Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-03-02
ESPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE D1srArcH.l


NEW YORK, March Especial kilograms
10 BradStreet's report, on the whole, a some
what less encouraging condition of general
trade. The only encouraging advices
which reported an improvement in dis
tribution or general merchandise, are
those from Chicago, Kansas City, Pittsburg
and st. Paul. The gains appear to have
been made in drygoods, groceries, boots and
shoes and agricultural implements.
At most of the larger centers, notably
Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore, gen.
eral trade is steady, with little or no gain
noted. At Philadelphia trade thus far in
1889 has not equaled expectations, and there
is no real activity. Merchants, however,
are hopeful of the spring trade. At Balti-
more drygoods, notions and groceries are
most active and merchants are hopeful.
WEATHER TO BLAME.
Rains and heavy roads in Louisiana and
Texas have checked business at the interior
and hindered planters. Farmers in Mis-
souri,, Iowa and Kansas are holding back
their grain and stock. Mercantile collec-
tions are quite uniformly reported slower.
Louisville telegraphs that leaf tobacco
offerings continue large, and that the de-
mand is active, with prices well supported.
The manufactured tobacco trade is some
what affected by the uncertainty of Con-
gressional action on the proposed repeal of
the tobacco tax.
General trade in New York is quiet.
Housefurnishings goods are active in all
lines. Groceries, fruits, jewelry, hardware
and building material are quiet to dull.
Prices show no change. Lumber for export
is slightly more active. Philadelphia sugar
rehners are underselling New York. In
activity, due partly to Inauguration cere-
monies, but principally to continued bear
ishness on Granger and Coal stock. pre-
vailed in stock speculation in New York
This was modified by rising tendencies in
the Oregon and other special stocks.
Increased activity and recovered strength
marked the last days of the week. Bonds
are strong but less active. Money at New
York has been subject to some manipula-
ton of rates, but is fairly easy. Coal loans
2(G2H per cent. Foreign exchange is dull
and little easier in tone. Demand ster-
ling 81 Ss3zC94 SO.
SOME THINGS INCREASE.
Gross earnings of 49 railroads for the third
week of February were So, ,131, ,237, against
8, ,979, ,319 last year, an increase of 81 per
cent. Bank clearings from 3S cities, tele-
graphed TO Brdd5treet'S, aggregate S., SOL
604 069 for two months of 1889, against
81, 562, 446, ,941 in 1888, an increase of 16 per
cent.
The Anaconda Copper Mine continues to
produce heavily, notwithstanding the syn
dicate's expectation to close it. The syn
dicate is still selling copper at 161k cents,
for which 1t pays 1S cents. Southern and
Western pig iron markets have a stronger
time pct foroino etooIrc
ers are asking for March options. Sheet
mills have been short of orders, and prices
nave been shaded. Southern crude iron
makers have placed large quantity Of iron
in Northern markets.
Anthracite coal production has been
greatly curtailed, owing to decreased sales,
increased stocks and fears of enforced price
reduction. 1t is reported that &c, 900 miners
are idle. The preliminary report to Brad
streets for February shows So strikes and
8, 165 strikers compared with 81 strikes, in
volving Il, 1856 employees in February, 1888,
and 81 strikes involving 6,083 employees in
February. 1887.
Retail drygoods buyers are active at New
York and Boston, and leading styles of
spring and summer wear goods are in ac-
tive movement. Several large drives of
dress ginghams at New York this week in
duced large movement. Commission men
report an Improvement in the recorder de-
mand for cotton dress goods, and also in
woolen and worsted fabrics. Prices are un-
changed for all desirable grades of cottons.
Brown and bleached goods are well under
the control of orders. Print cloths are
1rmer with quotations ranging at 1908
15-16c.
WOOL PROSPECTS.
Raw wool is in light demand, but with