The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-03-18
CONDITION OF BUSINESS.
Dun's Review of the State of Trade-Gen-
eral Improvement. W

Dun's Review Of tile State of Trade-Gen,
eral improvements. u
NEW YonK, March Redistribution O
products is unquestionably improving
Transactions are Oh the whole larger thar
year ago. in spite of depression at thu
south, being very much larger at the west
Nor is improvement confined to that sec
ton, though general there; it is also more
distinctly felt in eastern cities, and there
are not wanting signs that trade at the
south, though still mneh embarrassed by
tbs low price of cotton, is steadily gaining,
With all the great industries active, with
money abundant in spite of gold exports,
and with speculation kept in wholesome
check, the outlook would seem to bc I'M
usually favorable, Notwithstanding general
complaints that prices are low and mar
gins of profit unusually small.
Iron has been the dismal feature, but in
stead Of q decrease the weekly OUTPUT
shows a large increase, 80 that March | it
was this largest over known, 1872, 9O2 tons,
against 1SS, 1876 last December, hitherto tbs
maximum: A year ago there was a shrink
age owing TO strikes, but 183, 846 tons had
been reaohed in December, 1890, and $50.
991 in March, 1890, so that for two years tbs
increase has been but seven per cent. The
trouble in this industry il that while shnrp
competition between northern and southern
producers put down prices. the consump-
ton has been irregular, at some seasons ex-
ttaordinary, but at others hesitating. There
Is such s%hrinkage now that a leading Le-
high producer HAS reduced the rrico ST. tec
ton this weak, making the lowest quota
tons on record. Southern companies are
trying to c~onsolid2ts, and meanwhile No, I
Birmingham is offered delivered at Troy
for $3.50. Rails are inactive, bar is dull
and plates weaker. In copper there is also
an effort TO consolidate or combine pro-
ducers. az yet with uncertain results. Trade
In tin has been small and lead il dull.
Tha textile industries ara improving.
Sales of wool at Boston, Philadelphia ana
Now York for the year now sxceud last
years to same date by 10000 pounds, or
10 par cent, and while buyers do not specu-
late and the tone is weaker, it is clear tia
manufacturers are taking wool moro
largely. On the whole, more machinery is
busy than q Year aao, especially in chsv-
lots, oyercoatings and eloakings, and the
dress goods trade has successfully closed a
big season. In knit goods buyers hesitate.
The trade IN cotton goods is largely in ex-
cess OF lat year, GALES in February show-
ing q big increase in eyerv department.
business the past week has been bcttet ut
Boston, especially in lenther and shoes, and
have been \ shade larger than a
70 r ago, though tla dec onso for tho year
Mus fnr is still six per cent. Wool . lea were
o,2ll,ouu pounds aeninnt 2.7ll, 800 pounds
last yenr. Hartford notes much better
hardwar trade and improvement in dry
goods. At Philadelphia, while iron 10 DO.
niorallzed, and tho market for wool in
buyers favor, liberal orders appear for dry
goods. and the trade, except with the south,
ID the best for many yeara. In groceries.
paints, oil and glass, there ia gradual i'm.
provenent. and in tobacco, tina larger cigar
makers being busy. P%ittaburQ tinds tho
volume OF trade in iron smaller, and some
further talk of closing furnaces, but tho
glass trade is fair. The grocery trade at
Cincinnati is good, and snddlery and har-
ness active. Good trade IL noted at Cleye-
land in dry goods. hardware, boots and
crookery, and jobbinR trade a1oeedine LAST
years ut Detroit. Chicago reports liuorsl
incrsaao in sales of merchandise OK
cseding last years thus far, and
receipts of products show Qnina of II third
In cattle, half in corn and rye, double last
years In flour and barley, three timas in
wheat, four lines In dressed beef, while n
decrease of Il third is seen in cured meats,
hogs and wool. Money 10 plenty for loeit-
innate trade. Throughout this north sst
the storm has unsettled trade, though
everywhere prohpecta are considered bright,
aud at Milwaukee and st. Paul trade mnah
exceeds last years, while vt Omaha cob
siderable increase IN seen. At Kansas City
cattle receipts arc 10000 head above last
years for tho week, aud ut st. Louis pros
recta ara considered good for a large in.
crenso OF trade. 1t 10 gratifying that notes
OF cheer cono from tho south; Louisville
reports the largest salos of tobacco In tho