Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-10-16
RAISE IN PRICES.
Will Soon Follow Increased Cost
of Fuel for Manufacturing
Plants.
BUSINESS OUTLOOK GOOD
Labor Controversies, Fuel Shorto ge and
Tight Money Cannot Stop Industrial
rogress-Inadequato Transport
tation Serious Factor-Large
Imports Of Iron aud Steel.

New York. Oct. 10-R. d. Dun & Co.'s
weekly review of trade will say to-mor-
row:
Favorable symptoms still predomina ate,
and the business outlook is encouraging
despite the adverse factors of labor con-
troVersies, fuel shortage and tight money
mat these drawbacks have not seriously
checked Industrial progress testihes to the
strong position attained during recent
months OF uninterrupted activity and
growing confidence. Manufacturing plants
dependent upon steam for motive power
are hnding profits curtaled by the high
prices for fuel and unless normal condi-
tions are soon restored, 1t will be neces-
sary to secure better quotations for pro-
ducts. The problem of adequate trans
portaton is also disturbing, as there Is
already congestion in the coke region.
1t Is certain that all records Of pig iron
production would be far surpassed If coke
could he obtained. even at the exception
ally high prices now prevailing. Imports
continue or a liberal scale although new
rulings as to tariff rates checked arrivals
OF steel billets. Railway equipment is still
the most active feature OF the market. car
shops seeking material. while orders are
placed for far distant delivery because
early shipments are Impossible. High
premiums are offered for locomotives. but
the works have their books filed well into
next year. Last weeks reduction in
prices of sheets and wire have not been
followed by any weakness in other
branches of the trade, while an improved
demand is reported in the lines making
concessions.
Shipments of foot wear from Eastern
shops continue on a large scale, compar-
ing favorably with the movement year
ago, which was considered exceptionally
"A Of hue al. a.,
placed assures activity at the factories for
some time and buyers have paid higher
prices for calf boots Most varieties of
sole leather and betting butts are weaker
while other divisions of the market are
sustained by liberal purchases. partly for
export. Hides are dull and weaker with
| the larger buyers out of the market and
as the season advances the quality dete-
riorates.
Cotton mills in New England are pre-
pairing to shut down on account of the fue
| shortage. and the market for goods is
strong because supplies are already limi
ted. Thus far. however. only few quota.
BILE advances are reported. Jobbing sale
are fully up to the average for tbs
season. and collections are satisfactory
( but uncertainty as to the Oiture :-zIa 10
restrict undertakings. Conclusion of tht
| opening purchases of woolens has brought
Il quiet market Tor spring weights anc
| there is only moderate demand for heavy
goods for quiet delivery. Complaints ar,
| still heard as to the delay in movemen
of sample pieces.
Weather conditions were exceptionally
favorable during the past week for secur
| ing the nations abundant agriculture
| yield. There is no longer any question a.
to the enormous quantity of grain, but II
some cases there has been a decided los!
! in quality.
! Failures this week In the United state:
| are 2i5 against 207 last week, 207 the pre-
ceding week and 23l the spondinG
week Of last year and In Canada >
! against % last week, - the preceding weel
! and "a last wear.