The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-04-05
! THE COURSE OF BUSINESS

4
The northwest is just now receiving a
great influx Of new blood. 1t is no ex-
aggerationi to say that very close to 10000
! new settlers have streamed into this re-
gion during the past sixty days. The
| heavy colonization movement still con-
tinues.
This means a large increase in the con-
Stunning power of the territory tributary
| to the twin cites. Already the effect of
1t is being felt in few special lines !;
| ultimately it will make for increased act
ivity in all lines of business. The de-
mand for agricultural implements has
been heavy. Distributing points have
experienced more than the normal spring
activity, and manufacturing centers are
now feeling the strain of the increasing
demand.
Weather conditions in the northwest
have not been propitious. but are now
turning more favorable for farm work and
spring wheat seeding is getting under
way. There is no complaint Of any lack
OF moisture.
There was the usual downward tendency
In the course of commodity prices dur
ing March, which still continues. Cotton
holds against the general trend and is
| firm. The eastern centers Of textile man
| ufacture report conditions satisfactory,
save for slight tone Of dissatisfaction
which may mean labor troubles later on.
In general the business outlook is very
70 ,nrS h 10
earlier than usual, and the vessel inter-
| ests find their carrying capacity for the
season as whole increased by the early
start. with resultant probability of good
earnings. 1t has been estimated that
the freight movement through the Sault
! canal, will be 100000 tons heavier than
last year, which would mean the enor-
nous total of 31,00O,OOO tons.
Danger Of disagreemnts with employees
have been clouding the horizon in the
| iron and steel trade. To date all serious
trouble has been averted, but as this is
| the time when strikes are mist to be
expected there is some nervousness felt
as to the future. Trade conditions are
much the same with demand in many
branches exceeding supply and the mills
far behind with their orders.
| burst Of activity came into stocks,
and for the first time in weeks the trad
ing on one day ran to over million
shares. Gains were the rule in good
stocks, the grangers and northwestern
roads leading. 1t will not be surprising
| should m TO ~,
show for several months in the middle
west, where the roads largely dependent
upon the corn and wheat crops should now
feel the effect of the drought of last year
more seriously. To a considerable eX-
tent, however, this will be offset in the
far west and southwest, by new sources
of revenue. Increased business result
ing from new mining developments in
Nevada. Colorado and Wyoming, and the
activity in the Beaumont oil field of
Texas will help to maintain the average
The principal winter wheat states now
promise to raise about as much wheat as
last year. This is, of course, promise
and nothing more. All estimates must
necessarily be very superficial as yet.
Then there is a long critical period yet
to be passed. But the favorable outlook
remains as great weight on the mar
ket. During the week an effort was
| made for an advance. on the cash wheat
outlook in the northwest which is very
strong and favors full price maintain
ance, but northwest conditions are not
the paramount consideration at this time,
and the prospects Of large winter wheat
yield overshadow everything else. May
wheat made moderate advance but lost
1t again and sold back to the former
low point. In the exports the showing
was more favorable, 4,446, 900 bushels 60
ing out, compared with 1904 900 bushels
in the previous week. and 4,6s9 900 bushels
a year ago.