The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1901-06-15
RETAIL TRADE BETTER
Comment by Dun's Review on the
Business of the Week.
AN EASIER MARKET IN IRON
Production of Pig Establishes
New High Water Mnrk--OfiiciaI
Statement Indicates u Great
Wheat Crop.

New York, June 14.--R. G. Dun &
Co.'S weekly review of trade says;
Confirmation by the agricultural bu-
reau of receat private estimates of the
wheat crop has given to business a
tone of greater confidence. Retail op-
erations both east and west are larger
and distribution of merchandise by the
wholesale trade is increasing in dry
goods and boots and shoes. A slightly
easier market in iron reflects condi-
tions noticed for several weeks past.
The labor situation is gradually mend
ing, with the appreciation of the fact
that in some directions manufacturers
would be glad of temporary shut
down of works.
Pig iron production on June l was at
the rate of 3l4,505 tons weekly, accord.
ing to statistics compiled by The Iron
Age. This is about the anticipated in
crease for May and csta blishes a new
high water mark. exceeding the preyi-
Gus record by 1880 tons. An inter
csting feature of the situation is the
b'tltunt Vi Go IA biu''I W -c-'
which is Al less than were actively en-
ploycd Feb. !, 1900, when the weekly
output was 29s,ol4 tons.
Although new orders for pig iron
have been light in recent weeks, actual
deliveries on old contracts must have
reached a heavy total, for furnace
stocks June l were but 407, 1913 tons, d
decrease of 30,5G5 tons during May.
Conditions In this industry must be sat
isfactory If material is taken faster
than it can be produced, notwithstand-
ing new record of output each month.
Prices are easier. bessemer pig show
ing loss of about SO ton compared
with the quotation in February last
year, when the production was near
present figures.
In finished products there is great
activity owing to the large amount Of
goods to be delivered July /. There is
noticed special urgency for immediate
shipment by consumers of plates, bars
and structural shapes, the activity in
building operations showing no dim
lllullUI. Iblll'lc, IoNNNNi' "bN iii'iS
eagerly sought than any other form,
and sales are made at about SO at
mill. Maturing contracts for rails are
chiefly responsible for this feature, and
$50 is quoted for prompt delivery.
The Wheat Market.
Wheat declined to a more reasonable
level with withdrawal Of speculative
support. The government report of
condition on .Iune l was chiefly re-
sponsiblc. A crop this year equal to the
greatest ever harvested was indicated
by the official statement, and, as de-
partment figures have generally proved
below the final yield there was heavy
selling of options. with fall below 80
cents for cash wheat at this city. For
cign buying promptly decreased, with
the prospect of more satisfactory
terms.
Atlantic exports for the week, -four
Included were 2,935, ,oS3 bushels against
4 4,520, IA the previous week and 3,OSl.-
926 the same week last year. Corn
also lost in value, although crop news
was not especially bright, Atlantic
exports are still unsatisfactory, amount,
ing to 2,1S1,525 bushels against 3,2OG,-
593 year ago. Notwithstanding some
what lower quotations for corn. the
provision market has developed much
strength, and pork products at the
west are receiving the attention of
spectators TO an unusual extent.
Prospects for the current production
of raw material in the leading textile
industries have been ascertaincd by a
careful canvass by correspondents Re-
garding cotton the outlook is bright,
Notwithstanding the lateneSs Of the
crop. Much repanting was made nee
eSsAry by bad weather and the yield
promises to be more expensive than
usual on this account and also owing to
the large quantities of fertilizer used
and the scarcity Of labor. Weather
conditions have been most favorable
of late. and the situation is much i'm
proved except in few localities where
insects are Troublesome.
Failures for the week numbered 10
in the United States against 1862 last
year and % in Canada against u last
year.