The age-herald., 1901-03-16

tant exchange, the events of the week ap- bearing to accentuate prevailing condi- tions. Distributive trade and speculation in securities continue large in volume, with prices rising fin the more favored in- dustries or dropping in those suffering from depression. As types of these move ments the iron and cotton goods indus tries are pre-eminent and these two seem like opposite poles. so marked Is the diff ference fin trade feeling and conditions In most other industries the reports Are quite favorable notable in this direct1s1 being lumber leather and hardware and implement trades Western and southern distributive trade reports are quite favor able and the reports of active demand for dry goods and clothing at the west con trast sharply with the reports of dull bus mess and the receding prices of print cloths, bleached cottons and other fab rics at first hands. Railway returns con- tinue highly favorable, confirming reports heretofore published of activity in gen. eral shipping and reports of a shortage of cars. a strange one at this time of the year to come from Chicago and other large centers. Clearings are of heavy vol tune and in this as in nearly all other measures of trade improvement, present records surpass all previously recorded
 
 the domestic iron and steel demand recall the boom of 1899, and 1t becomes more and more evident that an enormous con- sumptive demand discouraged by the high prices of year ago, is now coming freely into the market.
 Prices of furnace stocks fell and there are some who fear another runaway market. Unless they should make a mis- take similar to that of two years ago, the ore producers are holding back and have not yet announced prices. while the rise of pig iron makes their position stronges
 Bars and structural material are firm and heavy. Hardware is active and ad- vancing. Foreign reports are as blue as domestic advices are bright, but it Is worth noting that an enormous order for pipes Is reported captured by Americans despite strenuous efforts by foreigners.
 Print cloths are hc off for the week and % on from a year ago, and talk of cur tailing grows louder. Low prices are howeevr, stimulating export inquiry and some business Is ping done for China Wool Is in larger sale and foreign mar kets are quite strong Eastern stocks are said to be small and declining and the situation Is gradually re-adjusting itself In the goods market plain dress goods are moving steadily, while fancies are ne glected Fall sales of mems goods have DeSI disappointing.
 The government report of wheat in farmers hands, pointing to 30o00, O0h bushels less held than year ago, was regarded as a bullish feature and cou- pied with light Northwestern receipts caused a rise which was, however. taken advantage of to realize and the net change for the week 8 slight. Corn was bullishly inclined early In sympathy with wheat, but weakened and lost most of the advance. There Is less activity In leather as Boston and the larger buyers are out of the market While Union sole is little easier, some cheaper grades are half a cent frmer
 Wheat, including flour, shipments for the week aggregate 4,693,939 bushels against 4229 52S bushels last week, 2-727,- 450 bushels in the corresponding week of 1900; 4,11l045 bushels in 1899, and 3,679, ,0o6 bushels in 1898.
 From July to date this season, wheat exports, 143,871, 456 bushels, against 1G,- 31s, ,S16 bushels last season, and TIT FPS, Al bushels in 18s8-99.
 Corn exports for the week aggregate 3.24s.57b bushels. against 3,956,137 bushels last week; 3,72s,2 bushels in this week a year ago; All, ,326 bushels in 1899, and B. 941 ,3H bushels in 189S
 From July 1 to date corn exports are 1s9, $50, 1855 bushels. against o,534, 129 bushels last season, and 121, ,9f bushe'e in 1S98-90.
 Business failures In the Tinted 5tatee for the week number 217 as 1gainst lS last week, 19O in thie week q year as POS in 1899; 233 in 1e1s and z51 in s
 Canadian fall. for the wf' luf Jc- 2s. against "s Ia veaR. g H lnis -ek a year eso and ! h 1s9'