The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1894-10-17
THE BUSINESS SITUATION.
NO MARKED CHANGE.
Not Much Reliance in the Government
Crop Report.

II. q. Dun \ Co.'s Weekly Review OF
Trade saysi Business IL still waiting for the
development OF retail trade There is little
better demand In some industries but not so
good In others. Wholesale dealers In nearly
NIL branches nre halting because business
does not yet show distinctly what II Is to be.
Lower prices for the great farm staples and
lower wngcs In some establishments hinder
purchase for consumption, while political un-
rest ana uncertainty also have some retard-
ing influence.
Meanwhile, large imports md small ex-
ports OF merchandise, with inadequate EN-
ployment for money here, are raising the
rates OF foreign exchange, 80 thnt possibili-
ties OF gold exports somewhat affect the
stock market. The hnlting attitude for the
moment IL disturbing to those who have
looked for continued gain, though, rightly
considered, It Is the natural consequence OF
conditions which were to be expected at this
season.
The Government crop reports aro not
greatly trusted, and yet have nm influence,
and actually exaggerate the tendency toward
low prices, because they are supposed to put
all the crops too low. Men calmly reckon that
II the Government report indicates over
400 .00O, 900 bushels Of wheat, the crop must
be over 800, ,000, 900 bushels. The price IL
slightly lower. Corn has been stronger, for
receipts are hardly n quarter and exports
barely an eighth OF last years, aud men ques-
tion whether the actual yield. II above the
Government estimate, may not prove lower
than had been supposed. The cotton re-
turns are more confusing but all point to n
yield so far above that indicated by the Gov
ernment that its statement has been followed
by further decline for the week of one
quarter. The receipts thus far hardly en-
courage extremely large estimates. and yet
u Is to be considered that the crop was later
than usual
The iron industry records larger produc-
tion In September than In any other month
this year; but as prices are gradually weaken
ing, because OF insufficient demand for finish
en products, some works arc preparing to
close or shorten time.
The woolen mills still have numerous be-
lated orders fer fall goods, but the demand
Tor spring does not increase, though In ne ary
all the lower priced products domestic makers
appear able TO command most of the business
that exists. Sales of wool have been i,s17,-
9i9 pounds, against 800, i52 last year, and
1000, 600 in 1892, and prices are shade
weaker for fine fleece.
Failures for the week ending October T.
show liabilities Of 81. .7li,276, of which $685..
Ss5 are OF manufacturing aud ss02, ,30l Of
trading concerns. There have been 2al In
the United States against 393 last year; and
AZ in Canada against ~ last year.
An accumulation Of favorable features IL
revealed In the telegraph reports to Brad.
streets this week. While advices as to tho
most marked Improvement come from the
West and South there are some encourag
ing features also reported from the East
aud the net result Of last weeks business has
been further progress IN the direction OF en-.
lnrged distr ibution.
Exports OF wheat, including -four as wheat
from both coasts of the United States and
Canada for six business days ending with
Thursday of this week, aggregate 3,3l7, ,O40
xyh Ia xnI ,.,itI u n u