Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-12-15
FINANCE AND TRADE.
Speculation in Stocks Has Become
Lethargic.
WALL STREET AWAITING SOMETHING
The Tariff Bill the Chief Topic Of
Conversation.
GENERAL MARKET REPORTS.
Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.

Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.
NEW YORK, Dec. 15.-Speculation has be-
come so thoroughly lethargic that a stock
in which the aggregate transactions exceed
thousand shares is accorded prominent
position on the active list and is mentioned
as feature Of the days trading. Nothing
can be said of the general situation that
would not be a complete reiteration OF con-
ditions and statements prevailing at the be-
ginning of the month. The street at that
time assumed an attitude Of waiting that
has since become chronic and speculative
disinterestedness and stagnation naturally
result
The tariff bill Is the recognized topic Of
conversation and serves the purposes of
traders on both sides of the market
The bears have probably made more capt.
tai out of decreased railroad earnings than
rs warranted by actual conditions, but their
argument is none the less effective in the
absence of all resistance from the bull ele-
ment. who for a variety of reasons show no
disposition to support the market.
Introductory figures were fractionally be-
low those recorded at the close Of yester-
days business and subsequent trading was
mostly at further discount in value
New England was again the most con-
spicuous feature of the regular list and lost
per cent to p I-S on continued realizing.
bostoE Is said to be bullish on this property
ana Is quietly buying on the declines.
sugar was strong at an advance of l 3-4
per cent to 81 1-2 on covering by operators
VINO sold the stock yesterday on the pre-
SUMPTION that the last dividend at the old
rate had been declared. The clause of the
new tarin Dill relative to this industry is so
completely adverse that friends of the prop
erty hope for the substitution of a more
conservative measure.
General Electric holds well in spite of
pear attacks, and advanced "a per cent to
SS.1-4 on limited business
Inc Following decreases in railroad earn
rigs were reported today: Union Pacific, for
the month of October, $500 100: Atchison.
first week in December SD 465. and "Bie
Four, same period $47 ,39l
Inc BOND market was without special fea-
ture ana continues firm on a decreased vol
ume OF business. Total sales today We're in
the neighborhood of SJOO,OOO
Rumors of further rate cutting on the
Erie lines were in circulation this morning
and other roads are said to be making
private rates Tor produce to the eaboa rd
considerably under the schedule
sterling was steady, at 4S5 1-2a4SS IL on
small dealings Foreign houses do not an
tcipate any gold shipments by tomorrow
steamers
Money has loaned as low as 3-4 per cent
on call during the week, which is the mini
mum of recorded rates, and was freely
0mereo In large blocks at per cent TODAY
Time rates vary from IL to BIZ the
latter rate good for six months.
Inc clearing house statement shows ex-
changes, SI6oGS,954; balances 81 a,y ,ssi
and the subtreasurys debit balance. s136
S6i. Sugar was the only feature of the
later trading, and advanced TO " ~ on
considerable activity. The closing was dIii
and strong, at only slight changes for the
day. ~e