MARKETS.
Tho Commercial Situation Regarded Favor
ably-Trade Improving Steadily.

Tho Commercial Situation Regarded Favor
ably-Trade Improving Steadily.
INDIANAPoLIs March %.
The commercial situation is generally regard
ed as an improving once, although at this mo-
'ment the growth of activity and confidence is re-
tarded somewhat by labor troubles and the pre-
vailing uncertainty as to what industry or bust
ness interest will be next affected. The com
mercial editor of the Boston Journal last
week interviewed a number of the representa-
tive cotton and wool houses of that city
and healthy condition and cor ident feeling
was shown. While sales largely exceed those of
last year. the prices very little better There
has been great change IN the condition OF the
stock. A year ago there was a surplus of sta
Piles, and the stock was accommodating, although
the output of the mills was not so large at the
present time. Now there is no surplus, and in
some lines there is a scarcity. There will be no
auction sales to get rid of the surplus this
son, because there will be no surplus
If prices could be advanced half
cent a yard manufacturers could
make something but as a rule mills can
make nothing, or at most very little at the pres
been advanced. The price cannot be advanced
Just now because of the active competition
among retailers. Collections better than
they have been for some time. Indeed there is
|
notes. The condition of cotton manufacturing
and of the trade has not been so sound for sew
eral years as it now is Values are firm, demand
is equal to the supply, and there is reason to be-
lieve that the increase OF wages will quicken
trade" representative of one of the largest
if not the largest, mills in the world, manu-
featuring a great variety Of the choicest
goods, said "that all that now threatened trade
was the labor troubles in the Southwest; that
the reports of the house in St. Louis We're
RI nHn hat fnV SAGE
would be well nigh ruined if railroad communi
cation were not opened in short time. Speak
ing of wages, he said that the great corporation
which his house represented had nothing to fear
from dissatisfaction on the part of employees. as
it was paying the same wages now that it did in
the flush times of 1880, which have purchasing
power OF 70 per cent more now than then. The
head Of large jobbing house spoke most conf
IDENTIFY of the situation and prospect He said
that the condition of business had not been so
good in five years. Distribution had been large,
the retail trade last season was up to the
expectation Of the retailers generally, and the
promise of the season is even better. Collec-
tons are better than year ago, which
shows more satisfactory trade. .
Locally trade opened brisk to-day, and
a good trade is in prospect for the week should
the weather continue favorable. In most lines
of goods stocks are large and complete, and In
dianapolis merchants are in shape to meet COM
petition on at least equal grounds, and in many
cases goods are sold at lower fgues than in com
peting markets. There were but few changes in
quotations to- day, in fact, none calling for spe-
cial mention. Sugars, coffees, canned goods and
foreign fruits steady. Eggs and poultry
firm at quotations given.
GRAIN.
The market opened tame and continued 50
through the day. Wheat is very dull, and with
out buyers. Corn dull; salable at shade lower
prices Oats quiet Prices ranged as follows: