Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1894-09-07
The business situation.

Wot nave CohtlnuSu W
clearings have been larger than they
we're last week; and they show gam OF
about 90 per cent over the low vo'nme
of payments through clearing houses
during the corresponding week last year
Railroad earnings have also increased a
little; and while total earnings compare
upfayorably with those Of August, 1872,
the tonnage of few roads is reported
to be even larger than it was then. A
little lingering uncertainty about the
tariff law has caused continued hesl-
tancy in some departments OF trace
The more hopeful sentiment that has
sprung up has been reflected in further
peneral advance in values on the Stock
Exchanges, widening call for CONNER
cial loans, and an improvement 10 de-
mand for nearly all lines of manufae-
tured goods. The latter has been es-
pecially notable in the boot and shoe
and dry goods trades. Merchandise ex-
ports during August have fallen Sl'40'-
600 below the totals for the same month
last year, while imports have declined
only 100000. Business failures in the
United States and Canada during the
last week have numbered 263, as against
430 during the corresponding week last
year.
Cotton prices haye declined 1-16 OF a
cent, as a result of larger receipts, con-
tinued favorable crop prospects, and the
curtailment OF consumption by the stop
mage of New Bedford and Fall River
mills. The current demand for the
staple from home spinners ID light, and
reflects actual requirements; but exports
show moderate enlargement and prom
Use further increase as large supplies of
new cotton shall become available. De-
mand for cotton goods shows decided
improvement, and the general position
OF values Is utlner' llOoo VI ~"
makes of plain and colored cottons and
of printing cloths have been fractlonallY
advanced, owing to the check to produc-
ton and the reduced stock in first hands.
The wool trade has been quieter, as man
ufacturers who had been large buyers
prior to the passage of the tariff bill
have since been holding off awaiting a
practical test of the effect of the new
law. Values of wool show little change,
and while few lots are slightly cheaper
than they were fortnight ago, the gen
eral market is firm at current prices.
Demand for heavy woolens has contln-
ued good, but business has been re-
stricted by small stocks and the inability
of mill agents to take further orders.
Spring weights, and especially the low
priced fabrics, have been in steadily i'm
proving demand and the production of
some mills is already well under con
tract for future delivery. Western
prices of Bessemer pig iron have
slightly declined, owing to the larger
production; and while there has been
fair business in finished forms of iron
and steel, the improvement in trade has
not been sufficient to prevent continued
weakness in values. The large reserve
capacity awaiting an incentive to re-
sumo operations tends to retard any
movement in the direction of higher
prices, Sugar prices have advanced !
of cent, and there has been active
trade in anticipation of further rise IN
values after the new tariff law shall have
gone into effect.
Wheat prices developed an advancing
tendency during the week as a result Of
reports Of wet weather and consequent
damage to the harvest on the continent
of Europe. The reports OF injury to for
ign crops were much exaggerated, how
ever, and brought little increase in de-
mand from Continental importers who
were in a position to know the extent OF
damage, if any. that had been sustained
Lacking the support of export demand
the markets yielded to the effect of more
favorable harvest advicss from the North
west. The yield Of spring wheat is gen.
orally reported in excess of previous
expectations and conservative statis-
ticians now concede the probability that
the entire wheat production, which the