Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-04-08

were in number 2,772 against 3.6S7 last
year, and the liabilities S27, 152.031,
against s32.946,565, a decrease of 17.6
per cent. Geographical aspects make
the return peculiar with a slight in
crease of defaults in New England, an
increase of Is per cent. in the south
east and 20 per cent. in the Central
States. There was decrease of nearly
40 per cent in the Pacific and South
western States, Al per cent. in Western
States and 4S per cent in Middle States.
No other year of the "a covered by
Dun's quarterly reports has shown as
small failures during its first quarter
excepting 1880 and 1881, and no other
except 1880 and 1886 as small liabilities
per failure. The average of defaulted
liabilities per firm in business only
S22.19, is smaller than in the first quar-
ter of any year except 1880 and the
ratio of defaulted liabilities to solvent
payments through clearing houses only
SLIP per $1,000, is also the lowest for
the quarter except in 1885,
The famine in iron caused by urgent
demand, far exceeding present supply,
not only continues but has caused haste
to start 4S additional furnaces. with
an output estimated at 1892 tons
weekly, of which the Bulletin of the
Iron Association has given list. These
are expected to increase production this
month and yet more in May and June
and some weakness has been attributed
to the prospect. But the price Of grey
forge has again advanced to S14.50 at
Pittsburg without change in other quo
tations. The demand for products is
still enormous, contracts for the east
river bridge covering 1900 tons acid
open hearth steel have been placed at
Pittsburg, and one covering 5000 tons
for a Newark building besides one in
Philadelphia for 5000 tons ship plates
with many bridges and other works and
in pipes new business is so great that
it forces farther advance in prices,
while parties are trying TO consolidate.
The Republic Iron and Steel Company
will be the combination OF western
mills. and the Hoop and Cotton Tie
Association will soon be completed.
In other industry, progress seems to
have been caused by firmness OF man
ufactures who notified customers that
options for boots end shoes not ac-
cepted before April would be with
drawn. A great number of orders fol-
/ lowed, it is said, and April begins with
the largest shipments for that week in
any year, 9S,734 cases, making the total
for the year larger than in any year
excepting 1898.
Manufacturers who bought leather
! at low prices months ago have com
Portable margins, but those who buy ar
the higher prices lately quoted' are
| seeking an advance which, as before,
i jobbers generally refuse. The market
I for copper is stronger at IS cents for
|. lake, and while domestic consumption
| is heavy, the increase of 4,100 tons IN
| EuroDean supply in March is not con-
| sidered encouraging.
The woclen manufacture does not
yet appear to have gained by recent
consolidation or proposals, but goods
of the finer grades are steady IN price
with moderate orders, while medium
and low grade goods tend in buyers
favor. The demand for a few kinds
has covered the season, but makers OF
the large majority are yet in need Of
orders Sales OF wool have but slight
ly increased, though more inquiry is
reuorted with q better demand for some
grades of goods. The cotton mills
have enjoyed a fine demand of late and
have held prices we'll, but strikes have
now closed several large mills about
Providence and Norwich, growing out
of the recent advance Of wages which
the hands claim does not effect the full
restoration promised. Meanwhile cot
ton has been weaker with better re-
ceipts in March and poorer foreign de-
| mand.
Wheat has been fluctuating without
much visible reason, rumOrs being
wildly contradictory as usual at this
season and commanding not much
more confidence than usual. The eX-
! ports from Atlantic ports for the week,
| -four included, have been 2,074,769
bushels, against 2,240,172 last year, and
in spite of all reports the current stock
| to exceed last years. The prospect for
/ continuance of large exports of staples
has not improved within the past ten
| days.
Failures for the week have been 141
in the United States against 232 last
! year and II in Canada against 30 last
year.