The age-herald., 1901-01-05
R. 6. DUN'O WEEKLY
 REVIEW OF TRADE New Year Opens With lndica- lions of Further Progress IRON QUOTATIONS THE SAME That Industry is on Such Firm Foun- dation That Most Large Con-
 cerns Have Maintained
 Wages at Old Scale.
IRON QUOTATIONS THE SAME

New York, January 4-R. G. Dun & Co.'S weekly review of trade tomorrow will say:
 In spite of the interruption of the holi- days and of the unusually heavy annual settlements in all lines of business the new year opens with indications of further prog ress. There is no lack of contracts offered at steady prices in the country's leading in- dustry, and in some departments of cotton goods there is a better movement, though speculation has depressed the price of raw material. Otherwise, decline in wheat is the only noteworthy movement in staples. II is explained by a reduction of the flour output at Minneapolis, some mills shutting down, while the foreign demand at Atlantic seaboard cities is not brisk. The ordinary measures of business continue to make gratifying exhibits.
 No alteration has yet occurred in quota tions of iron and steel products, and this industry is on such firm foundation that most large concerns have maintained wages at the old scale, instead of making the re- auctions anticipa ted. Iron ore prices are also unchanged, and no action is now ex- pected until March, although a lower rate was looked for early in January. Coke IS firmly held at Connellsville and there are fewer idle ovens, while the fall in prices appears confined to inferior qualities at out side furnaces. Pig iron sells steadily with no indication of weakness.
 All finished products are eagerly sought many large contracts having been placed for structural material and others are un- der consideration. An American company is the lowest bidder for the large bridge at Isa of hundred acres near Pittsburg by a leading steel company indicates great enlargement of its plant. Aside from one reduction of wages, at blast furnaces in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys the weeks news is most encouraging in this, the greatest of American industries
 The market for textiles has been feature less, as the holidays and stock-taking re- duced business to limited dimensions. Wool has again decreased making the av- craze of 100 quota Hons 1928 cents, according to Cotes Bros circular. Sales at the three chief eastern markets amounted to only l 3,121,00 pounds for the week, and there is | much uneasiness over the statement 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 dimcui- ties to contend with, but an abnormaliy high price for raw material acts as check on this industry. Local jobbing and retail trade is brisk In boots and shoes, and many manufacturers are behind with or ders, yet uneven distribution of bus ness has left some shops ready to make concessions. Shipments from Boston for the week were S2, AS cases against 91,665 a year ago. Sole lea ther is purchased freely, but less ac- tiyitv in uppers tends to weaken prices
 Fxports of sole from this city were heav- fer in December than in any previous month last year. but the total for 1900 fell 306 936 sides behind 1S99
 For the first time in many weeks there was uneasiness In hides at Chicago.