Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-12-09
BUSINESS FEATURES.

ACCOrQluG TO LluIl, current tIduc 10 VI
ample dimensions. but traffic congestion
grows worse, and labor controversies
add to the embarrassment Of shippers.
It is also noted that the prices OF COM
modfties tend upward, and that food
products exhibit the most striking gains.
Chicago reports that producers Of iron
and steel in that district are amply sup
piled with cars for deliveries, but are
held back considerably owing to the In
ability OF railroads to furnish motive
power, large tonnage destined for
many points being practically side
tracked. In the matter Of trade winter
weather has caused renewed rush In re-
tail trade, and wide demand for warm
er clothing OF all kinds. and well sus-
tanned dealings in household supplies
and holiday novelties. Indeed, reports
from other sources show that Christmas
shopping is already OF large volume.
The mall order and jobbing houses have
very satisfactory business. Money 10
,
easy.
In Boston superb weather conditions
have enabled retailers to get rid OF .
large quantity Of seasonable merchan-
disc the past week. The demand from
consumers has been active all the week.
Holiday goods also have been selling
freely. Wholesale branches Of trade are
more active than usual in the closing
month Of the year, and except for the
time to be used in annual stock taking
there is not likely to be any suspension
OF operations with the beginning Of the
new year.
Pittsburg reports that the shortage of
cars continues to q matter Of much con-
Germ. The actual supply of cars is short
err thanybefore, fuel and steel are scarce,
and with the general conditions arising
from these causes some apprehension is
felt by the trade. Sales have been conf
parativeiy light, but this will have q
tendency to give the mills an opportuni-
ty to catch UP with urgent specifca-
tions. The only feature Of note in con-
nection with the market is the reduction
in the price of wire nails. The present
quotations are now fully 81 a ton under
the price readily obtained two months
ago.
At Baltimore the volume of. retail
business In all lines is unusually large,
and holiday sales bid fair to exceed pre-
svious records.
Minneapolis reports that there is lit
tie material change in the situation this
week. III dry goods, clothing, ETC., the
principal feature is spring buying. Hol-
iday goods are exceedingly active, and a
large trade is expected by retailers. Col
great Improvement. and trade prospects
all over this section were never better.
In Cincinnati trade generally is re-
ported good, retail lines showing activi-
~ in seasonable goods, colder weather
having stimulating effect on trade.
New Orleans and a number of other
southern points Jobbers report only a
fair volume Of business. Retailers re-
port an active trade. which is up to ex-
pectations for the season.
At st. Louis, the year draws to
close, general business conditions
are getting into a thoroughly satisfac-
tory condition. While as yet there has
been little of breathing spell, jobbers
have found an opportunity to make
preliminary estimate Of the years oper-
atoms. and final figures will show a de-
cided Increase in all lines over the sea-
son before. The situation is so salts
factory in this regard that many of the
jobber are already planning the cover
40 e new territory as well as a more