Omaha daily bee., 1889-09-30
IN TRADE AND COMMERCE.
The Condition of the Wool Bust ness
in Boston.
OPERATIONS STILL MODERATE,
Some Buying, However, Is Going on
Values Held Fairly steady for
All Characterization of
Other Markets.
The Course of Commerce.

ing period of 1888.
The volume of business shows an increase
over the past few weeks, but this increase
comes principally from the fact that some
large sales made previously have just been
reported. Several large buyers have
been in the market and taken
some good-sized lots, their object
being to get good selections. which they
think will be more to their advantage than
any lower prices which might result through
their holding back for the purpose of break
ing values any further. These buyers are in
many instances paying cash and are thus
able to get all the concessions going. The
market really shows considerable strength,
Notwithstanding the depression that has
been brought to bear on IT, and it is only iii
exceptional instances where holders are
weakening.
AS rule the leading houses are not press
ing their wool in the least, and many con-
signed lots are held considerably above the
present market. Some sales made show
concessions, but for desirable parcels in
good condition values are fully NAM
tained. The staple of much OF the territory
woods is not equal in quality to the last years
clip, and where buyer has the pick
of pile he generally sees 1t is to his advan-
tage to get the good woods while he can.
This is the principal reason of considerable
of the buying done lately, and the fact that
some OF the large buyers are beginning to
operate proves an inducement for others
to follow their example. That consldera-
bic frmness is shown by holders
is manifested by their disincllnation
to reduce prices where bids have beeB made
within "a cent of their asking figure. Some
houses when bids are so close have conceded
the half cent and sold the wool, but many
instances are noted where this would not be
done, and the sale of large block of wool
lost in consequence.
The situation with manufacturers con-
tinues unchanged, and the goous market is
certainly no better. They are generally only
lightly supplied with wool, and will have to
buy before doing much on heavy weights,
but most of them can get along for num-
Der of weeks yet without buying much of
the raw material. These large purchases
made of late are undoubtedly for the purpose
of stocking up, and SO long as they come
along only a few at a time they have rather
the advantage of the seller. Any free buy
ing in this way, however, would entirely
change the tone of the market, as owing TO
the strong conditions ruling abroad it would
not take much to start the "boom" here.
The bulk of the receipts of the new clip came
in early this year, they footing up 1000 bags
of domestic more than at this date in 1888.
The sales so far this year show falling off of
"a, OOO,000 pounds from this date last year,
which shows that the stock on the market
should be considerably in excess of what it
was a year ago.
Cas- imere manufacturers report some new
business in the way of heavy weights this
fall the generally active demand tor cloth
ing inducing dealers to increase their stocks.
Worsteds are steady and trade Is fair IN all
departments, the general business being up
to expectations. Overcoatings rule firm,
and some recorders for heavy-weghts have
been placed. Dress goods are firm and the
mills are generally adhering to the recent
advance made. Trade is slow with manu-
facturers, but iobbers are placing large
quantities of goods, and as they are obliged
to fill up their assortments they are paying
the advance. Flannels hold firm, with job
bers busy, but manufacturers report only
moderate business as yet. AS the auction
purchases become reduced the demand from
the mills increases.
The movement in cotton goods continues
Of quiet, steady nature, with the mills gen.
erallv selling their product Brown and
bleached sheetings continue steady, with
rather slow Cotton flannels are going for
ward freely in the way of delivery of former
orders, while the jobbing demand is also
steady. Prints sell we'll and hold steady,
with ginghams fairly steady but seasonably
quiet
In New York business continues quiet, al
though a fair jobbing trade is steadily gong
on. A very fair distribution of prints do
mestics and department goods are being made
by the leading jobbers, out at first hands the
lively light, although there is steady call
for small reassortments of seaSonable goods
by mail and telegraph and some very liberal
orders for certain spring goods are also
being received by the commission houses
through their statesmen travelingIn the west
and south. Low grade union and cotton warp
cassimeres continue In moderate demand
by the clothing trade, but the better grades
are somewhat sluggish. Light weight
worsted suitings and trouserings are in linn
tied request, but some duplicate orders for
certain makes are being received. Heavy
woolen and worsted suitings are in light de-
mand for the renewal OF assortments, and
there is fair movement in overcoatings and
satinets on account of back orders. Cloakings,
stockinets and jersey cloths continue in mod
crate request by manufacturers and the
jobbing trade. F'lannels and blankets are re-
ported to be moderately active III jobbing Cir
cles and light recorder demand for certain
makes is also reported by agents. Carpets
are being jobbed in fair quantities, with
skirts and woollen and beaver shawls steady.
The general movement has been fair
in all departments CT trade, and
in some lines conditions are stronger.
The most strength at present is noticeable in
the from market, the Improvement having
apparently struck all kinds. Pig iron is firm
and the demand appears to be snfIicient to
absorb the production, although the output
of the furnaces is larger than ever before.
Swedish iron continues firm, with rivetco lis
advanced ~ per tor. Bars and shapesl re
tirmer but not quotably higher. Manufac-
tured iron Is doing better, ana prices tend
upward. Copper is quiet and still rather
unsettled. Dry goods have sold fairly
IN jobbng departments, but the bad weather
has nterfered with trade. Lumber is goiug
quite freely into use, building operations be-
ing carried on quite extensively. Leather
holds steady in pii ice and buyers are taking
supplies to keep their factories employed at
full former rates Rubber is feeling the ef-
fects OF brisk demand, and general values
have advanced. Mr. A. H. Alden, of G. A.
Alden & Co., leading rubber operators, in
speaking of the outlook, says: "Buyers
have held off in their attempt to force rub
ber down. until now they are obliged TO have
supplies. The low prices ruling for African
grades has discouraged gatherers in Africa,
and Notwithstanding the generally dull busi-
ness done last year, the worlds supply has
decreased S75 tons during that time. Medium
grades are now very scarce, with the out
look unfavorable for getting immediate sup
plies. No speculation is noticeable, but man
ufacturers are now obliged to buy to keep
their factories going.
The -four market is quiet, but values hold
steady. and are maintained as buyers are In
need of supplies.
There is still steady business doing with
ioDbers and fair lines OF seasonable fabrics
are continually going into use. The brighter
weather IS helping retailers, and gives prom
ise OF a good fall business. Cotton goods are
being taken steadily, but in quiet way, aud
values hold up we'll. Prints continue steady
and considerable lines are going into use,