New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-10-22
MONEY AND RrSLNEss

Slowly the barometer of trade moves in the
direction Of clear weather. Although no severe
storm has occurred, the atmosphere has been
unpleasant, and It has taken long for some in
dustries to reach a point where blue sky
can be seen. In many cases recovery was so
gradual as to be almost imperceptible, and
feeling of encouragement was occasionally no
ticed. Within the last few weeks, however, the
improvement has been general, scarcely any
important class Of trade failing to share the
benefits Of growing confidence in the wisdom of
voters. Excessive accommodations of supplies
were reduced and in the ordinary course of
business there was reason to expect activity
but 1t feared that extreme conservatism
would restrict operations until after election
Instead. there has come a return to better than
normal conditions, although two weeks must
still eapse before the ballots will be counted
and present indications promise that few wheels
will be idle by the end of this month. Labor is
in demand in all sections of the country and
at some points work is being pushed so vigor-
oUsly that men are attracted from other occu-
pations, causing great inconvenience. With re-
sumption of work at the coal mines the force of
men employed in all branches Of business will
largely exceed the total at any time since warm
weather began and mills and furnaces shut
down for the customary repairs
There is steady gain in the iron region and
this leddlnS industry always renectS the general
healthfulness Of business most accurately. Buy
ers no longer dictate terms, but conform to the
ideas Of sellers more than at any time since the
decline began. A feature of great interest is the
market for steel rails. Certain newspapers have
tried to secure further cut in prices, publish
ing interviews with many authorities going to
show that there was big profit for manufact-
urers in present prices. It is true that with
steel billets at $40 90 at Chicago and PhiladeI-
phia there is good margin. but when a mod
crate rebate is made to buyers of large amounts
the difference is not unreasonable and more
| over, the fact must not be overlooked that a
small advance in the cost Of material would
make steel rails exceedingly cheap at $26. 1t now
appears most probable that work will soon be
resumed at the Rogers Locomotive Works
Operations at agricultural implement works do
not diminish, and these concerns are eager buy
of material, while structural forms of all
kinds have steady demand both foreign and
domestic account. Prices Of all forms are at
about the lowest point of the year, although
a small advance noted in Bessemer pig at
Pittsburg, and a few finished shapes command
slightly better figures. while the general tone is
decidedly more cheerful.
Shipments of boots and shoes from Boston
were Sc TAG cases. against SS 415 In the previous
week, and 106.412 a year ago. This appears to
week reporting shows the most active business
since last spring, with the one exception of the
preceding week, and last years shipments were
record breaking figures. due TO reckless speeu-
lative buying on a rapidly rising market Pres
ent conditions at New-Engand shoe shops are
satisfactory and this branch of manufaet-
ure is at present more active than any other
with jobbers especially anxious for immediate
delivery of fall and winter goods The DISPOSE
ton to anticipate spring business is also more
noticeable and manufacturers are not limiting
their purchases of leather to heavy weights
Retailers in the coal mining region have been
compelled to cancel orders. but conditions there
will probably be normal in a short time While
the weather has improved somewhat ii is still
too mild for free movement of heavy weight
clothing and woollen goods drag Nevertheless
raw wool is much more active. sales at the three
chlef Eastern markets aggregating 4524 600