The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-03-02
THE BUSINESS BAROMETER.
Al Index to tie Condition Of Trade
Generally.
THE MONTH OPENS WITH ACTIVITY.
I Yaoostou's Trade shows n stendy
GrOvv th--TSctter OutIook for Rice.
The Molasscs situation.

whe new month opened with considera-
BILE activity in Houston's wholesale cir
cles. Orders were quite lurge from coun-
try points, and city trade showed tho
usual first of the month Increase. Bust-
ness ha. heen steadily Improving since
the beginning of the year and the spring
reason promises TO be up to all expecta-
lions. The steady gain has not been made
through the adoption of any moro liberal
ideas on the para of individual buyers. Tor
the conservative character OF their opera
lions IS still feature which can not be
overlooked The gradual growth of cur
rent business ouch q basis must be
regarded us encouraging. for 1t indicates
an expanding outlet for merchandise AMI
not any stocking up of supplies between
the country market and final distributors.
Houston wholesalers are using due cau-
ton in making sales this year and are
glad to note the conservatism of retailers.
1t is a good business sign. aud is Il pro-
lection to oil parties.
Iiettcr Demand for Rice.
The rice market Is thus reviewed by
Talmage OF New York: "Thero NAV now
be noted decidedly improved tone IN the
a.mosphere of the market, which IS clear,
brncing and tonic. The situation has been
favorable for months past ana only lack
ing the spirit and confidence to wake1
everything into llfc and activity. The
demand from manufacturing centcrs Is
steadily enlarglug ana the evidence that
old scores have been adjusted Is shown
W the excessive conservatism OF the past
giving way 10 hellthful hberally IN
purchase.
"Advlce,s from the South note amuic
stocks of CLEANED Ionl the AtianIte coz
and u desire to market sGch promptly N
order 10 curry on preparations ior tho
new crop. Now Orleans MS heretofore. ls
quiet, market IL fairly supplied w1th h4eh
er grades, but quite bars of low and nc
oiim sorts. Receipts of rough are lusg-
uiiicant, and all mills but ono have closed
down. This tends 20 restrict OF rings OF
cleaned. and prices are FIRMLY MAIN aimed
Under sluggish movement the effect of +
the short crop is gradually being neutral /
lied. and the forward suIrly IS nov
thought ample Tor all probable require I
ponts to new crop. Foreign stylct. as =
above noted, are IN good request the de- I
mand therefor has been considerably CIT I
larged BY can from al PATS OF the South,
from ibroai note slight advances o. sre- !
cialtias and fancy STYLES; medium grades |
are steady m anchanfed quotations"
The Moinsses situation.
Advlces from New Orleans Gomez nnc |
Molasses are TO the effect that the re-
ceipts are practically nothing. with the |
few orders iiiied from shed stocks. The /
open Kettle crop - done for the season. !
and high grade ce1trifusals arc also of |
the past 90 far as concerns rec"p's. There |
has been quite reduction In shei stocks
only about oae-th.ri Of the anount or |
sugar cane that IS usually ripntad ~ 20 |
this time Of year has goae IN the GROUND |
90 far. the con iitinu nl the coil all during |
the latter part Of January AMI the greater ,
lait Of February h4s be,a such. owing 10 !
rams. that the planters have not been
able 10 10 the blowing necessary - pre- |
pare II, IN lCh less do any planting. Every |
lrdicatlon now points - The fact Vat |
islt.r fhg1 ugtfsl