Evening star., 1897-02-18
No Significant Changes in Underly-
ing Conditions.
COMMISSION HOUSES INACTIVE
Prices Not Affected by the News
From the East.
GENERAL MARKET REPORTS
ii,e.-ial Dispatch TO The Evening star.

Siss'ial Dispatch TO The Evening star.
NEW YORK. February lS-Today's trans.
actions in miscellaneous securities reflect no
significant changes in underlying conditions.
The demand from non-professional sources
Is inconseauential, and current prices con-
tinue to represent only the rooms estimate
of values. Dullness. the logical result Of
monetary convalescence is overcome by
the attractiveness of lower prices Com
mission houses remain inactive. but con-
tinue to be confident OF the long predicted
revival of broad-gauge operations
This revival Is set down for an uncer-
tain date subsequent to the initial demon
stration of ability on the part Of the new
administration.
Foreign cables announcing the mobiliza-
ton of Russian troops had q depressing In
fiuence on prices during the first hour
London prices reflected apprehension as to
the outcome of the str aimed situation at
Crete. but extreme dulness in the security
market prevented material concessions.
Unsatisfactory financial conditions In In
dia were credited with Inspiring caution in
conservative foreign circles. but no liquda-
ton was reported.
Considerable interest cenrered in Bur-
ington during the day by reason of tomor-
rows meeting of directors to act upon th..
dividend for the current quar.ar. Boston
advfces from usually raliab,e sources pre-
dIct the continuation o: the present per
cent rate No-withsta ai:ns these assur-
anceS, however. Chicago houses sold the
stock in the belief that a reduced dividend
or a bond issue is likely. The short interest
in the room bought most of the stock offer
ed on the scale down.
The coal shares especially New Jersey
Central. were conspicuously vulnerable. as
the result of known adverse trade condi-
ployed by the leading operators for the
decline were active. The railroad list as a
whole was strong and weak by turns
throughout the day with the downward
tendency most pronounced.
The buying of American Spirits was the
feature of the days trading in the indus
trial department The agreement between
this company and the independent distiller-
les Is said to be certain of receiving the
consent necessary to make II operative at
an early date. Every advance In these
curities has had the So me explanation dur
Ing the last two months. but nothing has
developed thus far. Efforts have been
made without interruption, however, and
ultimate success Is not unlikely.
American Sugar was stronger than the
general market In spite OF the fact that
reports Of numerous new rivals were freely
circulated. The steady accumulation OF
the shares of this company clearly fndi-
Gates a market movement of more than
ordinary proportions. The best Informed
interests in the trade are apprehensive of
congressional action detrimental to the
present ratio Of profits on the refined pro-
duct.
This prospect Is set aside for the time
being by those engaged in the present
movement and cannot safely be discounted
until extensive proft-taking is detected.
American Tobacco and Leather preferred
were sold on the prospects OF favorable
disclosures before the Investigation COM
mittee.
The money and exchange markets reflect
no important changes in conditions. An
advancing market for foreign accommoda-
tions would not be surprising in view Of
the certain increase In tariff rates.