The age-herald., 1900-02-03
DUN'S WEEKLY
 TRADE REVIEW
Much of the Years Business
 Already Done.
WORKS ARE ALL CROWDED
The Iron and Steel Industry Every where is Tied Up by Contracts Reaching Through Most
 of the Year

New York February 2.-R. G. Dun & Co.'S weekly review of trade will tomorrow say:
 This year starts with much of the years business already done. and all comparisons will prove misleading if that fact is not taken into account. Last year the certain ty of great improvement had come before the year opened, and there was a rush to get orders before works became crowded and prices advanced This year the works were already crowded for months ahead in most lines, and prices had already advanc- ed so far that recoil had already commenc d in some branches. and was thought proba- ble in others. With the one exception of woolen manufacture the chief industries have met less new business in January than last year, though deliveries on pre- vious contracts have been larger than year ago.
 The great burst of speculation last year swelled January payments through clearing houses far beyond those of this year at New York, and such payments at other cities also averaged per business da shade larger than this year. But much greater decrease must have appeared in transac- tions connected With formation of new companies Wheat rose cent, but soon reacted Atlantic exports only 1,466,592 bushels, flour included, for the week, against 4942, ,436 last year, had more in- nuence than the decrease in western re- ceipts which have been for the week 43 per cent, and for five weeks, 40 per cent less than last year, while the decrease in Atlantic exports for five weeks has been have been A. 2O9, 800 bushels in five weeks, against S,6lo'- 72 Hast year. The price of corn is fairly steady, with exports for the week much smaller than last year. but in live weeks e119 S29 bushels, against 16 ,oS9 5l4 last year. Speculation in cotton has raised the price to Sh cents without improvement Ill oe- mand. LAM su so
 The receipts from plantations sun haii @ eo far beG1ind last years that the lowest es inmates of demand is expected. wheat IS rather weak in some grades, put stronger in others so that the average ol quolati tioiia is steady, notwithstanding some safes d, d, corcessions The prices of goods arc sun rising a little, but are relatively lower M lhaii tlho ma aterial Boot and shoe manuIacturers have passed all records in deliveries, nearly 10 ner cent beyond those of last year, put new orders have been greatly reSlric'eo. Recent sales of hemlock sole and or rousht leather show a deehne of 1zc, however while hides at Chicago coHulnue eneii si" ual decline.
 The iron and steel industry is so Tar ted up bv contracts reaching through most or the year that the production exceeding ccn- sumption is felt only in some branches. A little lower prices have been made for foundry iron and in considerable transac- tons. though Bessecner does not yield, but steel billets are offered by some at $S3 per ton Differences between producers ana some of the largest consumers ol steel block the market. In plates and bars con- sessions are still made to secure business; in sheets the demand is stronger, and in rails, structural ferns, tin plates and nails prices are held firmly.
 Failures for the week were 232 i1 the United States against 224 last year, and 34 in Canada against 9 last year.