The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-08
GOOD OLD TIMES
Of 1850 Have Returned Accord
ing to Dun's Showing.
Failures For the First Quarter
1899
SMALLEST RECORDED
In a Similar Period Since That
Times
Export Trade Shows Evidence
of Decline.

New York, April S.-R. G.. Dun & Co.'S
Weekly Review of Trade says:
Failures in the first quarter of 1899
were in number 2,772, against 1857 last
year, and the liabilities $27, 152. OBJ.
against $50, 946, 565, a decrease of 17.6 per
cent. Geographical aspects make the
return peculiar, with a slight increase
of defaults in New England, an increase
of Is per cent in the southeast and 20
per cent in the central states. There
was a decrease of nearly 40 per cent in
the Pacific and southwestern states, Il
per cent in western states and AZ per
cent i'll middle states. No other year of
the twenty-four covered by Dun's quar-
terly report has shown as small failures
as 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 $22. 10, is smaller
than in the first quarter of any year
except 1880, and the rate of the default
ed liabilities to solvent payments
through clearing houses, only SLIP per
$1,000 is also the lowest for the quarter,
except in 1880.
The famine in iron, caused by ur-
gent demand, far exceeding present sup
ply, not only continues, but has caused
haste to start forty-eight additional fur
naces with an output estimated at 49,
go tons weekly, of which the bulletin
of the iron association has given a list.
These are expected to increase prOduc-
ton 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 adj
vanced to $14.50 at Pittsburg, without
change in other quotations. The de-
mand for products is still enormous
Contracts for the East river bridge COW
ering II 600 tons of open hearth steel
have been placed at Pittsburg.
The Republic Iron and Steel company
Mi, Era
mills, and the Hoop and Cotton Tie as
ISOLATION will soon be completed.
In another industry progress seems
to have been caused by firmnesS of
manufacturers, who have notified Gus
toners that options for boots and shoes
not accepted for April would be with
drawn. A great number of orders fol-
lowed it is said and A pril begins with
the largest shipments for that week in
any year, 9S,734 cases, making the total
for the year larger than any year ex-
bought leather at low prices months
ago have comfortable margins, but
those who buy at higher prices lately
quoted are seeking an advance. which
as before jobbers generally refuse.
The market for copper is stronger at
Is cents for lake, and while domestic
consumption is heavy the increase of
400 tons in European supply in March
is not considered encouraging.
The woOllen manufacture does not
appear to have gained by recent CONSOLE
datlOnS, but goods or the finer grades
are steady in price with moderate or
ders, while medium 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
slightly increased, though more inquiry
is reported, with 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 in wages, which
the hands claim does not affect the full
restoration promised. Meanwhile cot
ton has been weaker, with better re-
ceipts in March, and poorer foreign de-
mand.
Wheat has been 1uctuating without
much visible reason, rumors being wild
ly contradictory, as usual at this sea-
son, and commanding not much more |
confidence than usual. The exports |
from Atlantic ports for the week, flour |
included, have been 2,074, 769 bushels, |
against 2.240,172 last year, and in spite |
of all reports the current receipts con- |
tinue to exceed last years.
The prospects for continuance of |
large exports of staples has not i'm |
proved 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 81 last |
year.