The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-22
BRADSTREET,S REVIEW.
Manufactures Generally Active Ex-
cent the Cotton Industry.

NEW YORK, Jan. H.-Bradstreet's to-
morrow will say A large measure OF. activ-
ity in business and industrial lines with, in
some instances previous records surpassed,
and very general steadiness in prices of sta
pies, is perhaps the most notable feature
of the trade situation this week. Quota
tions of cereals show the most aggressive
strength, while those of some makes of pig
iron betray rather more decided weakness
than they did a week ago. Mild weather is
frequently mentioned as an influence tend
ing to check retail distribution of seasonal
BILE goods chiefly because of the effect on
country roads. Spring trade opens slowly,
as usual at this time of the year, but con-
fidence is still uninapaired. AS already init
mated the immense current production of
pig iron, amounting to fully 100000 tons
per month, has begun to exercise an in
decreases reported are still only fractional
The outlook in the steel rail trade is re-
ported as fiattering one; Large orders
for railroad account already booked have
been increased within the week. an exam
pie of this being furnished by sales of 10 600
Higher prices for wool abroad based partly
on short yield reports, are reflected in the
hrmness of domestic quotations, although
demand, while comparing well with most
preceding years, is smaller than it was at
this time in 1897 when tariff changes We're
De1ng anticipated. Inc industrial SITUATION
with the single exception of the cotton in
dustry, is one of exceptional strength
AS vet the strikes in this branch of trade,
however, are largely confined to Massachu-
sets.
Mems wear woolens are moving fairly
well. At the West the distributive trade is
slow, while at the South fair January
trade is reported, particularly in the Missis-
sippi valley. Good returns from last years
Louisiana sugar crop find expression in
export demand for cotton precludes too
heavy Accommodations at primary points In
spite of the crop movement. Mild weather
in the Northwest affects trade to some
tent A point of interest however, is the
report that fur goods manufacturers, usu-
ally shut down at this season, running
full time on Alaskan orders. Business is
active on the Pacific coast. California crop
prospects have been improved by the recent
rains, and ship and boat building are very
active along Puget sound and at Portland.
Quite a Shrinkage in cereal exports is
indicated by reports TO BradStreetS this
cuded, from the United States and Canada,
amounted to only 1926 600 bushels. against
1929 600 bushels last week, 2.9l60 900 bushels
in this week a year ago, 3S49.OO0 bushels in
1896 and 2 $40 600 bushels in the third week
of January 1895. Indian corn exports also
show heavy falling off, amounting TO only
3.4S 900 bushels this week against 4 .461 coo
bushels last week 1920 600 bushels last year
and 3.l9aOe0 bushels in the corresponding
week of 1886.
A further falling off in the number of
business failures Is reported In the United
States this week, the total being only 309
against S23 last week. 429 IN this week a
year ago 3f4 in this week OF 1896. 3l2 in 1895
and 33S in 1884. Failures in the Dominion OF
Canada snow Il further falling Off amount
ing this week To only IS, against IS last
week. 81 in 1897 - in 1886 and As in 1884 but
slightly exceeding those OF 1885, which num-
hered "a