Camas Prairie chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1901-1917, 1902-01-03
TRADE SHOWS PROSPERITY
DuN's WEEKLY TRADE REVIEW.
Expenditures for Gifts Are Ample
Proof of PrOsperity-Trade in
Some Instances Is Over 100 Per
Cent Better-The South shows Less
Gains-FrOm Bradstreet's Report.

| New York, Dec. 30.-R. G. Dun &
Co.'s Weekly Review of Trade says:
If any evidence was needed of the
unparalleled prosperity with which
this nation has been blessed during
the past year the expenditure for
Christmas gifts and decorations should
be ample Distribution of Christmas
goods among the employees Of large
firms and corporations was on large
scale, often the increase over last
year amounting to 100 per cent, while
the profit sharing at the end of the
year will reach an unprecedented fig
ure. 1t is now noticed that the south
ern trade shows less satisfactory gains
over last year than at other sections,
which is not surprising, as the prin-
cipal product of the south has av-
eraged from IS to sic bale less than
year ago. while the quantity thus far
marketed shows no commensurate in
crease.
Following closely upon the inter-
ruption by foods and storms last week
the transporting and manufacturing
facilities were further handicapped by
numerous accidents. Iron furnaces
and steel mills were tied up and the
movement of coke was hampered.
This resulted in much insufficient sup
plies of fuel that many stacks were
banked at time when full activity
was especially desired. TIE situation
as to coke is more critical than at
any previous time this season. The
output in the Connellsville region has
been at record-breaking pace for
month or more, but stocks accumulate
at the ovens because motive power and
cars cannot be secured. Pig iron pro-
duction is no longer at the high mark
recorded when December opened and
with fancy prices for fuel it is natural
that Bessemer sheets advance.
Business in wholesale drygOods has
been interrupted by holiday influence
and stock taking among jobbers. Cot
ton goods ruled quiet, apart from the
demand for converters, which was on
a liberal scale. Cotton mills are sold
ahead for several months as a rule
and there is no urgency to make new
contracts, especially in view of the
raw material.
Wool is strong and tending upward,
with good demand not only from
mills and dealers. but on speculative
accounts. Stocks are closing the year
in much better condition than at the
start, exceptional consumption having
made large inroads. Footwear shops
are actively engaged and are shipping
much more heavily than a year ago.
Leather and hides are strong but com
paratively quiet.
A decidedly high price level has been
in the leading cereal
staples, with option trading of good
Intentions, despite the double holi-
lay at the produce exchange. Wheat |
recovered most of the recent moder-
tie decline, supported by a fairly |
iteady demand. Notwithstanding the |
Ugh level of quotations as compared |
With earlier years, exports for the
week, from all ports of the United
states, including flour, amounted to
,540,972 bushels, compared with g.
65,O14 bushels year ago, and g..
l7OlS bushels two years ago. In
erior receipts were light and flour
Mills have been handicapped by the
orn shortage which made it difficult
bring in raw material, or take out
he finished product.
Failures for the week number $50
the United States against 237 last
ear, and % in Canada against Is
asst year.