The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1899-02-15
REVIEW OF TRADE.
Industrial and Commercial Activity Continues
Wooen Market Alone Northumberland
Advances IN the Iron Trade.


Advances IN the Iron Trade.
II. G.. Dun G. Co.'S Weekly Review of
Trade will say tomorrow: The solid
basis for good business has not been
shaken by speculative reaction. Stocks
have been slightly lower and the
market Is all the safer because much
unsoundness and unreason have been
shaken out, Speculation in wheat,
which for time depressed prices, has
also taken turn and. with heavy ex-
ports, the market tends upward again.
The cotton movement is not essential
ly speculative, but based on reported
injuries, and holds it advance.
Meanwhile dispatches from all parts
of the country show extraordinary
activity in the chief branches OF trade.
and business much larger than Il
year ago in nearly all. The heavy ex-
cess of exports over imports continues.
New York exports having been I'm five
weeks 16 per cent. larger than last
year, while imports were by per cent.
larger
In wheat Americans are getting pro-
fits. even though prices are lower than
they were some months ago. After
some yielding the price rose to 1885
cents and the May option rose Ac dur
ing the week, with Atlantic exports of
3,92G,69 bushels flour included. against
including the Pacific, 4.64I ,405 bushels,
against 2,960,5l5 last year. Western
receipts have been 3,056406 bushels,
against 1857, TO for the week last year,
while corn exports for the week were
also 3.102, ,609 bushels, against 3,365.9I6
last year. At higher or lower prices
foreigners are constantly taking more
wheat and corn from us than in any
previous year.
What wool is worth. In view of the
great stocks yet unconsumed, few are
able to Judge and that fact hinders
adjustment of prices for goods. Sales
have been small, only 6,4T5.40O pounds
at the three chief markets for the
week against 5,303, 200 last year and
9,175, 900 in the same week in 1897 but
this year and in 1897 the buying has
by no means represented consumption
only. While quarter and half blood
wool and delaine have been in demand
and firm, the quotations indicate
weakness in Ohio and other fleeces.
The goods market is OF similar char
acter, strong for cheviots and serges,
but not for fine, high grade or plain
| goods.
The iron trade is so exploited by
consultations and attempts of that
| nature that 1t Is wonderful prices have
| not reflected distrust. Instead there
| have been general advances, in pig be-
cause the demand mas Deen large loI
| hessemer at Pittsburg to S1l 40 and
| grey forge to $40 49, and In finished pro-
duets because nearly all are In demand
beyond the capacity of works for some
| time to come. The advance of 10 cents
| per keg in wire nails by the associa-
| ton was not caused by any especial
| pressure for supplies, but rails have
| advanced So per ton and bars 81 be-
| cause of urgent demand, especially al
| Philadelphia and Chicago, for several
thousand cars, and plate mills are
| everywhere overcrowded.
! At the same time the many negotia-
tions for consolidation of interests ar
rest trade In some quarters and dis
| turb Ii In others, causing unusual ir-
| regularity in prices.
The pipe consolidation appears to be
stopped for the moment by opposition
of one company, but the activity Is
greater than ever before About 20 0O'
rails have been sold at New York, hall
for Nova Scotia road. In hoops there
Is no advance, and the Standard OF
Company has made contract for OO'
tons at very low figures. The demand
for black sheets Is beyond the capacit,
of mills
Failures for the week have been 2l'
In the United States. against 205 las
year. and 35 In Canada. against 43 las
year.