Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-02-15
FINANCE AND TRADE.
Question of a Sugar Tax the Topic
in Wall Street.
VARYING VIEWS ABOUT TIE TRUST
Rise in Gas Caused by Mayor
Hopkins Veto.
GENERAL MARKET REPORTS.

special Dispatch 20 The Evening Star
NEW YORK. Feb. 15.--The stock marke,
opened dull and irregular this morning
ana Win one or two exceptions no impor-
taht changes were recorded London pr.-
scented no new features. ana traded only
moderately In our market
sugar became conspicuous immedia tely
alter the opening by reason of its sudden
weakness. and sold on ) Ia per cent to IS.
The decline was attributed TO the liquida-
ton OF long stock. and many thousand
shares were unloaded before bottom prices
Were touched
Inc meager amends that the Senate may
make for the radical action OF the House
In putting sugar the fire. list are not
satisfactory to inside interests. who claim
that the company Will be forced into q re-
duction Of the present dividend rate ami
the exercise OF the strictest economy I'm
operating expenses. This Interpretation OF
the new schedule however, does not con
form 10 the views VI certain operators fs-
miliar with the figures presented on the
cofmpsny's balance sheet and assure noes
are most emphatically given thai with It's
pany has nothing to fear. either from legfs-
lation or competition. The bulk OF the
stock. however belongs 10 those who open
ly express dissatisfaction with the outlook
lilc rucat itl1urtfgs anu u u quite likely
that liquidation may be continued Ia the
hope Of getting the stock back at lower
figures.
Chicago Gas opened up strong at an Cd
vance OF ga per cent. and added an extra
- per cent TO opening figures but was
Immediately attacked by traders. who fore
ed a reaction Of l-2 per cent 20 o. L.
The defeat Of the ordinance giving a fran
chise 10 a rival company was responsible
fer the early strength. but the selling OF o
few hundred shares at top figures soon
brought the price down IN the neighbor hood
Of recent quotations. This stock 10 rarely
free from the various devices OF the pro-
fessional manipulation. and rumors OF q
similar threatening character via nov be
In order to further the interests Of the bear
contingent.
The doubt concerning Burlington's next
dividend will probably be dispelled AT to-
morrow's meeting of the directors OF thai
company. Opinion and authorities differ q.
to the result. many being confident that the
company can at least pay one more divi-
dend at the old rate. while Others are
equally sure that per cent IN all the stock
holders can expect out OF the pro1t Of an
extremely dull season.
Louisville and Nashville gained l-2 per
cent on small transactions 70 46 Ia and
New York Central gained a similar amount
10 ~
The dullness In the railroad list LETT
majority Of stocks practically unchanged IN
price. Traders se interested only IN the
lndustrfals and the public stu holds aioof
from speculation until the tariff question
is disposed OF and the country settles down
IN determined effort to try It's efncacy.
The market for sterling continues strong
on limited volume OF business. with a ten
dency toward higher prices
The strength is due more 20 TIE prevail
ing scarcity or bills rather than 20 any In
creased demand. Money rates continue un-
changed without noticeable Improvement In
demand. The clearing house statement
shows exchanges. s1l.Ss5.9 2s: balances r. :
G6os2 and the subtreasury's debit balance.
S14a. 49,
The last hours trading developed no new
features and the market closed dull a.
fractional declines for the day