The Helena independent., 1892-01-11

Special kilograms to Bradstreet's from
prominent trade csnters report q prononnc-
cd dullness in general jobbing lines, "a Ia
usual Mt this SEASON. south aa we'll rs in
some other sections mercantile collections
are not prompt; there 10 less disconnting by
banks and more extensions nre asked. Coal
and other seasonnblo lines are unfayorably
affected by mild weather. Lumber 10 quiet
but firm at che northwest, at the east is
dull, at soma points depressed. There is
Improvement in demand for raw OF finished
iron as yet. Prices Of wire and nails at the
west are lower. In some lines, notably dry
goods at Philadelphia. volume Of trade for
1891 with some exceptions) is reported less
than In 1880 At most Of the larger west-
ern cities satisfaction is expressed with the
character and volume Of general trade in
1891. At Chicago, the increase, aa COM
pared with the preceding year, is placed At
ak per cent. The Louisiana sugar Drop 10
expected to be % per cant smaller than in
1880. Reports come from various sections
Of the south as to late dcorense in receipts
Of cotton. In the eastern states boot and
shoe manufacturers are beginning to work
on spring orders. There is apparent
widespread feeling of confidence in the
favorable course Of trade for 1892. In the
Canadian dominion business is very quiet.
Recent heavy exports of wheat have not re-
ncted sufficiently to show favorable effect
on collections as yet, and discounting is
done cautiously.
Business failures in the United States in
1881 numbered 1884, or 16 per cent. more
than in $780, but the increase as compared
with the total in 1889 is only six per cent,
and az contrasted with the total in 1883 is
only II per cent. So that tho net gain in
number, as compared with 1885, is equal to
the gain over 1890, there having been
nine per cent. decrease in 1890. Liabilities
are only $18OOO,0OO larger than in 1890.
about 10 per cent, but this gain may he
Offset by two or three failures which, with
proper management, would not have taken
place. About fifty three banks and bankers
owing 1856, 900, 900 failed during 1891, against
thirty-two in 1890, with about $4,000, 600 of
debts.
The South Australian wheat crop is Il
partial failure being estimated al not over
five bushels per acre, and the probable sur
plus for export less than 100000 bushels,
which will be required in the other colonies
tured that Victoria may have 100000
bushels for export beyond Australasia.
Wheat p1ices in the United States have not
been strong, and exports have been
checked by the holidays. Grain Carrying
vessels bound for San Francisco for carRoes
to low freights from that point. Grain is
expected to 60 forward to tidewater in Cali
fornia more freely within the next few
months. Exports Of wheat last week from
both coasts Of the United States, as re-
ported to Bradstreet's, aggregate about B.
10Y n00 hnGhaa aUaingk phnnE r G7E 1f0
bushels the week before. Exports of oats
last week aggregated S48, 900 bushels, against
over 1,176.OOO bushels the week before, and
those OF rye 164, 600 bushels, as compared
with 114,000 bushels. Flour exports have
declined somewhat. Those of Indian corn
have increased,
Manufacturers Of woOlen goods are not
buying raw materials heavily except at con-
cessions, and wool prices are lower than at
the close of 1880. The outlook is for more
activity in the early months of 1892. The
Australian colonies. as per our Australian
correspondence, will have the largest wool
clip on record. probably 100000 bales more
than last year. General dry goods move
slowly; sales of brown and bleaohed cottons
are at low prices. Print cloths are moro
900 pieces in 1891, 5000 pieces more than
in 1890. Stocks on hand are only 10000
pieces, against 5S3.O00 pieces Il year ago.
and the price has averaged 2.o5 cents,
against 3.S4 cents III 1880. Woolen goods
are qu..u, III come instances dull.
The close of the year resulted in some
display of reactionary tendencies i'll the
New York share market, which we're for
time by y the Sad deoaration as Of
than had been looked for, while rumors
we're current of further complications in
Richmond Terminal affairs. Nevertheless,
speculation in the final proceedings 1ecov
cred its strength and activity, and shows
every tendency to respond to the easy CON-
dition OF money and the favorable state of
railroad traffic and earnings. The money
markets are plethorio in regard to the sup
being proportionutely moderate, though
increased borrowing for both commercial
nnd speculative purposes are expected to
develop after Jan. !. Foreign exchange,
though dull. has been slightly irmer prln-
cipally over the annual closing furry in
rates ut London,