The Saint Paul globe., 1899-02-06

Market Strong.
With the exception of few lines I'm which
trade Is afflicted by the weather conditions
Jobbers generally report a satisfactory bust
ness for the past week. with an improvement
over the previous week, and a decided ad
vance over the same period a year ago. The
continued cold has had bad effect ON some
hnes, but In these good trade is looked for
"hen 1t becomes little warmer
DRY GOODS
Trade has been very satisfactory during the
past week. Sales show decided Increase
ana are far in excess OF the same week a
year ago. The boom in cotton goods con-
tinues and the general impression at this
time is that the end is not in sight Quo
tatlons are quite a little higher than week
ago On all kinds Of cotton goods Under
these circumstances buying is very brisk. Or
ders for woolens for early fall delivery are
beginning to come in, and prices are from
to 71a per cent lower than at this time last
year.
DRUGS. PAINTS AND OILS.
The drug market is very active In fact
was never more so at this season of the year
Business for the past year has been generally
closed up, and 1t IS found that 1898 was the
banner year In the drug business. Prices
continue firm. with a decided advance In
camphor. An advance all along the line ia
looked for when the season gets fairly start
ed up. The advance in paris green is fully
sustained. Country collections have been ex-
cellent. Collections in the city are not quite
as good. but better than heretofore. Con-
tracts for paints, oils, etc, are being made
early this year. The cut price evil does not
seem to have been overcome as yet by the
retail drug trade, and the wholesale drug
gists, although perfectly willing, is unable to
protect the retailers except to a limited ex-
tent New drug stores are being started at
promising points, and everything looks IA
vorable to an early and large spring buIf-
ness. In the death of o. w. Phillips, SO long
with Noyes Bros. & Cutler, the drug trade
has lost one of its most valued members.
GROCERIES.
Trade is still little quiet, but Is gradually
picking up, and everything points to an ex-
ceedingly prosperous year. 1t Is the general
belief that this will be splendid year. AL
though quiet, business during the past week
was well in advance Of the same period a
year ago. Prices are steady and firm as a
rule. Merchants are buying literally and are
inquiring for much better class Of goods
Stuff that they would not touch year ago
is now finding a ready sale.
BOOTS AND SHOES
Business is very satisfactory Orders for
spring delivery are coming In freely. Trade
is ahead Of the last week in January. and
shows signs Of continued Improvement While
the orders are general, there Is an almost un-
precedented demand for medium priced goods
in fancy and up-to-date styles
HATS. GLOVES, FURs, ETC.
Business continues to improve as the year
advances, and merchants are buying literally
and calling for good grade Of goods. Or
ders for the most part call for early spring
delivery. Trade is fully 10 per cent ahead Of
the same period a year ago. Collections are
satisfactory.
HARDWARE.
The continuous cold weather has caused a
decline In business, but 1t is ascribed to that
cause, and nothing else, and splendid busi-
ness is looked for with the first sign of milder
weather. Prices are advancing all along the
line, and especially in plates and mild steel
1t is exceedingly difficult to place orders with
manufacturers.