Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-04-13
THE TRADE OUTLOOK.
A Better Tone Manifested in Most
Lines of Business and
THE OUTLOOK is MUCH BRIGHTER.
The Export Demand for Breadstufs I'm
proved During the Week.
AN ACTIVE INQUIRY FOR HARNESS
OFFICE OF THE DISPATCH,

PIrTsBURe, TUESDAY, April l2.
While there has not bene any marked i'm
provement in volume of trade since the
month opened, there is an improved tone in
most lines 1t is evident that prices have
been down to bed rock for some time past,
and buyers realizing this fact are disposed
to lay up supplies for the future. In hard
ware lines there has been little, if any, profit
to the manufacturer of late. Nail mills
must be run for glory rather than profit
when cut nails are sold at 81 20 per keg
from store, and wire nails at 81 60 The
extremely low prices of the past few years
have effectually driven the nail producing
trade from Pittsburg. A few years ago
Pittsburg was a prominent center in this
line of manufacture. For the past year or
two our hardware dealers have been receiv-
ing their supplies in this line from Wheel
ing, and old-time nail manufacturers of this
city have turned their attention to the pro-
duction of articles in which there is some
money. 1t is difficult to discover where the
profit comes in to the Wheeling manufac-
turers of nails at present prices.
In Cereal Lines.
The improved tone of trade is most pro-
nounced in the line of breadstuffs. All
through the winter months, and up till
the latter part of March, wheat and -four
showed a downward tendency. The short
wheat crops of Russia and Eastern Germany
last season were worked by bulls for more
than was in It, and the export demand fell
far below general expectations: In the past
week or two there were signs of revival. and
it is evident that the worst is past. Wheat
and flour and in fact all cereals, are bring
ing better prices than week ago. and the
outlook has decidedly improved. The dark
est hour is just before the dawn, and all
signs point to a better trade at advancing
prices in cereal lines.
The Harness Trade.
One of our foremost manufacturers of
harness in an interview had this to say:
"Orders coming in freely, and the out
look for our business is better than it was
wear ago. Last year was not so good in our
line of trade as was the previous year.
Price of stock is now as low as 1t has been
for many years. Low grade leather is in
Iact lower than it has been for many years.
High grades are little affected by the de-
clining drift of prices As we handle moth
ing but the best our stock costs little less
year ahead is decidedly good in our line of
trade, and If our volume of business does
not exceed that of last year we will be dis
appointed"
The Footwear Outlook.
The Chicago Hide and Leather has this to
say of the situation:
"a better feeling prevails. Possibly the
general warmth of the past week has quick
ened the energies of trade. There is less
talk OF lower prices; buyers and sellers
agree more easily in their figures. Shoe
manufacturers are beginning to pay more
attention to the leather markets, aud seldom
allow bargain to slip by. The most con-
servative leather buyers admit that quota
tions are at rock bottom. The tanners evil
IDENTIFY think likewise, as they are
not in hurry to sell large
quantities at present prices for
future delivery. The oak, hemlock and
union sole men are becoming more satisfied
at the demand for their product. Sides and
backs are being taken steadily by boot, shoe
and cut stock manufacturers. The latter
report an improvement in the home and for
eign demand. Heavy sole leather seems to
be good property at present
1t is between seasons in boots and Shoes
but statesmen returned from the road speak
enthusiastically about the condition of the
retail shoe merchants. Hides and skins are
quiet and taken as wanted at the low rates
ruling. Tanners are using strong efforts to
buy on their own terms, but, rather than
miss attractive lots, have paid what holders
asked.