The age-herald., 1900-11-03
WEEKLY REVIEW
 TRADE CONDITIONS Marked Improvement in Iron
 and Steel Market IN A WAITING ATTITUDE General Conditions Are Good But Con servatism is Manifest, Due to App
 preaching Election-Feature
 Noted in Import Trade
IN A WAITING ATTITUDE

New York, November 2.-Bradstreets to- morrow will say:
 Unreasonable warm weather continues the leading directly unfavorable feature of the distributive trade because of the check given to retail distribution, and therefore to reorder bushes in most lines of dry goods, wearing apparel and shoes. Conservatism, in view of the near approach of the pres- deptial election, is undoubtedly an element that exercises considerable influence in stock speculation, but conspicuous excep- ton to this is found in the reawakenng of demand and the advance in prices shown in the iron trade in widely separat- ed sections. This is really one of the most important developments of the week and 1t is taken as indicating not only that conf- dence in election results is felt, but that the consumers stocks are down 50 per cent to the minimum.
 Speculation on the various exchanges has ruled rather slow. In wheat the nov ing feature has been the reiteration of stories of Argentine crop damage, which was instrumental in inducing some ad- vance, much of which was lost later. In cotton fear of frost damage has been the most potent factor, and here also some ad-
 
 last week. The leading authorities look for an exhaustive demand for the largest part of the years American crop unless predic- tions that Il, ,000, 600 bales are absolutely maintained.
 Farmers slow to follow the price downward, and reported holding for bet ter prices. Weather conditions not al- together favorable to the shoe trade, but hides loot a advance of 2Q3 cents per pound at the west for October.
 Wool is showing increased activity, which prices are firm in sympathy with the bet ter tone of London and Melbourne advice.
 Western live stock receipts for October were very heavy, but prices have held well despite this.
 A distinct and marked improvement in the demand for both crude and finished iron and steel Is noted. From Chicago, Pitts burg, Birmingham and Philadelphia come combinations of better inquiry for pig iron at slight advance, except in the case of the southern product. This movement is regarded as significant in view of the ported cutting in prices by English mak- CTS. Actual consumptive needs appear to be at the bottom of the demand. Despite the claim that western railroads will not pay $26 per ton for rails, Chicago advices are that 300000 tons have been bought for this account within the past ten days. Plates are hedNler oH the week, ana oars are also firmer with mills reported crowded with orders. Steel billetS are in better condition and higher, although the manufacturers are expected to let this market remain an open one.
 The export demand for cotton Is appar- ently undiminished, and this week wit nesses the heaviest days exports from New Orleans ever recorded
 Nine months trade returns show a gain in manufactured goods of 22 per cent over a year ago, while the increase in agricul- tured products was only 9.6 per cent; this latter increase being entirely due to higher prices of cotton as compared with last year. The outlook is for an aggregate ex- port of manufactured goods for this year for at least 4,000, GOO, total never hereto fore approached. A Curious feature is that most of the increase in import trade for the nine months is in products design ed be used by American manufacturers so