Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-02-10
THE BETTER TIMES.
They Are Coming, Though. 1t May Be-
Gradually Only.


NEW YORK. February 9.-Bradstreets
to-morrow will say: Unfavorable features
IN general merchandise lines are con-
spicuous In the reaction In the raw-wool
market following the squirt sales gwen OF
that staple particularly at Boston. III
the preceding two weeks when me guam
tity sold exceeded 100000 pounds. and in
the appearance of unreasonable weather
South and West and reports from f''uu-
more that general trade for February
opens disappontingly, results beihs
smaller than expected.
A plainly favorable feature of January
railway earnings lies I'm the reports from
southern roads. which were noticeabiy
less unfavorable than In the preceding
month There are forty-odd assumptions
of important industrial establishments
this week TO be contrasted with announce
ments OF the shutting down of only six
similar concerns. An easier wool mar
ket at home. emphasized by a weaker
market at London, may be contrasted
with the fair jobbing movement In general
dry goods amongst leading houses at
eastern, centres. which report the volume
OF trade for January fair. Notwithstanding
sales were in small lots. A favorable
surprise ~ in results of the saie OF home
and foreign silks at New York, the prices
q
predicted, furnishing a fair margin of
profit. and pointing TO the willingness of
dealers to replenish stocks In advance of
immediate demands. There Is a gain also
I'm the movement of mems wear. and of
woollens from eastern centres. while the
increased demand for steel billets at
fittsburg and at Chicago is such that
the prices are nearly. II not quite. 81 a
toB higher. and more than 10000 OF steel
have beer contracted for.
The demand for rods, wire, and nails
has increased as WELL and some mills
have refused further orders 1T current
prices. The sales of southern Iig-iron
have been increased at the West.
There were S36 business failures In the
United States this week, against $40 last
week, 22S the same week a year ago.
241 two years ago and 2G0 three years
ago.
Baltimore reports the trade for Janu-
airy 20 per cent. less than last year. and
the current demand not up TO expecta-
tons. Hand-to-mouth purchases con-
tinue the rule In general merchandise
lines at Pittsburg. but inquiries for iron
and steel have increased There is u
sihxht increase In business at Louisville.
particularly in leaf tobacco, the sales of
which are satisfactory and the prices
higher.
Charleston. Memphis, and Mobile report
no material change In the condition OF
trade, which IL quiet. with the exception
that at the first point lumber and ferti-
lizers are more active.
Atlanta manufacturers are working
more hours daily than for year past.
but available funds exceed the demand.
There IL an increase in business at Au-
gusta In all lines. with good demand for
products OF cotton factories. Savannah
reports general trade. improving, with
spirits OF turpentine leading as to de-
mand and gain In price. Nashville re-
ports business checked by the weather
and OF limited volume. with money Offer
ing in exc<ss OF demand. The Birmins-
ham rpalinx-milis are announced 10 open
soon Trade was stimulated at New
Orieans last week by the Mardi Gras
festival. the number OF buyers visiting
that city. both wholesale and retail, being
considerable. Exports OF corn continue
heavy. and the resumption OF sugar
bounty payments has had stimulating
effect on trade.
General trade at Texas cities shows O
gain over preceding weeks.
DUNs OUTLOOK.
r. q. Dun n Co.'S weekly review of
trade tomorrow win say: improvement
II business still appears In many ulrec-
lions, but II seems to be In part balanced
by loss IN others. The gradual gain
which began some time ago. and was
STRENGTHENED q iittle by the success
Of the Treasury loan, has scarcely an
swered expectations. Reports OF re-
sumption OF work continue to indicate
that the industries are doing more than
10 December, and yet the record OF their
actual gain Is disappointingly small. The
marked increase which appeared In the
offerings Of commercial paper has almost
Wholly ceased. and the accumulation OF
s,nemn1oyed funds continues. 70 that en-
lord milI-peper has been taken &C
~ per cent. The bond operation has
- eivsncsd stocks nor stimulated specu-
jef1co. ana the lowest price ever known
~ u'h&ol has len recorded.
1oms1eos u iineertainty which re-
I5iaa. MA ths tas1g b'ii YET u The