The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-01-13
IBlISINE BEGINS
new Year |: We'll |. |" /. 1.
Though=Much Of the Usual esitation
is Apparent.
MONETARY CONDITIONS EASIER.
Production of Iron Exceed IN. Cons
sumption Textile Manufacturers
Fully Employed, and Boot and
Shoe Deliveries Heavy.

NEW YORK, Jan. 1ee.-R. G. Dun &
Company-s Weekly Review of Trade Will
say in to-morrow's issue:
The business Of the new year begins
we'll, though there is still much of the
usual hesitation. In branches where last
years business was extraordinary and
prices have arisen greatly, some pause is
natural. though nothing indicates IN
crease Of consuming disposition or pur-
chasing power, but there is continuing
rises III wages to promote Increase. Mon
etary conditions have grown easier with
the return of 100000 from the interior
during the week, and further deposits
by the Treasury, and more liquidation In
some speculative stocks has also helped.
Banks report an increase in their per
cent OF commercial loans. and rates were
generally more easy after the decline
announced by European banks.
IRON FURNACES.
The furnaces in blast January LIST were
producing weekly e9i,1S6 tons OF pig iron
against 296, $50 December 1st, but as sew
ecal had stopped only for the holidays,
and others had started. the output now
is probably larger than at either date.
It exceeds consumption at last, as the
Iron Age shows an increase OF 9,2o6 tons
in unsold stock, but the manufacture APP
Iarently consumed during the year 15>-
l,G2G tons. less small net exports in
December. The increase since 1882 is
about 4, 90, 600 tons. or $50 per cent. Prices
change scarcely any, nor is new business
significant.
The minor metals are strong in tone,
but as yet without much change in prices
Textile manufacturers are more fully
employed than for a long time, though
scarcity of water has troubled some
cotton mills. Trading is embarrassed by
uncertainty about prices.
Wool is not active, nor are Spectators
or manufacturers in haste to buy at cur
rent prices, Though the market shows
Some advances for the next season. with
excellent trade thus far. The effect upon
the seasons sales cannot yet be judged.
Cotton goods have been quiet and no
longer advance in prices, as the market
for the material is uncertain in tone.
The boot and shoe manufacture has
similar difficulty, for while shipments
are heavier than ever before ut this sea-
son. in two weeks 1886 cases against
14s,174 last year and 111,75l in 1888, as the
rapid distribution to consumers causes
some urgent calls for goods previously
ordered, yet dealers are slow to order
more in the fear that prices will not
hold.
Manufacturers insist that still further
advances are needed to cover the cost
of leather. The Chicago market for hides
is weaker with 4 lower average than at
any time since November LIST.
COTTON MOVES SLOWLY.
Cotton moves SO slowly that belief in
a very short crop is constantly strength.
ened. but foreign demands are much re-
duced also. On January 9Th only $780,.
O3l bales had come into sight against
S,0G1.91G last year, but exports had de-
creased 1,725,0G0 bales and European
stocks were far below last years. For;
the present foreigners are using up old
stocks instead Of buying more, and the
price hesitates.
Wheat has been slow to move also
Atlantic exports in two weeks, having
been only 4.3IG.51t bushels. Hour included.
against 9,4521G last year. and Pacific
1.3l29 s3 against 1.524,o51 last year.
The prices close a fraction higher.
Corn receipts have also fallen below
last year, though the exports in two
weeks have been 1881. sss bushels against
7.199,913 last year. and prices have adj
vanced about IL per cent.
Failures for the week have been PA
in the United States against 31s last year,
and % in Canada against q last year.