The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-21
DUN s. co.'s BUSINESS REVIEW.
Trade Reported Quiet Throuehout the Coun

Trade Reported Quiet Throughout the Coun-
try, with Satisfactory Collections.
NEW YORK, Jan. 20.-R. G. Dun & Co, in
their weekly review of trade, say: Business
throughout the country 10 rather quiet, even for
the season. Fairly active jobbing trade is re-
ported at several points where wholesale bust
ness is distinctly dull, and prevailing feature
seems to be indisposition to take quantities
in view of the usual uncertainties in
many markets caused by strikes,
by speculation and by legislative
deliberations. At Chicago speculation has bsen
dull, and in legitimate trade, though there has
been some improvement of late, less is doing
than last year. Hard times in the drought re-
gions throughout the West affect purchases, but
in other sections there 10 gain. At st. Louis
prompt payment on past purchases and continu-
ing large distribution noticed. AT Louisville
values softer, without improvement in vol
ums, and at Southern points trade is quiet.
Collections are fairly satisfactory at nearly all
poins', and money in generally fair supply,
though rates are close at Denver and Cleveland.
Though actual deliveries of anthracite are
larger than for the same weeks last year. opera
tors and retailers vie with each other in putting
up prices. The poverty of the miners causes
serious apprehension among traders, who re-
member that their losses after the strike OF 1870
were thres-fourths of their accounts.
But for activity in ship bridge and car build
ing, the iron trade would be less hopeful The
Thomas company has sold No. 2foundry iron for
pipe at SIT, aud sales OF 20, 900 tons of rails
reported. but prices do not change
In wool the little improvement recently seen
has vanished, and the market favors buyers
again. The stocks in Boston were over 6, 200, 900
pounds larger than last January, but at New
York rather smaller, while Philadelphia stocks
are refused. The demand for wooden goods is
moderate, but more frequent inquiry gives hope,
and the range of prices 10, on the whole. but lit
tie below that Of last year Cottons are in
strong demand, and many makes advance in
prices.
In the leather trade hopes of improvement
are still disappointed, but the boot and shoe
trade 10 better than usual for the season.
better demand for rubber goods is reported, and
there is prospect that the trust will finally be
formed.
Nearly all speculative markets have been
weak. Stocks are weaker, in spite Of large re-
ported railway earnings, and an advance of 10
per cent in east-bound rail rates. The Reading
strike, and reported liquidation of pool on the
stock, have caused some decline, and in other
stocks the absence Of any public demand is felt.
The average price is 81. so per shsre more than
week ago Wheat has declined 15c; corn. lie,
and lard shade; sugar is weaker. also coffee.
while a great slump in oil has pun
ished those who had faith in the
power of curtailed production to control
900 more with banks, has contrived to take only
5000 900 from circulation during the week. It
is significant that payments in silver certificates
at the custom-house rise to 13i per cent. of the
total. Money 10 returning thsl New York
banks in large volume from the interior. and
foreign trade accounts indicate that the with
drawal of foreign capital in December probably
did not exceed 81, 900, 600
Exports of ,he principal products were only
$54 600 000 against SOS. 600. 900 in 1886. and for
three weeks OF January New York exports
S6 per cent below last year. Exchanges out
side of New York still exceed those of last year
by about ii per cent. but they reflect rather the
heavy business OF Last fall than current loans
The business failures during the last seven
days number, for the United States, 49, for
week and 301 for the corresponding week of last
year.