The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-06-12
THE BUSINESS SITUATION.
Trade Very Irregular and Only Moderate in
Volume-A Better Industrial Outlook.

New YORK. June 1.-The general trade situ-
alton, as teiegraphed Bradstreet's, has been ir-
regular with the tendency toward continued
moderate movement This is DUE in large part,
to the spring trade being over, to farmers being
busy in the fields and to the fact that the autumn
trade has not yet begun Business at Duluth
and Minneapolis has improved on a favorable
crop outlook and fair demand, well as at Chi
cago and Cincinnati, where the total
volume Of spring trade transactions is
reported to compare favorably with 1885.
General trade at St Louis has declined, as at
Pittsburg and Cleveland, though the aggregate
is believed to be as large in the earlier months
of last year. The late rains in the lower Missis-
sippi valley and southwest thereof were needed,
and business has been stimulated by them.
The demand for funds is conspicuous, in pro-
portion to the money offering, at Duluth, Mime
apolis, Omaha, st. Joseph and St Louis. Mer-
camille collections are generally slow. The new
alone has prevented any decided break, but the
continued passenger rate war in the Northwest Is
a heavy load to carry. Government bonds are
steady and investments firm. In speculative
bonds there was a decided advance in Nickel
plate frsts. based on an alleged settlement with
the Lake Shore company. Money on call is easy
at II 02s per cent. Commercial paper is In poor
supply, and foreign exchange little easier on
the reduction of the Bank of England rate.
Special kilograms to Bradstreets from Mime
apolis contradict the extreme statements of dam
age to the wheat crop in the Northwest, made
public on the exchanges yesterday The attitude
of wheat exporters, with continued favorlng
prospects from the new crop, backed by large
stocks and fair receipts, have pushed prices down
four cents, as compared with the close a week
ago. The situation is rather better than worse
than at the date of the government wheat crop
report lately made public.
There are no noteworthy changes in the iron or
steel markets. The former reflects the dull sea-
son of the year. The general industrial situa-
ton has improved though there are still con-
siderable number of employees on strike at vari-
Gus manufacturing centers OF the 100000 who
received concessions to shorter hours with
full pay, one month ago, Bradstreets reports
show that less than 140 900 retain those advan-
tages, half of whom are at Chicago, and one
sixth each at Cincinnati and New York. The
pressure of competition from ten-hour workers is
breaking down most of what is left Of the move
ment
Dry goods are dull but holders look to higher
prices and a good trade later in the season. Wool
is firm, bnt manufacturers are buying sparingiy
Next weeks London colonial sales are of first
interest to the trade as gauge to prices
The cotton crop is progressing finely in Louis
lana, Mississippi and Texas. Heavy rains in the
Carolinas and Georgia foreshadow trouble from
grass.
Burley leaf tobacco is strong at Louisville in
the face of heavy receipts, while Tugs are frac-
Jionally higher. The weather favors planting.
Heavier sugar supplies, and better beet crop
prospects further depress sugar prices. Coffee
is lower and in small demand