The age-herald., 1902-02-08
DUN's REVIEW.

New York, February 7.-R. c. Dur X; Co.'S weekly review of trade tomorrow will say:
 Interruption to railroad traffic and out door work by severe storms was the only unfavorable factor in the business situa- tion during the past week, while manu- featuring activity increased and distribu- ton through retail channels was undi- minished Reports from tho West arc especially encouraging, but few South ern points are slow to exhibit improve ment Railroad earnings continue their monot onous record of increase for Janu- ary gaining 72 per cent over last year and PAP per cent over 1900. The fourth weeks earnings were somewhat reduced by bad weather.
 Famine conditions exist in the market for pig iron It is doubtful whether there was ever a time in the history of the na- ton when this metal was so scarce. Con- sldering the fact that production during 1901 was far beyond all previous records, the present shortage gives indisputablc evidence of the unprecedented rate at which the mills have been consuming. Controlling interests deprecate all ten dencies to infiate prices, recognizing the fact that the continued heavy consump- tion is dependent upon quotations held at reasonable point. Nevertheless. If deliveries are wanted before July it Is often necessary to pay premium, and consumers have been compelled in some instances to place orders abroad.
 May Purchase Iron.
 Efforts are being made to repurchase iron sent abroad last year since that may evade the duty. German billets are still arriving, but the market abroad is advancing which will tend to check the movements. Railroads are so urgent for supplies that an order for rails may go abroad. In the light of these reports it is not surprising that exports of iron and steel fall of and foreign off con tracts receive scant attention.
 Activity is general at shoe shops par ticularly at the west and New England factories are shipping at the rate of g per cent more than last year. No conces- sions are made from the recent advance, but there are still buyers who prefer to accept a poorer grade at old prices. Hemock sole is the best supported leath- CT and light weights are in short supply. While some hides at Chicago are again easier in price there is evidence of some improvement in the situation. Moderate supplies continue the best feature as to cotton goods and there Is no pressure to sell Print cloths have risen slightly and
 
 bidding for coarse colored cottons, but in this as in most grades. buyers and sellers are far apart in their views of the right price. The situation appears to favor holders.
 Cereals Market Quiet.
 Compared with the cratic course of the cereals during the preceding month or two produce markets have been quiet h{o DttIln a0E of SnapinI influences were not productive of weak ness. however. former quotations being subbornly maintained In the case of corn, there are many expressions of faith in lower prices without aggressive speculation on the short side. There was no support in Atlantic exports of 122, 963 bushels compared with 3973, 462 a year ago Heavy storms curtailed the interior movement to 1892 669 bushels against B. 018.S86 last year. Exporters of wheat evince a disposition to wait for easier terms but shipments on old orders were 4,427296 bushels against 4,S309S1 a year ago. Among the other staples, cotton re- ceived a little support notwithstanding liberal port receipts.
 Final returns of commercial failures during January exhibit an exceptionally large number of insolvencies, and also an unusual amount of defaulted labil- ities. In manufacturing lines there were 246 failures, involving S. .30S, ,948 an increase of $1. 607 964 over the liabilities last year. Defaulting traders numbered 1120 with liabilities of T.116972. an increase of 172 in number and q, S05,1 ,16S in amount Mis- cellaneous failures were 50 in number and sSS6,6Sl in liabilities. exceeding January, 1901, by 10 in number. but showing a de- crease of s321 442 in defaulted liabilities.