Omaha daily bee., 1902-11-22
TRADE NEEDS COLD WEATHER
Dun Says Mild Days Retard Purchases in
Most Lines.
INCREASED WAGES WILL STIMULATE SALES
Car and Coke Shortage Continues,
with No Immediate Prospect of Re-
lief, Consequently Firms Hes
itate to Accept orders.

NEW YORK. Nov. 21-R. @. Dun & Co.'S
weekly Review Of Trade tomorrow Will
say; Voluntary increases in wages by
some of the largest railways in the coun-
try bear testimony OF the amount Of busi-
ness handled in the past and emphasize
the confidence Of officials In continued
heavy traffic. Moreover. by this addition
OF large sums to the purchasing power OF
railway employees there is assurance OF a
larger demand for ali staple lines of mer-
Temporarily sales OF seasonable lines Of
weather, but this loss will be fully made up
when low temperatures become general
Preparations for holiday trade are on an
points. There Is no relief to the conges-
tion Of railway traffic, or any immediate
prospect Of free movements at the points
OF the most serious hlockades.
Coal freight Is steadily gaining and all
railway earnings thus far reported for Mo-
vember exceed last years by SO per cent
and those of 1900 by 15.s per cent
orders are now coming forward for iron
and steel products that have been held
back many months IN expectation of an
easier market Instead of making conces-
sions, however producers ask premiums for
early delivery and hesitate to accept con-
tracts where material and fuel are not in
sight.
No relief Is reported to the movement Of
coke, neither Is any anticipated for some
time to come; In fact, one authority sug-
gests that the situation will not become
normal before April Imports relieve some
departments OF the industry.
Plans for constructive work are now in
creasing and large tonnage of structural
material will be required. As the present
congestion is due to inadequate facilities
the most importunate inquiry Is for rail-
way equipment. Activity is notable at
works making agricultural implements,
bolts and kindred lines Recent reductions
In a few Of the lighter forms stimulated
dealings to a fair degree,
silver Touches Lowest Point.
Silver bullion declined to the lowest price
on record and copper and tin also receded
from former quotations. London was a
conspicuous factor in these changes.
Heavy lines Of dry goods and footwear
need the stimulus OF cold weather
A fairly steady demand Is reported for
staple cotton goods. but buyers are taking
only for immediate requirements Weak
ness In material gave an easier tone on
forward shipments, yet the margin be-
tween spot and distant deliveries is ex-
quiry In raw cotton steadied the market
for goods. Orders for spring shoes are
coming forward freely, and there Is sup
Elementary buying Of winter goods on a
model ate scale,
Retailers have much more money tied
up In rubber goods for which there has
been little demand.
Both sole and upper leather are quiet.
Foreign buying OF hemlock Is somewhat
restricted.
No concessions are obtained on hides, ex-
cept where new offerings are of inferior
quality, although the western markets are
quiet. Dry hides are fully maintained In
the local market, supplies being light.
Failures number 266 In the United States,
against 2lS last year, and "a In Canada,
compared with 81 year ago,