The San Francisco call., 1898-03-05
BRADsTREETs REVIEW.

NEW YORK, March 4.-Bradstreet's -mor- row will say: Nearly all signs point to an unprecedented volume of business being done or arranging for at the present time The aggressive strength of prices. record breaking bank clearings and continued large exports, particularly of the lower-priced cereals very heavy volume of business in iron and steel and kindred lines, and generally satisfactory re- ports as to the volume of spring trade at lead ing distributive centers are among the visible features of this weeks trade development. Nearly all of the countrys cereal products are higher in prices this week. and also some varieties of provisions Bessemer pigiron, cop per raw cotton and tin. The further advance in pigfron this week would seem to indicate that the immense current production is yet without visible effect values. The price of copper showed advance of nearly cent per pound during February, while the con- sumptive demand and statistical position are such to lead to confidence, at least in the maintenance in present prices if not of fur ther advance. Few decreases in prices are noted, sugar being the most important while the list of staples steady and unchanged mum bers pork. coffee lead and print cloths. The strength of raw cotton has had an encouras- ing effect upon Southern trade. which Is gen. erally reported good and better than usual at this season. The export of corn from South ern ports is an additionally favorable feature while the practical agreement of Southern iron producers on prices and generally satisfactory collections at most points have imparted a de- cidedly cheerful tone to advices from that sec ton. Trade is larger than usual at the Gen. tral West. particularly in dry goods, groceries. boots and shoes hardware. lumber and agri- cultural implements. the demand for the latter being notable feature at nearly all markets. Spring trade has opened up we'll In the North west and the Jobbing trade is quite active. Signs accommodating that the rush Of all sorts of vessels to the Pacific Coast to take part in the Klondike trade has begun to affect charter rates, which are reported weaker at San Francisco.
 Cotton goods displays strength, although print cloths of regular widths are somewhat easier. Ginghams are in better demand than for several years past. Spring business in woolen goods has been rather disappointing, but a good demand for mems wear goods for fall delivery Is reported and the mills are we'll supplied with orders. Woolen manufacturers are not in the market for raw wool to any ex- tent but prices are still firm.
 further shrinkage in wheat exports. but corresponding enlargement of the shipments of corn and the lower priced cereals IS Indicated this week. The total exports Of wheat Chour included) from the United States and Canada aggregate 3.252. 900 bushels, against 3,722.OO0 bushels last week. 2075. GOO bushels In this week a year ago. 24O7 900 bushels in 1896 and S,272 900 bushels In 1895
 Business failures in the United States for the week number 232. as against lS3 for nVe busi- ness days last week, 262 In the corresponding week of last year, 270 in 1896 and 252 Tn 1895
 Business failures in Canada aggregate ZI, as against t5 last week, 51 In this week of lSSi. 66 In 1896 and 53 In 1895.