Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1900-09-20

Bradstreet's says: Expanding de-
mand at advancing prices in many lines
OF trade finds its chief exemplar in the
market for raw cotton, which has wit
messed the greatest excitement, heavi-
est trading and largest gain in price
for at least decade. Rarely il ever
in the history Of the trade, as con-
Quoted on modern lines, has the inter-
est displayed in that product been
greater, and the manufacturing inter-
ests of the world find the situation
perpleying one, while tho prospects of
large profits to producers are stimnlat-
ing all lines of Southern trade. English
spinners, who are reported very gener-
ally short of supplies, are considering
drastic methods of meeting the re-
quirements. In American cotton goods
the situation, from being short time
ago a buyers market, is now reversed,
and sellers are in position to dictate
terms. So suddenly has the outlook,
as viewed by the trade generally,
changed, however, that manufacturers
are unable or unwilling to define their
exact position, or, If they accept new
business, do go on distinct basis of
cost of new supplies. Maximum cotton
crop estimators Of past years are APP
parently panic stricken, and predict
famine stocks for the end of the year,
even with reduced consumption.
Trade estimates, based on govern
ment reports, point to crop of 8, $780,
600 to 10, 600, 600 hales, the latter only
possible, however, il the picking season
is long and frcst is delayed. Bull esti-
mates OF consumption are that II, 600,
600 bales of American cotton are
needed but these must necessarily be
reduced, not only because of the i'm
possibility of such a yield being
gathered, but also because higher prices
OF cotton goods are expected to reduce
consumption. F"
RIG. Dun & 90. Is Review says: 1.-THE
tropical storm that devastated the gulf
coast, almost wipiug out the city of
Galveston, and doing damage in other
parts of the county, caused reduction
in the volume of business at the South,
and railroads in the gulf region have
probably not shown their maximum
'lossPs of earnings as yet, put even after
such catastrophe recuperative
power is shown. An added cause of
hesitation in business is the order for
a strike of anthracite coal miners.
Otherwise the working force has in
creased this week for operations are
Iesuming at steel mills, and the Miehi-
gan Peninsular car plant and the Deer
ing Harvt ster Works have started up,
after seven weeks idleness, with 5000
hands, each. From many quarters of
the West and Southeast better distri-
button Of merchandise ia reported in
jobbing and retail circles. The weather
has remained favorable for the matur-
ing corn crop, with cutting progressing
ana the crop generally beyond danger,
but damage to cotton by the storm is
still an unknown quantity. Prices Of
staple commodities are higher for the
week, hoisted by the sharp rise in
cotton. but in manufactured products
there is little change, though steady
increases of business at the current
level is satisfactory. At New York
bank clearings for the week decreased
1876 per cent from one year, and IL. per
cent from two years ago, while at lead
ing cities outside New York there is a
decrease of ga per cent from one year,
but gain of 1873 per cent from two
years ago. Wheat rose above 80 cents
again, in the face of receipts for the
crop year thus far S,4l5, 956 bushels
larger than last year, while exports de-
creased 10,251, 1878 bushels, including
flour. Reports of heavy rains in some
sections and injury to the crop, with
better inquiries by foreign houses.
explain the advance. Mere orders are
being received at iron mills, and prices
are steady. In structural and finished
material there is much business, and
activity is Incoming almost universal
in the iron region. Steel rails are
waiting for the agreement as TO prices
which is expected to be reached next
week. A reduction in keeping with
other steel products is considered GER
tain, and then the market will be on a
settled basis. Exports of principal
products in August were valued at
S51, 222. $40 against S5I, LII, 5T2. but all
exports exceeded il. Eorts by Sil, $3.50, 4T4
larger balances than last year. Mon
ey is shade harder but loans over
election are easily arranged. While
Wall street is becoming discouraged
by protracted inactivity, prices do not
Yield largely, aud London bought about
20, 600 shares oil balance. Railroads,
comprising more than half the mileage
of the country, have reported earnings
for August so, as, $40, a gain of
So, 800, 222, or &c per cent over last