The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-05-03
BIG RAILWAY EARNINGS.
They Exceed Those of Last Year by
7.2 Per Cent.


New York, May 3.-R. G. Dun & Co.'S
Weekly Review of Trade says.
Two large strikes scheduled to CON
mence on May We're averted. at least
temporarily, and a number of smaller
ones We're settled but many new con-
troversies have begun. This labor fac
tor is the only seriously unfavorable one
in the industrial situation, exerting con-
siderable influence over the volume Of
transactions, and also tending to I'M
settle confidence. In seasOnable mer-
chandise, especially dry goods and cloth
ing, warmer weather has stimulated
dealings, while outdoor work is prose-
cuted vigorously. Collections are more
prompt as a rule, fewer extensions be-
ing asked. Shipments are less delayed
by traffic congestion, and railway earn
ingE thus far reported for April exceed
last years by II per cent.
Consumers Of finished steel products
are compelled to place orders subject TO
the convenience OF manufacturers and
it is the exception when any nearby de-
liveries are promised An unprecedent-
ed amount of railway work is being
done, While the erection OF new build
ings would be much more extensive if
N aterial We're available. This structur
al work is on a record breaking scale
and promises relief to the situation
hereafter, since most of the plants I'M
der construction will add to the pro-
ductive capacity when completed. Pig
iron has worked up to a higher point.
BesSemer commanding $50 at Pittsburg
on deliveries within six months, owing
to the full contracts held by the fur
naces. Foreign dealers have shown
much wisdom by making concessions In
this market.
"A better volume Of orders taken by
New England shoe shops is one of the
most encouraging signs of the week
Slight concessions were made on a few
grades, but the general level OF quota
tions is fairly well maintained. Jobbers
foil
that better terms may be possible next
month.
''Steadiness in the leather market does
not tend to encourage expectations OF
cheaper shoes, however, especially in
view of the hrmness of domestic hides,
with another rise in imported grades.
Exports Of leather continue larger than
a year ago. Jobbers in dry goods have
felt the effects of good weather and
brisk trade has been done at steady
prices, although no general advance has
followed the rise IN raw cotton or the
restricted operations at wooden mills
Weak silver has continued to initiate
against exports to China. Overtime work
at Independent mills is partially neutra-
liking the effect of the weavers' strike.
Cereal prices have been less inflated by
speculation than they were last week,
yet a high level was maintained, and
only slight reactions occurred.
1.-The general tenor of crop news was
much more encouraging, aside from
duSdS OlStjdLEltCSs WHICH 41GACalG AAdL
wheat needs moisture, although corn
and oats have good prospects.
Good foreign crop conditions were
calculated to weaken the tone, yet ex-
ports of wheat from the United States.
flour included, amounted to 5,579, O37
bushels, against 4, 1S2, 357 bushels a year
ago. Recent attractive prices have
brought corn to market more freely
than in preceding week, but receipts Of
1856, $50 bushels for the week fall far
short of the 2.378. 564 in the same week
154, 7O4 bushels going out during the
week. against ?, 560,211 year ago. Cot
ton continued advancing until there
was a gain of 1910 a bale over last
years figure. when a trifling reaction
occurred, but the tone continued strong.