The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-02-07


Leather NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. 16h IA l6t l64
-Ex-div. per cent.
Dealings in the Stock Market this morning were
characterized by some hesitation The opening
prices above the close OF yesterday in sym
psfhy with London purchases OF American
curities, but somewhat heavy realizing occurred
during the first hour or more with the result thai
declines of from small fraction TO a point
more took place. As might have been expected
perhaps, Sugar was strong covering OF shorts,
while the remainder OF the market showed the
first signs OF reaction for several days. 1t sd-
v4nced three points or more to above III. Opn
ion as to the immediate course OF the market
was varied, hut perhaps the most conservative
idea was that = reaction was due today and pos
siblv tomorrow. though not important one.
1t will do no harm 10 have the small new people
in the market take their profits from day TO day
Before the end OF the week the upward course
OF prices should begin again steadily and strong
H. News OF al kinds continues excellent.
There is much comment among the people who
usually know what they are talking about over
the recent activity OF Mr.. Whitney and his ssso-
ciates 1t was the fashion few weeks ago 20
say that Mr.. Whitney had been wellnigh ruined
bv the December tumble in prices, but all indi
cations now dIc blidA iiisN'3u " tii"b iAI NoH 81
that time buyer of immense blocks at the low
est prices Ii is also said that he and has friends
are responsible for the beginning OF the recent ad
vance in prices after they had secured all The
stocks they desired. All this harmonzes well
with the most careful estimates OF Mr.. Wbitney's
business ability, while the alleged ruin of two
months ago did not by any means. There seems
a very good possibility that the gentleman may
be the leader OF the present bull market. de
,e1mined and skillful leader is what it has needed
for some time past.
The grangers were again perhaps the strongest
group in the general market this morning Sugar
alone excepted. 1t is said that the 81. Paul
directors have decided finally 10 pay a large di-
vdend either an extra or a formal regular in
crease 10 per cent. This. with the immense in
crease in gross earnings shown by the system in
January. and the reports of the officers of the
company that grain traffic is increasing steadily
are causing much enthusiastic bullishness regard
ing the stock. 1t sold we'll above I25 this morn
ing and friends of the company state that il will
probably reach 1870 in the next few days. Bur
lington and Rock Island were not quite so buoy
ant but both made gains in the first half hour
Atchison, preferred, also strong and in the
case of this stock also it may be mentioned that
il is helped by excellent reports Of increasing
traffic returns
There is also talk OF increase in the Penn
sylvania dividend rate in the near future. The
increase in the soft coal rate the 1st of April
will mean large gain in net earnings, which,
with the already immense surplus of earnings
over dividend requirements, would seem to make
a raise in the dividend disbursements only
matter of fairness TO the stockholders. The stock
was opened with good advance this morning,
but declined fractonaHy with the remainder of
the market.
The New York Central gross earnings for Janu-
airy were s42J0,3l9, an Increase OF s460,459 The
increase of earnings up to the present time this
year has been 81, 500, 900 more.
The Union Pacific directors will meet tomor-
| row 10 take action on the dividend question,
and il is considered probable that something will
| be done for the common stock. The stock ad-
yanced to within a small fraction of 80 this
! morning.
Sugar, which Yesterday sold low as los ID,
was advanced tins morning TO above Ill cover
| ing of short contracts. II impossible TO
| form any idea as to what the next move Of the
stock would be.