The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-02-22
TOO HIGH
Abnormal Prices Have Prevailed
During the Week.
A REACTION is ANTICIPATED
Grocery Markets Continue On u
Steady Dissatisfaction in
Drug Lines.

The strength in the principal produce lines
continues to be the feature Of the wholesale
markets at this point and is a matter Of
considerable concern to local Wholesale COM
mission dealers. With top grades Of butter
held at 261s cents and strictly fresh eggs held
at q cents it is recognized that prices are
too high for this season of the year and q
reaction is regarded as almost inevitable.
Butter Is selling at 4G5 cents higher than a
year ago at this time and eggs are about 4
cents higher.
During the week the tendency has been
upward IN these commodities in the face Of
good shipping weather and favorable pro-
ducng conditions Butter has gained nomi-
nally 1a91 cent and eggs have gained 3@4
cents. The latter are weak at quotations
and a decline the early part Of the week is
more than probable. The cheese market is
on firm basis for twins and flats and Young
America, with supplies available at this
point none too large for this time Of the
year. The poultry market Is on a firm
basis at the range of prices prevailing a
week ago. Turkeys continue to be excep-
tionally high, but the very attractive prices
prevailing which are in shippers favor dc
not seem to bring out larger offerings than
formerly.
In the dressed meat list veal has eased off
y cent and is slightly weaker than on last
Saturday. Receipts are increasing but the
market Is in good healthy condition and no
further weakness is apparent.
The vegetable list is steady basis with
out important price changes. In fruits.
oranges are nominally higher, California
stock having advanced % cents box, with
grape fruit rs @ so cents higher. Gram
berries, sweet potatoes etc., are steady
basis. 81"
Grocery Demand Is Active.
Wholesale grocers report good volume of
trada 6urner ha dpa to tba
In the city OF many merchants from north
western points brought here on the first
merchants excursion. Attendance has beer
larger thus far than for the corresponding
excursion a year ago and local jctbers have
reaped the benefits.
The price situation in groceries is on
steady basis. Market on refined sugars Is
without important change and is holding
steady with somewhat more active buying
interest Raws steady at the previous
range. New Orleans grades of mcIasses con-
unue unusually firm, especially open kettle,
which Is in light supply and will command
higher prices. Market on spot grades Of Rio
and Santos coffee is steady. Mild grades ars
in light request at the moment. Tea is on
steady to firm basis, with a somewhat
quiet buying interest in anticipation of prog
ress in national legislation. Spices are on
steady and unchanged basis. Fancy grades
of Honduras and domestic Japan continue
in light supply with the demand fair and
firm range Of values. In the dried fruit list
increased interest in apricots and peaches is
noted with a frn,er tone b J Q a l
recently called attention to the fact that the
statistical position Of these commodities was
strong and this view is being sustained by a
more active buying interest In currants
there is a somewhat easier feeling but NO
decline in values. Valencia layer raisins are
steady with loose and seeded California stock
selling at the previous range. Spot prunes
are active and the strength Of the market
at present Is likely to result IN advances
shortly.
Tomatoes continue to create interest in
canned fruits and more active interest is
noted in futures with prices well sustained
at the recent advance Of 2R cents in many
quarters Peaches and apricots hold to a
firm basis. Gallon apples hold firm Salmon
is steady and unchanged. A quiet interest
is noted in sardines at the recent nominal
advance.
Wholesale Drug Trade.
Demand for drugs is of fair proportions
and local wholesalers note satisfactory con-
ditions as to this branch Of trace. Prices
are on a steady to firm basis. Quinine is on
a stronger basis in first hands due to de-
crease in i1nportations Of chinchona bark from
Java Opium is dull and featureress. Co
cane is easy. Cocoa butter. Is dull. Bur-
gundy pitch is lower at a decline of B@Ac,
Only a small business Is noted in balsams.
Banks are firm and unchanged. Essential
oils steady with oil of peppermint in more
: active demand. In druggists gums asafoetida
Is the most active, with other descriptions
steady to firm.