Evening star., 1896-04-01
FINANCE AND TRADE
Less Apprehension Regarding Gold
Exports.
SPECULATIVE SENTIMENT IMPROVED
Awaiting Action Of the Tobacco
Trust Directors.
GENERAL MARKET REPORTS

Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.
NEW YORK. April 1.-Continuei i'm
rrovement in speculative sentiment and
an absence OF significant change in the
character Of the buying about describes
todays narrow stock operations. London's
prices were irregular and the volume Of
foreign business unimproved.
A slight tendency toward an easier eX-
change market Was an important favorable
development and apprehension on the sub
ject of gold export was noticeably loss
acute. The street is probably better l.re-
pared TO receive an announcement of a
specie effiux than at any time during the
incumbency of the present administration,
and the probabilities of a demonstration
against values are steadily decreasing in
consequence.
ihe result of the meeting of the directors
or the American Tobacco Company held
today was eagerly awaited, an important
movement In the stock being assured upon
the announcement Of the decision reached
relative to dividends. The adjournment of
the meeting at noon without action was
somewhat disappointing, but assurances
We're gwen that an official announcement
OF the decision would lie made toward ths
close oil business. 1t Is generally consid-
cred probable that a 2 per cent disburse-
ment Will be sanctioned, but until the act
ual announcement is made the street will
pe Justlfed in a cautious acceptance of
rumor.
The industrial list was we'll supported at
every point of activity, Indications of new
buying being apparent in several instances
notably in Distillers. in which an important
upward movement is predicted, sed on
the prospects of successful reorganiza-
tion
In the railroad list a moderate volume of
professional business served to hold prices
firm at email fractional gains. Burlington
was in good demand up to the best level
recently recorded, and is coming to be re-
garded as leader in the next active mar
ket. Manipulation in Manhattan advanced
the price to los Is. gain OF 2 J-S per cent
from the initial level Recent movements
In iVs property have been assisted by a
nervous short interest and room sentiment
Is slowly receding from the extreme pessi-
mlstic position heretofore so pronounced
improvement in the iron mrket, the recog-
rized index of prosperity, is justly attract
ing attention as basis for profitable specu-
lation. The improved demand for steel rails
is particularly significant and will probably
be followed by an increased demand for
structural material The approaching holi-
days will tend to emphasize the professional
arrowness of the market, but beyond the
evils usually arising from such a condition
there is no serious ground for apprehension.
Prices may not advance from lack Of
buyers, but conditions do not warrant sales,
end holders Of stocks are fully aware Of
this latter fact, Crop conditions satisfac-
tory earnings and hopes of an early dissolu-
tion or Congress are factors now operative
against lower rates.
The actual realization of the latter hone
should prompt substantial sentimental
advance. which careful regard for actual
merit should subsequently perpetuate.