New-York tribune., 1901-04-15

average or prices or all cOmmodlt1eS very uttie
below last years. and strength is most conspcu-
Gus in those articles in way affected by COM
binations.
Although railway deals consum-
mated last week. many affected special
stocks. while the general list showed an utter
indifference to spasmodc advances in money
rates. Anything that checks the upward move
ment in prices just is considered helpful
and the trifiing reactions of Monday and Thurs
day were beneficial. The net result for the
week, howeveS. was gain Of 81 10 in the aver
age of the sixty most active railways. and the
close was at new high record of $97 o. Ten
leading industriais gained 50 each. while gas and
traction stocks 81 - As anticipated
higher rates for money brought offerings from
the West. and also caused a reduction in foreign
exchange which precludes gold expectation.
Secretary Gage exhibits readiness to Iiberate
funds in the Treasury. but holders Of bonds
d rule are not willing to accept his terms. Any
real stringency would precptate large sales.
The bank statement most favorable, owing
to heavy reductions in loans
Some idea of the activity in iron and steel
manufacturing may be gained from the fact
that while production of pig iron is now at the
rate of 1o.421.l52 tons annually. furnace stocks
decreased 203,656 tons during the last six
months With an output so far above the aver
age in the two preceding years. it might be ex
pected that supplies would accumulate. But
mills are crowded with orders for the finished
product. and require abundance of raw ma
teria The recent great demand and high price
for pig iron gave reason to expect that ore pro-
ducers would not reduce quotations much below
last years list, but cut to 81 - for standard
Bessemer is announced. Conservatism is still
in all branches of the industry. and this re-
Ir,oto To inHa -aIlf for I,a
future. Coke production dropped back a little,
but is still close to the record
Definite signs of improvement at last visi-
BILE in most textile lines. 1t has been a weary
season of waiting, and gains now appearing
in divisions where increased activity was least
expected Around Easter outer garments are
generally the feature. but the most healthy con-
ditions are at present reported in hosiery and
underwear. At New-Engand manufacturing
centres further curtailment in production is
ported. although not voluntary, for spring fresh
cts were unusually harmful to mills. Sales Of
wool comparatively light owing to the
markable activity of preceding weeks. and it is
good sign that the decrease in volume of bust
ness is not accompanied by lower prices In
silks also better buying is noticed. Manu-
facturers of the cheaper grades OF furs have
had two bad winters in succession in the belt
including the principal cities. and the last sea-
son was also unsatisfactory in the Northwest on
account of the poor spring wheat crop. Prices
of the material have been high on account
of disturbances in China.
Shipments Of boots and shoes from Boston last
week were 10000 cases larger than a year ago
and the total movement since January l is only
Si.1S1 cases smaller than in 1900. Shops have
ample orders hand insuring a continuance
of the liberal movement for some time Although
quotations have been shaded on few lines of
Manufacturers in this city less crowded. and
one large shop has shut down. Leather Is
irregular with few definite price changes. but
dency there appears general hardening of hides
at Chicago Recent cuts in rubber footwear
have proved a stimulating influence orders COM
ing forward from many sections
Staples have experienced another week OF er-
rattle prices. The conflict has been notably Sc
we're in wheat, most encouraging official re-
port influencing lower level notwithstanding
large exports for the season This
foreign demand has persisted for weeks,
and readily absorbs much OF the grain offered
While untoward influences have been at work
since April /. the promise OF yield of winter
wheat that date close 10 the best on record,
according to the department. suggests that
siderable damage by insects might be done with
out causing scarcity. Cotton has also been
pulled both ways. exports improving while do
mestic takings are light Sugar advanced here
while foreign markets are helped by the anxiety
to get large quantities into Great Britain before
the expected duty is levied