The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-07

for steadiness in raw cotton prices, while in
manufactured goods all the old strength Is
maintained IN print cloths and some other
makes Of cotton goods have been slightly
advanced Returns as to 1898 trade in most
lines have been favorable and the opening
Of spring trade Is awaited with more than
usual confidence, this feeling being partic-
ularly marked in the lines above enumerated
and in lumber and agricultural implements.
Bank clearings for the week reflect ex-
ceptionally heavy annual settlements in a
total of 81, 165, 900. GO, or nearly $40 10000
larger than ever before reported % per cent.
larger than last week, "a per cent larger
than in this week a year ago. "a per cent.
larger than in 1897, 20 per cent. larger than
IN 1888 and 80 per cent. larger than in 1894.
Business failures are exceptionally small
for the opening week of the new year. num-
bering only 81, against 21S last week, 333
~ this week. yea ago, ASS in 1897 446 in
iesy and s05 In 1895.
The steadiness of wheat this week. particf-
pated in by other cereals finds eXplana-
lion in continued foreign buying, the
strength Of the statistical position. the nor
MAJ time for decreases in American stocks
having arrived. with supplies still smaller
than at any corresponding date for ten
years past, aided by less favorable advices
from Argentina, whence minimum estimates
are again arriving. The worlds stock of
wheat on Jan. I. shown by telegraph and
cable adViCes TO Bradstreet's, gained only
10000 bushels over Dec. l. against a gain
of p. 900 goo bushels In November and Euro
pean and American stocks combined on Jan.
J. lesy. aggregated only llS,949OO0 bushels,
l3.C00.99 bushels smaller than on Jan. ! last
scar. CO bushels smaller than on Jan.
J. 1897. 1900, 600 bushels smaller than on Jan.
], 1856. 16000000 bushels smaller than on Jan.
!. 1850 and $1,000, e90 bushels smaller than
on Jan. 7, 1894. when the maximum of stocks
in recent years was reached. Stocks in the
United States east of the Rockies are the
lghtest held for eight years past, and. with
the exception Of 1891. are the smallest held
for fifteen years past
The December total of bank clearings
proved fitting conclusion TO a year of un-
precedented expansion in many lines in an
aggregate for SeVenty-SeVen cities of 81, 49,
all,222, a gain of 1871 per cent over NOvem-
berS hitherto unapprOached total, of 35
per cent over December, 1897, of 56.5 per
cent over December, 1886, of 7l2 per cent.
cent. over the same period OF 1892 This lat
ter gain. too. was shown in spite of the fact
that the stock clearing house al New York
city Is estimated TO have reduced the volume
OF yearly clearings at that city by $500, 600 =
900
Wheat including -four shipments for the
week aggregate $500. 26S bushels. against
62S2.625 bushels last week. 3.4S1576 bushels
IN the corresponding week of 1898 BIOS 6SS
bushels in 1897, 3,471 .6S1 bushels in 1896 and
15N,lS bushels I'm 1895. Since July l this
year the exports of wheat aggregate 12S-
aSe.S1I bushels, against 1872, 443 2S4 bushels last
year. Corn exports for the week aggregate
4s44,2S bushels. against 1863 AS bushels last
week, 3, 4l6 bushels in this week a year
ago, 4Sl9,26l bushels in 1897 2626, 423 bushels
IN 1896 and 1.c67, 400 bushels i'm 1895. Since
July ] this year corn exports aggregate
S5,I8Sz1 bushels, against So 500, 1876 bushels
during the same period year ago.