The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-04-24

New York. April 2O.-Bradstreet's to-
morrow will say: More rather than
less irregularity in the trade and price
situation is to be noted this week, part
ly the result OF weather conditions, but
partly, as in the a of the iron and
steel trade, because Of the continuance
Of those missionary efforts in the direc-
ton Of lower prices, which have been
such a feature of the iron and steel
trade Of late. That the basic condi-
tions OF trade remain, on the whole
favorable is, however, evidenced by a
number of features. Railroad earnings
continue heavy and the decrease not
ed in bank clearings is chargeabe
largely to religious and other holiday
o~bServanceS and to restricted stock
speculation. Heavy rains and cool
weather early in the week had a de-
pressing effect on rae and collections,
but with the advent of a warm spring
temper, improved conditions of retail
demand, which is at present a most
important element in the general situa-
ton, have been noted.
The bear campaign in iron and steel
took on a new phase this week, when a
number of wire mills were shut down.,
as alleged, because of an over-supply
of these goods. The announcement a
had an unsettling effect upon general
demand as was probably expected, and
new domestic business is interfered
with. The strength of the export de-
mand previously noted in these col
umns, however, is still a feature, and
we have the best of reasons for be-
lieving that a very large quantity of
southern iron, %variously estimated at
&c, 1000 to 80, 900 tons, was sold this week
to go abroad, at nearly or about full
prices. Price changes are mostly along
lines heretofore noted, though some
sympathetic weakening of pig iron is
reported. Wire prices apparently are
unchanged. Steel billets are weak at
the decline reported last week, and
bar steel and plates are likewise lower.
The other metals have shown a re-
dictionary tone this week, and anthra-
cite coal remains seasonably weak, but
talk Of impending labor troubles has
hardened bituminous Goa at most mar
kets.
1t has been a weather market for the
cereals, and most agricultural products,
weakening toward the close. The
strength of pork products and the small
movement has stimulated corn, and
there is less weakness in this and the
other cereals. Stormy weather and
flooded water courses at the south have
checked or retarded cotton planting,
but this feature and the statistical
oil SLl0 III VI Xix llAC MT ho NV oSSiA
sufficient to produce any outside bull
movement, while the quietness in dry
goods and the weakness noted in cotton
yarns have been additionally discourag-
ing features.
Wool is weak, but there is rather
more inquiry and, as one year ago, rel
atively highest prices rule at points of
production.
Backward weather conditions have
effected the lumber trade demand, but
in this as in a number of other lines,
the advanced prices demanded are
credited with checking business.
The pressure OF heavy is
responsible for the slight weakening
shown in the price of raw sugar this
week, while the refined market remains
unchanged. Weather influences are
again reflected in the market for dairy
products, which has weakened under
large receipts.
Wheat. including flour, shipments for
the week aggregate 3,S9S,451 bushels,
against 1886, 653 last week, 1882, $50
bushels in the corresponding week of
1899; 1922, LOG in 1898; 1854, 66S in 1897,
and 1886, AGO in 1896. Since July 1st,
his season, the exports of wheat ag-
gregate 157, S04, SAT bushels, against 1884,
262,1 19 last year and 191 500, 636 in 1897
'9S.
Corn exports for the week aggregate
2,15S,74 bushels, against 2,779,444 last
week, 1901, $40 in this week a year ago,
1858. 4S2 in 1898 4,769. 315 in 1897, and
9S1, 2O6 in 1896. Since July 1st this seas
on, corn exports aggregate 166, 0S1, 1886
bushels, against 1877, O47, 744 during the
same period a year ago, and 147, 133, 325
in 1S97-'9S.
Business failures in the United States
for the week number ISL, as compared
with 152 last week.. 1S7 a year ago,
pa in 1898, 216 in 1897 and 240 in 1896.