The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1898-03-14
CONDITIONS MORE UNSETTLED.

HE monotonous stability OF trade heretofore
remarked, and which ruled without Interrupt
ton for weeks, seems to be passing away
and conditions unsettled. This IS true OF
the whole country, but applies more particularly
to the Atlantic coast, where falling off in the dis
trbutive trade reported The center of commercial
activity has now shifted to the West, where business
is reported brisk. The decrease in the East may be
due to the scare authorities assert, to
the natural period of quiet after the satisfaction OF
the spring demand to several other causes, but
its source has not yet been definitely defined. It's
existence is exhibited however, in the bank clearngs
which, though still large and 1873 per cent ahead OF
1897, are still smaller than for several preceding
weeks. OF the eighty cities and towns reporting
clearings only two show a decrease-Hartford, 10
per cent and Houston, 81 per cent-so it must not
be inferred that trade is dull for it is not There is
merely decrease from the recent phenomenal actv-
ity, which could not be expected to last forever.
This easing off along the Atlantic coast is ap-
parenty general rather than individual That is,
while the aggregate volume of business is less, the
great staples Individually reported in active
ment and at prices which firm they have
been. Possibly the recent realization in Wall street
may be the cause for the decrease in the total, and
from this point of view it probably is In other words
the withdrawal of funds from speculation in national
securities has shown itself in decreased bank clear
ings, while the merchandising of the country goes on
usual. This is apparently proven by the returns
of the railroads, which showing steadily increas
ing earnings, while their shares being
thrown Wall street for realization. This is
curious condition, and which does not happen
very often. Money is easy, gold is coming in
from Europe, and the demand for the general
of products is increasing. So the more we look at
the situation and the closely we anayze it, the
NOR bec0rneq hat there is
falling off in the aggregate of trade it comes from
tmidity in Wall street and from nowhere else.
In this connection a glance at the condition of
the leading staples may be interesting Iron is active
and some branches OF it feverishly So owing to the
preparations for going all over the country.
Orders for railroad cars, farming tools and mining
supplies are beyond all precedent. All the minor
metals also brisk, and generally at firm prices.
The export of wheat and other breadstufs is large
ever, and at steady prices a rule Cotton has
sold off fraction, and the wool market is reported
dull owing to the scare and sales at the Atlantic
centers smaller than for some time with frequent
cancellations of orders. This in the face of advanc
ing foreign markets, is another incongruous condi-
ton OF trade at the moment.
A summary of the business situation throughout
the United States is rather confusing than otherwise
The East is queter and unsettled while the West is
doing what is popularity known land-ofice bust
ness in almost every line On the Pacific coast the
north is active, while California is quieter This is
purely local condition, due to the railroad in
the north which is divertng trade from this State,
but which cannot last long, and may therefore be
considered merely temporary.
Local merchants report falling off in the de-
mand for most goods during the past few days, owing
almost exclusively to this rate in the north.
The provision trade feels it than any other
line, cured meats form the principal food of the
Alaskan gold-seekers. There are other lines, how
ever, which feeling it well. Against this
unfavorabe feature have good market for all
products of the farm, and satisfactory demand for
manufactured goods, so there is real dizziness in
trade outside of the cured products both animal and
vegetable Mutton and pork have eased off during
the week. and dry hides have declined slightly.