The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-10-25
CAN'T KEEP UP.
Transportation Facilities Are Still
Unequal to the Demand

On6QutA W bAAC AC@AAN-0NH
New York. oct. Pr G. Dun & Co.'S
weekly Review of Trade says;
mo better evidence of industrial and
commercial activity is needed than
present inadequate transportation ia
cilities. Every form of railway equip
ment from track to rolling stock, has
been increased and perfected during the
past few years to an extent that ap-
peared almost excessive, yet the ma
TONS business has more than kept pace
Unseasonably mild weather has retard-
ed retail trade at many points, yet the
movement of goods is fully sustained by
undiminished preparations for future
sales Distribution delayed by high
temperature is not lost, while the agrl-
cultural community will profit very ma
terially by the hardness of frost m
creasing their ability to consume the
products of factories and mills Labor
is more fully employed than at any re
cent date only a few small controVeT-
sizes interruDting.
Nancy market pressure has been re-
moved, and, although securities do not
respond, legitimate trade is not retard-
ed by speculation. Earnings OF the
railways during October thus far ex-
coed last years by 40 per cent ana those
of 1900 by u per cent.
Coke is still the vital factor in the
iron and steel situation. Not only mas
no Improvement occurred but the sup
ply of fuel is falling further behind ana
outlook is alarming. Pig iron IS IN great
demand, imports promising to continue
large, and as the higher duty on steel
will not be exacted, there is reason 10
anticipate a liberal movement from
Germany. The demand for rails IS so
great that large purchases abroad are
being negotiated, while practically all
railway supplies find an eager market
Structural and other lines of steel are
IN demand but there is irregularity In
wire rods and actual weakness in a few
lines that are now offered freely
s'Tin plate manufacturers are making
a hard fight to secure the large foreign
business done here under the draw back
arrangement. and a new method of pro-
duction is being perfected that promises
to cheaper the cost. Among the other
metals, both tin and copper advanced
sharply, but the former reacted.
ct is still conspicuous in the cottor
goods market that the buyers are SLOW
to anticipate further requirement, ap-
parently expecting cheaper material
Many lines are now below a parity witt
the raw cotton market, which is a sup
porting element from the sellers Doln'
of view. There is a steady absorption
for immediate requirements which pre-
vents any accumulation of supplies, anC
the market must be considered in good
condition, since ii is obvious that mucf
future business is only awaiting some
thing more definite as to raw cotton
Only a small trade is reported in heavy
brown sheetings and drills for export
the large buyers being practically on
of the market. Further sales of prin
cloths are reported. No improvement
appears in the demand for mems wear
wooden or worsted fabrics, new orders
being for small quantities only and no
suggestive of a genuine supplemental,
demand for spring weights. Although
the movement of sample pieces from
first hands is on a liberal scale, Their
are still numerous complaints of lat
delivery silk goods are firm. with
scarcity in many directions. Deliverie
of footwear on old orders are very heav.
and New ENGLAND producers are receiY