The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-02-25
DUNs REVIEW OF TRADE.

NEW YORK, Feb. PAR. G. Dun's weekly
review of trade will say tomorrow:
The situation is without precedent. Bust
ness has been better on the whole, and
in some great industries the gain is astonish-
ing Exports surpass last years as much as
imports, though the excess over imports then
heavy. Failures smaller than last
year and smaller than in either of six years
past. Stocks are stronger, the average for the
active railway securities being a little higher
traordinary advance of s4S rs in Tobacco. Pay
ments through exchanges show greater vol
ume of business than ever before at this sea-
son, and nearly one-half larger than in the
best of previous years. The outgo of bread
stuffs and cotton continues heavy But there
not last
Popular impressions have to be reckoned with
because they control events Yet at every
point of danger except one the signs are in
every respect favorable The upward rush Of
1915 per cent in the prices of pigiron since
and steel products. does indeed raise a ques-
ton whether exports of such products may not
be temporarily checked but If they could be
entirely stopped as they are not, the balance
due this country would still be large The
crush Of demand for FINISHED products. at a a
by orders covering production until July or
later. causes many to refuse to contract be.
yond that date except at higher prices, and
a rise under such circumstances may prove
the one thing needful to sober buyers and to
lishments heretofore idle. While fairly large
capacity OF production is still In reserve, the
demand now pressing for cars, vessels bridges,
buildings and pipes is partly to anticipate an
expected rise in prices. The best sign Is that
the great producers appear to be anxious to
maintain their hold foreign markets. al
though just now unable to take orders for
future delivery.
It is sign of similar import that the boot
and shoe manufacturers, just at this time.
seek better markets by somewhat general
leather averages slightly higher. The ship
rnents from the East have been smaller than
in four of the past six years in quantity, and
only 49, 1855 cases larger than in 1892. and hav-
ing gained nothing during all these years in
proportion to population. the Eastern manu-
facturer naturally seeks that business. The
increase in prices of grain leather has not
hindered much, while a few large sales OF
hernlock sole are not necessarily at quoted
prices great many factories have been out
az work and sales at a reduction do not cover
all grades of goods.
Nobody can Judge what the clothiers may
bnv as vet and the wooden manufacturers have
very uncertain market ahead but judge that
there will be a heavy demand for goods before
long and many of the smaller mills are look
ing for chances in the wool markets Little
weakness is there seen, except for fleece, and
in quarter and three-eighths blood and comb
ing wool prices generally strong, with
scarcity of supply, but sales for three weeks
have been 1s.050,20o pounds, against "a. 753, 500
two years ago, with free wool, and II, 006 20t
pounds in 1892 The demand for cotton goods
increases although there is some hesitation
regarding the price of the material. The ur
gent demand for goods of all qualities, stiffen
| ing the prices Of staples as well as Of fancy