The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1897-04-07
TRADE REVIEW.
Sales Scarce and Uncertain Wheat Has
Fallen Away.

The markets are still waiting. some sag
ging downward and others reco vering. The
vote OF the House in favor OF a new tarifr
bill has made no impression on business,
since II has been expected since November
that some measure Of the same general char
acter would become n law II the bill stands
with its provisions making new duties ap-
plicable April ], chances are that foreign
imports md treasury receipts may be for u
time considerably restricted.
The market for products has been variable
and uncertain. Wheat closes cent lower
than last week and the May option has de
clined 2 cents. and western receipts for the
week have been 2,7sl, ,557 bushels, against
l,N5i 900 last year, while Atlantic exports,
Hour included. have been 2,ls5.21S bushels,
against l.2s0.Ol3 last year. The movement
Of corn continues so large as to materially
affect the demand for wheat, western re-
ceipts having been l.0l3.s62 bushels for
the wcek against l.9i0,0i6 last year and
atlantic exports, i,29i,629 against l.O65.3ee
last year.
current trade estimates regarding the
wheat crop are little more favorable, and
are somewhat more likely to prove reliable,
IA the advance OF the season makes the con-
dtion Of growing wheat better known. Cot
ton has not changed In price, although the
floods In the Southwest have doubtless done
much hnrm.
are slowly gaining In business, though print
cloths and most staple cottons remain
unchanged in price, and restriction Of output
seems to have given some relief TO the mar
ket The buying Of wool by mills II still a
noteworthy feature being far in excess of
current consumption, but there Is much
greater volume Of transactions between denl-
ers and at the three chief markets the sales
of five weeks have been 81, I25, 200 pounds,
against q, j,3I7,616 In the same weeks Of 1892,
when the mills were well employed. Prices
are very strong, both here and nj London,
where the advance since the sale began IL
from 10 to 20 per cent, but there are feverish
| irregularities. indicating that holders are not
/ all of one mind, and some remember that
I many Of the large mills have taken stocks
| for full years consumption.
The iron and steel industry has been stag
| gered, so to speak. by the decision Of the su
| preme court affecting railroads. since II is
| apprehended that purchases not only Of
| materials may be affected The demand for
rails Is still considerable, and one order is
! pending for 10000 tons Tor Japan. but the
reduction il Mesaba ore, With the want of
! agreement as yet among producers OF hard
! ores, tends 10 encourage the belief in lower
! prices for finished products. and so to hinder
! buying The great struggle between the ore
producing companies OF Mesaba has not yet
so far developed that anybody can feel con-
fdent rs to the future cost of iron. Mean
while with pig accumulatinr, although some
! furnaces have stopped production. the price
| of Bessemcr at Pittsburg is n shade lower nj
Sl0 %. and grey forge at 80, but there are
/ quotabie changes In prices of finished pro-
| ducts. although the tone is rather weak. The
new combination in cut nails only affects
! selling prices in eastern markets.