Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-03-05

Business was conducted on the stock
exchange to-day with great decorum
and sobriety of demeanor, in strong
contrast to the wild and feverish ac-
tivity that prevailed up to a short
time ago. The attendance of brokers
on the floor was small enough in itself
to indicate clearly the decline in ac-
tivity and interest in the market. Spe-
cial trips to Washington to witness the
inauguration accounted for the alb
sence of some, but a great many bro
kers are away on extended vacation
trips, after a period of activity never
before equalled in the history of the
stock exchange. The expected depart
ure at an early hour in the day of
the central figure in the recent enor-
nous transactions in the financial
world adds to the common feeling that
a period of quietude is likely to inter-
vene in stock market speculation. 1t
was in accordance with this quieter
condition of sentiment that what might
be called more substantial considera-
tions ruled in the days trading, such
as the showings of earnings, the trade
outlook for certain stocks, results of
financial adjustments and the like.
The most conspicuous movements of
the day were the stocks of the NUM-
cipal gas companies. especially those
of the Greater New York. Consolidated
Gas was carried up to 2011a, with an
extreme advance of 5h. while Brook
Ign Union Gas ose no less than 113s.
Dealings in both stocks were unusually
large. The strength was not explained
H. @hA M Iy1f VIZ riCn IN ~ /, Axn
of consolidation. Peoples Gas advanced
a point, and Laclede Gas 21a, influenced
by that indefnable sympathy which
affects stocks of the same class in a
speculative movement. The local trac-
ton stocks were also drawn into the
movement after some heavienss in
Brooklyn Transit, and they were rail-
lied from 1h to 8 points. A number of
other high-priced industrial special
ties showed marked strength, General
Electric rising 4, with a reaction of 2
and National Salt preferred gaining 4,
There was a heavy absorption of Anal
gamated Copper all day, all offerings
being taken with confidence UP to par.
an extreme rise of AZ. The Smelling
stocks rallied sharply from an opening
break on covering by shorts upon the
news of a legal point lost by the oppo-
sition to the proposed merger. The
tidewater soft coal carriers continued
in demand on account of the large
business done in anticipation of a COM
ing increase in freight rates. There
were points of strength all through
the railroad list on the almost univer-
sal reports of increase in earnings,
large traffic and good rates. The Gran
gers, Pacific and Southwesterns all en-
joyed good advances, Rock Island and
Union Pacific leading. A number of
minor railroads were also in good de-
n,and. Steel sto ks were higher. but
they were without any sensational
feature. The publication of the off,
cial circular giving the "details of the
financial arrangement proposed for
putting through the consolidation was
disregarded as the preliminary gossip
had pretty accurately forecasted them.
The continued S of the money
market precludes any acute ~apprehen-
sion on that score. although it is not
expected that credit facilities in New
York win be expanded in the next few
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