Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-04-20


r. G. Dun g. Co. s Review for last
week notes continued increase in all
Legitimate business, and the productive
power of great industries increases even
though some of their stocks decline.
The sharp reaction in speculation
week ago in no way affected the pro
ducing capacity of furnaces or mills, and
has been in part recovered, while the
disturbance of business caused by the
formation of great combinations has in
large measure ceased. 1t is not owing
to speculation alone that payments
through the chief clearinghouse have
been so per cent larger than in the
same week of 1892, and 1898 per cent
larger than last year. New York trans
actions far exceed those of any previous
week, 81, 468, SOP, 100 in amount, but
outside New York the clearings were
Ais per cent larger than in 1893, and
44.6 per cent larger than in 1892 The
truth is that no such expansion in the
general business of the country has
ever been seen before, and if such
records only were considered there
wonld be ground for fear that wild
passion of trading had again lifted the
whole business community off its feet.
But, instead, there is found surprising
increase in the chief industries. Nam
ing first some of which only returns Of
raw materials imported give definite
indications, raw silk imports increased
81 per cent for eight months of the
fiscal year over last; hides, 40 per
cent; India rubber, 90; tin, 81, and
fibres. 10 per cent. Imports of foreign
goods continue heavy. Until naviga-
tion opens not much gain can be ex-
pected in exports, which were 81, 1884,
491 for the week from New York,
against IS, 224, All last year. But the
imports were sl2, 2ls, 600 against s1o,-
131, 600 last year. - 81
Bradstreet's, IN Saturdays issue, says
"Real spring weather has improved
the tone of general trade, particularly
at retail, and CORRESPONDENCE helped
iobbing distribution, but, at the same
| time, brought last winters injury to
the winter wheat crop more in evil
dence. The regular monthly govern
| ment crop report proved rather more
favorable than expected, foreshadowing,
on the basis of last falls largely in
creased acreage, yield little below
| that of last season. Other cereals are
but little changed, while.the movement
seems to be- on lessening scale. Among
| the favorable features coming to light
| this week might be mentioned the re-
ceipt of continued good railroad earn
| ings reports, advices of widespread
| industrial activity, accompanied by
rather less than usual friction, as re-
hected in strikes for higher wages, and
a largely improved distribution of
wool, which appears to have wakened
at last from its long sleep. Sales of this
staple, indeed, are the heaviest re-
ported for many weeks past, mills
inside and outside of the combinations
having bought freely of territory and
other domestic grades. Large quanti-
ties of wool, however, have been bought
for 70, export, English buyers bidding
freely for high grade Australian sorts.
Tho iron and steel industry remains
firm, though the tone of the market
generally is quieter. Pig iron pro-
duction is increasing. but consumptive
requirements are still urgent. The
lumber market is active at wholesale.
Stocks are small, and prices manifest
aggressive strength. There is q fair
demand for coal, but milder weather
tends to discourage large sales. y q,