St. Paul daily globe., 1892-03-12
DUN'S REVIEW.
Distribution Improves. an'
Transactions Widening

NEW YORK, March 1i.-R. G. Dun x Co.'S
weekly review OF trade says: The distrlbu-
ton of products is unqueStionably improV-
ing. Transactions are. on the whole, larger
than year ago, i'll spite OF depression at the
South, being very mnch larger in the West.
Nor is the i'm proVement confined TO that sec
ton. though general there. 1t is more dis
tiLctly felt in Eastern cities. and there are
not wanting signs that trade at the
South, though still much embar-
rassed by the low price of cot
ton, is steadily gaining. With all the
great industries active, with money abundant
in spite of gold exports. and with specula-
ton kept in wholesome check, the outlook
would seem to be unusually favorable. not
withstanding general complaints that prices
are low and margins OF profit unusually
small.
Iron has been the dismal feature, but in
stead OF a decrease the weekly output shows
a large increase, so that March 1t was the
largest ever known
The trouble in this country is that while
sharp competition between Northern and
Southern producers puts down prices, the
consumption has been irregular for some
reasons. Southern companies are trying
10 consolidate. In copper there is also an ef-
fort TO consolidate or combine producers, rs
yet with uncertain results. Trade in tin
has been small, and lead is dull
The textile industries are improving, while
buyers do not speculate and the tone is
weaker, 1t is clear that manufacturers are
more machinery is busy than year ago. and
especially in cheviots. overcoatings and
cloakings, and the dress goods trade has sue
cessfully closed a big season. In knit goods
buyers hesitate. The trade in cotton goods is
largely in excess of last year, sales III
February showing a big increase i'll every
department
Business the past week has been better at
Boston. AT Philadelphia white iron is de-
moraliZed, and the market for wool in buy
G. FaUn 6rV
goods, and the trade, except with the South,
is the best for years. Good trade is noted at
Cleveland i'll dry goods, hardware, boots and
crockery, and jobbing trade exceeding last
years at Detroit. Chicago reports liberal in
crease Of sales OF merchandise, exceeding
last years thus far, and receipts of products
show gains OF third in cattle. half i'll corn
and rye, double last years in -four ana bar
ley, three times in wheat and four times i'll
dressed beef while q decrease of third is
seen in cured meats, hogs and wool. Money
is plenty for legitimate trade.
Throughout the Northwest the storm has
unsettled trade, though everywhere prospects
are considered bright, and at Milwaukee and
st. Paul trade much exceeds last years for
the week, and at St Louis prospects are con
sidered good for q large increase in trade. 1t
is gratifying that notes of cheer come from
the South. Some Improvement is seen at
New Orleans, where sugar is rising with an
active demand, and better feeling is seen
in cotton.
Speculation in products is weak, wheat
being 2s4c lower and corn Ac exports
falling much below those of recent
weeks. Oats and pork products are I'M
changed drop of 1Sc in cotton
puts the price down to COB, the lowest for
more than forty years. and receipts continue
to exceed last years, though this week eX
ports fall behind. All exports from New
York show decrease for the month thus far
of about per cent.
Though money is abundant rates on call
have slightly advanced, and the market for
commercial loans is a little SITTER at most
Eastern cities. The business failures through
on. the country during the last seven days
number 256, as compared with q total OF 240
last week. For the corresponding week last
year the figures Were273.