The Washington times., 1902-04-12
CHECKS upon TRADE
MERELY TEMPORARY
Unfavorable Weather and
Crop Uncertainty Continue,
COTTON THE LEADING STAPLE
Manufacturing Active in Lines Not At
fected by Labor Disturbances-Trans-
portation Heavy-Increased Bank
Clearings and Railway Earnings.

NEW YORK. April 1l-Bradstrect's to-
morrow will say:
While cross currents in trade and in
dustry make il difficult to characterize
the general trade situation the country
over, appearances would indicate that the
check given distributive trade by reac-
tionary weather, crop uncertainty. and
additional friction in Industrial circles is
of transitory character. Bank clear
ings, all things considered, are of large
volume. railroad earnings reports point
to continued increases over the same
period a year ago, and especial activity
is noted in leading manufacturing lines.
particularly iron and steel, lumber. cot
ton goods, coal mining. machinery max
ing. and host of lesser industries.
Reports of Activity.
''Jobbng distribution at the central
West and at leading Eastern centers
notes further quieting down. but in the
spring wheat sections reports are of un-
diminished activity. Southwestern trade
reports continue of cheerful nature.
AT industrial centers in the South
iron. coal. and coke production is active,
and while the backward weather condi-
tions are credited with limiting demand.
in agricultural sections the strength of
cotton prices leads to more hopeful
feeling there. not entirely warranting the
predictions of a reduced acreage in that
staple crop.
Crop Uncertainty.
Uncertainty as to winter wheat pros
poets has been more manifest among the
speculative contingent than in legitimate
trade circles. but there is a tendency to
delay fall orders noted at Chicago pend
ing further developments. On the other
hand. sections like Nebra ska. which suf-
fered from crop damage last year. are
reported ordering freely for next fall.
Despite the lowering in the general
average of wheat as a result of the dry
weather of last fall and the early win
ter, indicated by the Government report
winter wheat crop prospects are still for
a crop in excess of 400. 600 400 bushels. and
about equal. in fact to the indicated final
outturn last year.
Cotton Bull Movement.
Cotton has continued to lead the
staples in bullish feeling. and the high
est prices reached on the present crop
were attained this week, the gain from
the lowest being IL cents on spots. which
still lead future prices by a considerable
/nargin. Increased public interest as well
as continued advices of exhausted sup
plies were responsible for the strength
here but heavy realizing late brought
about a slight reaction. The feeling is
that the bull movement has not as yet
been exhausted"
Dun's Review.
NEW YORK, April 11.-Dun's review Of
trade tomorrow will say:
Good news predominates in the busi
ness world, notwithstanding somewhat
serious drawbacks. Manufacturing is ex-
ceptionally active in lines not disturbed
by strikes and there is a vigorous move
ment OF goods through regular channels.
Transportation is heavy, as shown by rail-
way earnings in March, 81 per cent larger
than last year and 14.S per cent above
1900. Lake navigation has opened two
weeks earlier than usual which will
greatly facilitate traffic at the North.
Firmness in Cotton.
"Firmness in cotton goods naturally
follows the combina tion of light stocks
and the interruption of work at some mills
with threatened disturbance at others. to-
gether with the higher price of raw ma
terial. In many lines it is no longer pos
sible to secure prompt deliveries, and
buyers have practically ceased to ask con-
ccssons.
Clothing buyers are seeking to secure
woolen goods TO substitute for deliveries
retarded by the strike, but find the mar
ket heavily over bought, and many lines
withdrawn or advanced in prices. Foot
wear manufacturers have secured little
more business and shops have been able |
to avoid the reduced time that was feared. |
Lea ther is quiet after the recent activity. |
Failures for the week numbered 1913 !
in the United States, against 203 last year,
and 10 in Canada, against 21 last year"