Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-09-16
FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL.
THE GRAIN TRADE, CROPS, &C.

The Cincinnati Price Current OF September
says 1.-THE feature of special interest just now Is
the corn crop, which has been making fair
progress toward maturity. but the ripening
process has been retarded thro ughout large
proportion OF the West by cool weather and
moisture. keeping the corn in growing con-
dltion to more or less extent. II the weather
hereafter Is favorable to m sturing aud :secur>
ing the crop the production will be enlarged
by the recent conditions. Probably one-third
of the western crop now needs 10 to 20 days to
become secure against frosts.
In Oaio large part of the corn crop now
needs about two weeks of favorable weather to
reach q point OF security from special injury
by hard frosls; in Indiana two or three weeks
in Illinois 10 to Is days; in iowa about two
weeks; in Missouri ten days to two wesks; in
Kansas 1t Is practically safe from injury by
frost; 10 Nebraska mostly secure in the west.
erin portion OF the State, and needing 10 to ~
days for considerable portion In the eastern
districts: in Kentucky, the bulk of the crop is
now safe.
Our returns Indicate that IL the corn crop
can be carried through to maturity without
| essential damage from freezing 1t may be ex
pected to closely approach If not to equal the
production in any previous year. The past
few weeks have accomplished great improve
ment in its average status.
The average condition Of corn on August /
as reported by the Department. of Agriculture
was 90.S-and for September l should show
some Improvement; the possibilities of the
crop. at date may be regarded as approximate
ly s. per cent of full yield. This, of course
could be reduced by late untoward conditions.
The weather has CONT uued favorable or fall
blowing operations. and there is further evil.
dence of intentions to enlarge the area OF
wheat.
The September report OF the Government in
regard to wheat will relate to average condi-
ton of the crop when harvested. The July
indication for winter grain was So 2; August l
condition of spring wheat 95.5. The general
average condition for September to reflect the
evident yield In comparison with previous re-
suits relative to condition percentage should
show fully 100.
The marketing of wheat in the West has
been exceptionally large in quantity the past
week. and the export clearances continue OF
very liberal volume The speculative markets
have developed something of weakness. and
Chicago at the close shows decline Of 49, for
December. compared with week ago.
Wheat receipts at primary markets were
1874 600 bushels for the week, against 7,340, 900
the preceding week, and 2 10000 last year.
Corn receipts were 3,6N GOO bushels, against
81 900 the preceding week, and 1000 last
year."
The weekly Bulletin Of Henry Clews c..
OF September 18th says
1.-THE crop situation has almost passed the
stage of possible adverse contingencies. The
corn crop. according to the GOvernmentreport
OF September LIST. shows an improvement over
the condition In August and may be already
considered as virtually beyond reach of frost.
and the late storms have caused but little dis
counting of The earlier good prospects. The re-
ports of damage to Spring wheat in the far
West prove to have been exaggerated, and we
may safely count upon total yield of 575 mill
lions Of bushels of that grain, in excellent con-
dition and of better than average quality. The
reports of damage from worms to the cotton
crop have undoubtedly been grossly magnified;
for that kind of injury is now SO largely under
immediate control by the planter that it is no
longer the source OF danger it once was. Be-
sides. even supposing that a loss Of quarter
million of bales were TO arise from this cause.
1t is more likely. in view OF the present large
stocks, that 1t would Increase the total value
Of the crop than that it would diminish 1t.
The general conditions of trade are encourag-
Ing. There are nowhere any specific com>
plants, nor is there anywhere q boom, but the
feeling on all hands Is hopeful for good and
prosperous seasons business. In the iron
trade the firmer tone of prices indicates the
beginning Of a better demand. The increase In
the current consumption of coal is a clear evil
dence of growing activity In our industries.
The earnings of the railroads show gaining
rate OF increase over those of last year. which
Is also evidence of a steady expansion of the
commercial movement"