The Oskaloosa herald., 1902-01-16
TRADE REVIEW.
Transportation Facilities I'm Much
Better shape--GeneraI situn-
tion Is Encouraging.

New York, Jan 11.-R. G. Dun & Co.'S
Weekly Review of Trade says: with the
unprecedented holiday business ended,
transporting facilities are more nearly adj
equate for regular requirements. Mer-
chandise moves to consumers more prompt
ly, and in the iron region there Is less In
terruption to work because Of Insufficient
fuel. Normal conditions have by no means
returned. however, and II viii be some time
before shippers can safely guarantees de-
liveries on a specified date. Buying OK
staple commodities is on large scale, fully
sustaining quotations at a high level, ex-
cept in the few instances where EFFORTS
were made to hold prices above the point
warranted by the ratio Of needs to sup
plies. Labor controversies are few and un-
important while the new year has brought
advances in the rate Of wages at many
points. Holiday idleness, inventories and
annual overhaulings were all cut down
TO the lowest possible limit at iron and
steel plants In the effort to meet urgent de-
mands from customers. Foundry iron at
the east is still scarce. high prices being
quoted at Philadelphia, and Chicago mills
cannot secure material In desired quanu-
ties. Moderate imports have resulted from
the domestic deficiency. but this will not
become factor of importance If the stu
alton continues to improve at the present
rate.
"FaIlures for the week numbered SIS in
the United States, against 334 last year, and
q in Canada, against 81 last year"
Bradstreet's says: Trade advices, as re-
flected in kilograms to Bradstreet's, exhibit
some lrregularity. caused by weather con-
ditlons or proceeding from the early stage
of the season. That considerable spring
business has already been booked Is indi-
Gated by the heavy shipments Of mer-
chandise. Speculation is likewise exhibit
ing a broadening tendency, but here also
some irreguarity is manifested owing to
counter currents and technical market con-
ditions. The growing ease of money is a
reflection Of previously reported good col
lections, following active trade in the late
months Of last year. There seems ground
for the complaint that rate cutting Is pro-
ceeding actively In railroad circles despite
the fact that a sufl1clency of business exists
for all, as evidenced by the continued and
even accounted complaints Of car short
age although some Improvement Is noted
this week in this latter respect. Iron and
steel production is active beyond prece-
dent for this season OF the year. The fea-
ture IN cereals has been the unquestionable
growth Of speculative FEELING as reflected
in improved outside or commission buying
of wheat, corn and oats, while Hour has
also improved In general demand. Crop
damage in the southwest and reports Of eI-
ceptional activity at St. Louis have been
stimulating factors, but all through the
week realizing has been the restraining
feature, sufficient in the case Of corn, aided
by freer country offerings, to bring about
a slight decline. Exporters are still de-
clared to be out Of the market in this cereal
and in wheat, and, despite good cables from
abroad, the advance in domestic markets
has been so pronounced as to induce talk
of reshipment Of American wheat from Liv-
erpool.