The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1902-04-02
BRlDSTREET'S TRADE REVIEW.
Activity Changes From Whole
saIers to RetaiIers---Efect of
the Holidays.
New York. March 2S.-Bradstreet's

New IOrks Mafcn Zo.-DTaoSITeet
tomorrow will say:
Trade activities have shifted from
first to second hands this week.
Wholesale and jobbing distribution
of drv goods, clothing, hats and caps,
millinery ano shoes has been rather
quieter, as was only natural in view of
the elimination of the spring demnad
before Easter. Retail distribution,
favored by spring weather, has been
very active east and west, with a fair
business at the south. Among the
industries, new demand for iron and
steel has on the whole been less
active, but production and shipment
have gone forward at undiminished
speed. The blilding trades have taken
a decided squirt in activity. Lumber
is active at all markets, at higher
prices than ruled a year ago. The edge
has rather been taken off cotton and
cotton goods prices by the reaction in
the raw material and the talk of
further labor unsettlement, but values
as a whole are steady.
Aggressive strength in prices is
chiefly manifested by hog products,
which, it is declared, have been
manipulated by packers. A more
reasonable explanation, however, is
that the high prices for beef and NUT
eon have largely diverted consumption
so hog products. Milder weather
has relieved the strain on the coal
trade somewhat, but strike talk has
prevented weakness in prices.
Rather less activity IN iron and
steel is noted, but no loss CT price
firmness is observable. The :. clliar
situation of the foundry p,. IN
market is shown by the fact nat
prices of that grade. are 81 higher
ger ton than Bessemer. Finished iron
and steel has been active, implement
and wagon manufacturers buying heav-
lily of steel bars, which are nominally
81 per ton higher. Despite the fact
that tin plate mills are booked for i've
months ahead, the leading interest
continues to take orders at 81 per box.
Testimony to the activity in hardware
is well nigh unanimous. Chicago
reports demand active beyond all pre-
cedent. Jobbers in cutlery and build
ers' hardware at New York report
inability TO secure supplies fast
enough.
The analysis of the cotton market,
given a week ago, to the effect that
the market was on a dead centre and
that the position appeared to be over
bought was confirmed this week by the
sharp break of nearly one-third of a
cent in futures and of onefourth Of
one cent in spots, brought about by
tired, long liquidation. A more cheer
full tone developed at the decline, how
ever, and covering in anticipation of
the holidays recovered portion of
the loss.
The leading cereals are irregularly
lower after an apparently futile effort
at bulling prices. Last weeks decline
brought in considerable export busi-
ness in wheat, and some revival was
reported even in corn. Steady buying
and talk of a squeeze in corn were
reflected sympathetically in wheat. The
talk of corner in July corn was aided
by the small supplies of contract
grades, but the tendency to take profits
in anticipation Of the holidays weak
ened prices, which generally closed
lower than a week ago. Wheat crop
advices have on the whole been very
good, though insulated reports of
damage in Kansas and Oklahoma have
been received. These. however, do
not agree With Bladstreet's reports Of
liberal rains in the southwest and the
improved feeling in business circles
generally in that section.
Business failures number 1S3, as
against lS9 in this week last year.
Failures in Canada number %, as
against % year ago.