Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-01-05

NEW YORK, January Ar. G. Dun
& Co.'S Weekly Review of Trade to-
morrow will say:
In spite of the Interruptions of the
holidays and of the unusually heavy
annual settlements in all lines of busi-
ness, the new year opens with indica-
lions OF further progress. There is no
lack of contracts offered at steady
prices in the country's leading indus
try; and in some departments of cot
ton goods there is a better movement,
though speculation has depressed the
price OF the raw material. Otherwise,
a decline in wheat is Tie only note
worthy movement in staples. 1t is ex-
plaiaed by a reduction in the flour out
put at Minneapolis, some mills shut
ting down, while the foreign demands
at Atlantic seaboard cities is not
brisk. The ordinary measures of bust
ness continue to make gratifying ex-
-.Dits. No alienation has yet occur
red in quotations of iron and steel pro-
ducts, and this industry is on such a
firm foundation that most large con-
Germs have maintained wages at the
Old scale, instead of making the reduc-
lions anticipated.
r ore prices are also unchanged,
and nc action is now expected until
March, although a lower ate was
looked for carry in Janaury. Coke is
firmly held at ConnellsVille, and there
are fewer idle ovens, while the much
discussed fall in prices appears confin-
ed to inferior qualities at outside fur
naces. Pig iron sells freely for deliv-
cry up to April and there is no indica-
ton OF weakness. All finished pro-
duets are eagerly sought, many large
contracts having been placed for struc-
tural material and others are under
consideration. An American company
is the. lowest bidder for the large
bridge at sydney haIbor, Australia.
The purchase of seven hundred acres
near Pittsburg. by a leading steel COM
pany indicates great enlargement OF
its plant. Aside from reduction OF
wages at blast furnaces in the Mahon-
ing and Shenango valleys, the weeks
news is most encouraging in this, the
greatest of American industries.
The market Tor textiles has been fea-
tureless. as the holidays and stock
taking reduced business to limited di-
mensfons. Wool has again declined,
baking the average of 100 quotations
1928 cents. according to Coates Bros.
circular. Sales at the three chief east
ern markets amounted to only 3,12l,-
600 pounds for the week, and there is
much uneasiness over the statements
OF largest stocks at the end of the
year, while recent failures have not
tended to improve the tone. Cotton
goods have not the same difficulties
to contend with. but an abnormally
high price for raw material acts as a
check on this industry. Local jobblng
and retail trade is brisk in boots and
shoes, and many manufacturers are
behind with orders, yet uneven dis
tribution OF business has left some
shops ready to make concessions.
Shipments from Boston for the week
were 82.443 cases, against 91,665 a year
ago Sole leather is purchased freely,
but less activity in uppers tends to
weaken prices.
Exports of sole leather from this
city were heavier in December than
IN any previous month last year. but
the total for 1900 fell 306.936 sides be
low 1899. For the first time in many
weeks, there was some recovery in
hides at Chicago.