New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-11-05
MONEY AND BUSINESS.

The keynote Is confidence Faith in the future
is exhibited in all branches of business. Plans
are perfected for the erection Of works, and
contracts for manufactured goods in many diff
ferent lines being placed by even the ultra
conservative men who a month ago desired
postponement until after election. few orders
were given conditional upon Mr.. McKinley's cleo
tion but the bulk Of business is placed
without any restriction. The contrast is most
striking If the present situation Is compared
with conditions four years ago. During the clos
ing days Of the last campaign there much
boarding of gold, bullion dealers charged high
premium and Treasury supplies drawn
upon to the extent of about $2,5OO.00O. Last
week there a gain Of nearly $4,000 in
Treasury gold holdings, and the yellow metal
available everywhere as any other form
of money Although unreasonable weather still
retards retail trade in winter wear. the weeks
bank exchanges at the fourteen principal cities
aggregated $1,554. ,249, against only $685.
149, 464 in 1896 showing an increase in the vol
ume of business of just rs per cent Statistics of
failures emphasize the same point, and all meas
ures of trade conditions Enthusiastically indicate
that capital is we'll invested and not afraid while
labor is fully employed at good wages and con-
tent. In the words Of famous Democrat who
will not vote for Mr.. Bryan tomorrow: "It is a
condition and not a theory that confronts u.s."
Improvement Is most noticeable In the leading
industry, even the raw material at last rejecting
the increased demand. Pig iron prices advanced
at Pittsburg, and some manufacturers of finished
forms refused to quote final prices on future
business, although other concerns have taken
orders far into next year at current rates
New business was heavier than at any
time since last spring. and quotations were
more favorable to sellers Structural ma
terial goes abroad freely. and construction
Of domestic bridges and ships makes de-
mand for plates beams and angles RAILWAYS
have ordered quantities of cars, and rails were
freely taken for next years needs; sales in this
line being accelerated by the further advance in
steel billets. Few mills are now idle and 1t is
probable that there will be no further reduction
in statistics of pig iron output after the Novem-
Der / statement, which has not yet appeared
London speculation in tin has had another set
back, and the local market fell to 81 cents while
the general range last week was lower than at
any time since January. The reaction in silver
was checked by heavy orders for Continental
and Indian account. making the final price with
in sixteenth of 80 pence
Although weekly shipments OF boots and shoes
from Boston have fallen slightly, to 81 375 cases
operations at the shops are being vigorously
pushed, and makers have not had such abundant
orders for many months The best feature NJ
the present situation is the earnest reouest for
immediate shipment. indicating that stocks are
low and goods go directly into the hands of con-
sumers There is danger in active market
that is piling up stocks on the shelves OF dealers
in anticipation of higher prices but brisk huvir
for immediate use is healthy and makes the out
look prlght. Prices do not change, although
further advances have occurred in the raw ma
terials Consumers are getting the benefit NJ
improved methods of manufacture, for while
hides are 1886 per cent higher than In 1888
leather is 29o per cent cheaper and boots and
shoes average 1898 per cent less Meanwhile
employees in the shops receive better pay. and
thousands more are engaged In this industry
than there were twelve years ago
IeXtiie markets are rather quiet on account
OF the warm weather 1t is on this department
OF business that temperature has most effect.
and the fact that the greatest section In satur