Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-10-09
BRISK BUSINESS
IN EVERY LINE
Movement of Goods Continues
to Be Large and Stocks
Are Low.
LABOR SITUATION is BETTER
Numerous Voluntary Concessions to
the Workers Have Been Made and
There is Less Controversy Than
Usual on That Score.

New York, Oct. 6.--R. G. Dun &
Co.'S weekly review of trade says.
Distribution Of merchandise shows
no diminution, and prospects are
bright for continued activity. Dealers
in many lines are urgent for prompt
shipments, calling upon jobbers and
manufacturers for goods already over
due. This indication of reduced stocks
is good sign, and tends to sustain
quotations.
Western reports are especially fav-
cradle and the early marketing of
cotton has brought distinct improve
ment at the south. Voluntary ad-
vances in wages have been announced
in a number of instances, while the
labor situation is more satisfactory,
although not entirely free from con-
troversy.
Get More Cars.
Transportation facilities have i'm
proved in the coke region, where con-
gestion was becoming severe, and rail-
way earnings thus far reported for
September exceed last years by "a
per cent.
Pig iron furnaces are receiving
larger consignments OF coke, and there
is less interruption because of fuel
scarcity. The situation is by no means
satisfactory, however, and production
OF iron and steel would expand consid.
erably If facilities were normal. Much
or the relief has come from large i'm
ports, the extent of which is not gen.
orally appreciated. During August
alone pig iron imports were 79,447
tons. and for eight months 257,21O
tons. valued at s4,676,649, while re-
ceipts of steel billets were worth still
more.
Declines in Hardware.
Recently the purchases abroad
have extended to steel rails and struc.
tural shapes. Quotations are fully
sustained on these products, but the
inequalities of the market are shown
by declines in sheets, wire nails. and
barb wire. while the tin plates are dull,
and efforts are still being made to
retain business abroad by special
wage arrangements. 1t is interesting
to note that year ago tin plates were
being imported freely because of labor
contror ersies
Cotton In Firmly Held.
Supplies of cotton goods do not ac-
cumulate in first hands, the demand
continuing to keep pace with produc-
ton, which holds prices steady. Few
export sales are reported, not through
any lack Of inquiries, but owing to the
TACT that sellers will make no conces-
sions. Wool averaged slightly higher
In sympathy with the London sale, but
further declines took place in hides
and leather has become dull. New
England shoe shops have received
large orders Tor winter goods, assur-
ing activity for two or three months
at some factories.
Failure Statistics.
Strictly commercial failures in the
United States during the first nine
months of 1902 numbered S,676, with
defaulted liabilities of $50, 407, 490.
Last year there were S,0S3 failures for
$50, 560,S52. In addition there were
AZ failures OF banks and other finan-
cial institutions with liabilities of $685.
027,19S, against 81 in 1901, involving
s17,295,554. While the exhibit is less
satisfactory than last years, only one
other year during the last two decades
made as favorable showing"