The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-04-27
TRADE IS WAITING
FOR GOOD WEATHER.
Activity in New York Stock a Re-
markable Feature of Last
Weeks Business.

New York, April 26.-Bradstreet's Satur-
day will say:
While adversely affected by unfavorable
weather conditions, general trade manifests
a strong underlying tone. which seemingly
lacks only the advent Of better weather to
become buoyant. Cold weather has I'M
doubtedly effected planting and termination
in some sections. but the probable damage
to CROPS is not great. as earlier advices APP
peared to indicate.
In some directions activity is pro-
nounced. as. for example. in iron and steel,
where apparently production is taxed to Its
capacity, though seemingly more to meet
existing requirements than because OF new
orders.
The backward spring has worked to the
disadvantage OF dry goods. but the trade
IL looking IN somewhat. with the promise OF
improved weather conditions. Heavy clear
ings continue to reflect a large speculative
movement. Railway gross earnings con-
time to show substantial gains. the cur
rent receipts of the Southwestern lines being
the best in their history, and Western ana
southern roads are doing almost as well.
The general price situation is one OF
irmness, most commodities being un-
changed, though there are a few increases
noticed, particularly in coffee, four, Wneat'
corn. oats. lard and tin. while butter,
cheese, petroleum and ODD sizes ol p.i
cloths show declines. Speculation IN wheat
this week was active and the price move
ment was upward. o.h-
ing and shoes at Chicago, though q Ia.s
Fitness is Under way. At other Western
po;nts more s~easonable weather is reported
as having a favorable effect on retail pusi-
ness and indeed on trade In general. Az SI
-tr-1oC 0nIn fC rfR2Tne0
as satisfactory, though in spring eooos
there has been a falling of as compared
with this time last year.
Lumber Prices StiRen.
A stffening in prices is noted IN lumper,
with a demand fully up to the supply: fIom
cling camps are taxed to supply orders.
Ttere is little alteration In hides. The job
hing trade In general remains good.
To rule in the New York stock market.
Fairly this week irregularity. with some
heavy selling and declines, prevailed. due to
s seRewsa eo!a h an,p" aegreg sahss0 si5SS.ooo.oo.
TO the new British war loan. Money rates
Il fling to harden, bull:sh speculative senti-
ment resumed control. The formal an
rise to further notable advances, particu-
i rly in Union Pacific. rumors circulating
that it might he leased to another system.
Northern Pacific, Baltimore and Ohio. Mis-
scurf Pacific and st. Paul have all shown
great strength, an idea prevailing that the
price Of zoo, paid for Burlington's control,
sets a new level of values for stocks OF Its
class.
The market In cotton has been Of a mar
row and irregular character, and the gen.
eral disposition seems to be a waiting one.
Receipts continue in goodiy proportion,
while weather conditions have recently i'm
proved. and the demand from manufactur-
ers is limited. During the week declines
were noted in the old positions. with ad-
yances in the far-of deliveries. Curtail-
ment of production reduces the accumula-
ton of supplies. but the business doing
shows values rather in favor of the buyer.
Wool is steady, with few features ~
change. Buyers show a disposition TO walt
until the new woods come in.
some Leather Stocks Exhausted.
Leather shows more activity on well-sus-
tanned prices. and stocks OF certain kinds
are practically nil. Small business in boots
and shoes of the better grades are reported
fayorably, and prices are said to De
steady. Though the weeks bank clearings
are somewhat less thar last weeks rec
ord-breaking figures. they are still very
heavy, being =, 535, 1s5, 22i, a loss OF but D..
per cent, while gaining 6s.5 pei, cent over
the corresponding week one year ago. Fasi.
ures in the United States for the week
/ number PA. as against 2l2 last week. ana
lE2 in this week a year ago.
Wheat, including -four shipments Tor tne
week aggregate 4,2S2,189 bushels, against
5.306. 2l7 last week, and 3,6S3,SS bushels IN
| the corresponding week OF lSW.