The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-03-09
WEEKLY TRADE REVIEW.
TEXTILE MANUFACTURES on 4
REGULAR BOOM,
The General Industrial Situation
Highly Satisfactory
In Prices.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa, March S.-With-
in the past six months the manufactur-
ing capacity for carpet-making, hosiery
all kinds OF dress goods and silks have
been increased from 10 to % per cent.
throughout the country, and at this
time the entire capacity is fully en-
gagged on the turning out OF goods for
the spring and summer trade. Prices
have advanced all the way from 10 TO
30 per cent. But even these high
prices, instead OF checking the de-
mand, is serving rather to stimulate it,.
The clothing trade report the best
winter they have ever had. Many
manufacturers of silk ribbon have sold
out their entire stock. Wages in silk
mills have advanced from 10 TO 20 per
cent. Three new silk mills are pro-
jected. Silk imports are arriving, and
large orders are going out for addition
al supplies. The carpet mills are run
ming full and over time, both here and
in the New England States, crowding
work through on orders placed last
winter. A general advance OF 10 per
cent. has been made in wages in the
carpet industry, and in all other
branches OF the textile trade. Labor
organization is assuming almost abso-
lutte control, and is everywhere level
ing up wages and securing arbitration
with employers who have heretofore
refused
The iron trade is strong and steady
and upwards of 100000 tons OF ma
terial has been sold, of which the rail
makers alone have over 100000 tons.
The prospects for the iron and steel
makers were never better.
Wool has reached its highest point
and is now declining on account OF
the heavy arrivals from abroad. Sup
plies are coming in from primary
markets to catch at the present prices
before a further break.
Boot and shoe manufacturers of the
New England and Middle States re-
port a rather slow improvement and
more difficulty than they expected in
securing slightly higher prices.
Heavy contracts for lumber are
being placed, lest the threatened act
i've demand OF the spring will produce
an advance in prices. Several million
feet of white pine have already been
contracted for, for Boston, New York
and Philadelphia. The anthracite coal
companies have mined and delivered
100000 tons of coal more this year
than last, to date. Within the past
week about $50, 900 tons of bituminous
coal have been sold for delivery in the
New England States this summer, and
competition is working prices on both
kinds in the direction of cost limits.
Mining companies are of the opinion
that they will be obliged to concede
the advance demanded in several
mining fields, and this will have the
effect of adding materially to the
present cost.
The general industrial condition is
very satisfactory with the exception
of the natural apprchensions as to the
effect of the advance in prces and
cost of labor. Employers recognize
that the conditions which enable labor
to increase its price will bring CORE
spending advantages to them. There
is friendly disposition among EN-
ployers and workmen generally. Col
lections are comparatively easy, but
country merchants are more than
usually cautious in making purchases
at this time.