The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-22
BRADsTREET's REVIEW.
War RumOrs Abroad Causing a De-
mand for American Cereals


NEW YORK. Oct. 21.-Bradstreet's to-
morrow will say: The dominant feature of
the general business situation is unques-
tionably the active foreign demand for
wheat. wheat flour, and, indeed, nearly all
our cereal products. and the business re-
ported on this account during the past ten
days seems worthy of rank with the best
recorded in any corresponding period. While
straltened stocks abroad and less satisfac-
tory advices from other countries, notably
Russia, Australia and Argentina, have fur
nished a plausible basis for much of the re-
cent activity. an additional stimulating
feature was injected into the situation this
week by the more warlike appearance of
the Franco-British situation and the clos
ing days, indeed witnessed war runors in
practical command of the market. inducing
much short Covering by steadfast hears
Rather moderate figures of current exports
had proved disappointing in view of the
heavy engagements reported; it might he
remarked that much of this demand is nee
essarily what might be termed forward
business. and, indeed. stocks in this country.
IN spite of heavy current deliveries by farm
ers could hardly allow of prompt shipment,
even If the ocean freight situation was not
strained one. Quotations for freight room
%'N'Nf ia Ao@ts Obct dtCu d. a u6tcTfent lea
ture on this export business. General dis
tributive trade, particularly at-the North.
appears to have suffered from bad weather
conditions this week. which have interfered
with regular business and deliveries. but. on
the other hand. has induced considerab Bile
buying or boots and shoes, rubber goods
ana neaVy clothing at many markets The
SITUATION however. is rather more favorable
IMAM Tor some time past this resulting
NANNY from the abrogation Of many sense
OlIATHnfinn 10 ffr<,,- &
toward the gulf
Some important changes in the situation
OF textile goods, and particularly cotton and
wool products. appear TO be impending
1atner more iirmness has been impaired to
the former staple by the talk os frost
checking further growth of the plant i'm the
South, and the establishment at Fall River
OF the iong-expected and often-threatened
Joint selling. agency for print cloths and
similar goods has stiffened the price of
these products quite materially. In wool
end WOODEN goods the signs of Improvement
are tr1fe more numerous
ire foreign trade situation is about as de-
sc dn las, iast Week. except that large de-
partly made up by increased Shipments of
American manufactures. and the nine
months figures point to a complete calen-
dar years business in advance of ali pre-
decessors IN volume of export trade. Our
import trade shows slight increase over
substitution of dutiable for nondutiabie
goods in this movement points to an easier
situation In the customs revenues
Prices are quite strong. notable in this re-
fpect being all the cereals. lard, pork cot
ton, print cloths, etc. Little change is
noted IN the iron and steel market which
as Tor some time past continues quiet as re-
CARDS new business though the mills and
foundries are still actively employed The
general industrial situation continues favor
able, employment being quite general, par
ucularly IN the West. except in the glass
INDUSTRY where shutdown pending wage
scale settlement exists
Wheat. Including ho1Ir- shiDmanfn this