The Saint Paul globe., 1902-11-08
LIVING A BIT CHEAPER
PRICES OF COMMODITIES DE-
CLINE IN OCTOBER
Unusually Large Fall Distribution of
Merchandise = Complaints of Slow
Freight Movements Still Heard =
Status of the Trade in Iron and Steel,
Woolens, Boots and Shoes.

NEW YORK, Nov. 7-R. G. Dun &
Co.'S weekly review of trade tomorrow
will say: Trade and industries are
making steady progress. Reports from
all sections of the country contain
evidence Of wholesome development.
An unusually large fall distribution
occurred and current transactions in
heavy goods are liberal considering
the mildness of the season. Complaints
of slow freight movements are still
heard, testifying to the enormous busi-
ness handled by the railroads, which
report earnings for October As per
cent larger than last year and 14.2
above 1900. 1t is the exception when
manufacturing plants have not con-
tracts insuring activity for many
months, and annual inventories will
be taken with difficulties owing to the
importantly of customers.
Prices of Commodities Decline.
Prices of commodities, proportionate
to consumption, as shown by Dun s
index number, declined about 1 per
cent during October, $99,579, compared
with $100,648. The decrease in meats
The only development of note in the
iron and steel market has been a 10
per cent reduction in the price of tin
plate, to take effect December 1. While
some changes We're anticipated, trade
was not prepared for so large a cut
Ii the recent lowering Of prices lists
in certain sections of the market to
stimulate foreign trade there will be
OCCASION for qualification, as some ex-
cept1ona1 export movement is needed
to offset the heavy imports Of pig iron
and billets. Many furnaces have been
compelled to bank because of poor re-
ceipts Of coke, and there is little evi-
dence of Improvement in the railway
situation, motive power being utterly
inadequate.
Contracts run far into the future in
structural material for bridges and
buildings, while plates are sought by
car works and shipyards. High pre-
miunls are still paid for prompt deliv-
cry but most shipments are on old
contracts at regular list prices. Recent
enlargement of facilities has greatly
increased production in many lines,
which explained the slightly easier
there is no evidence of diminished de-
mand nor unsound conditions.
The Shoe Trade.
at New England shoe shops and will
probably occupy much of this month,
SO that cutting will not begin under
large contracts already placed for de-
livery during the first quarter of next
year. Shipments continue heavy from
Boston, each week of late reporting a
moderate increase over the correspond
ing period last year. The tone is re-
markably strong. The jobbing trade is
comparatively quiet, except in Penn
sylvania, and mild weather has re-
stricted retail sales. Some decline in
the raw material did not produce any
lower offerings in prices for cotton
goods, although it made buyers all the
mere anxious to delay placing con-
tracts. AS a result the movement is
only for immediate requirements, but
supplies of staple cottonS are not bur-
densome, and there are complaints that
all orders are not being filled accord
ing to contract. Export orders are lib
era1.
Business in woolens Is light and the
chief inquiry Is for sample prices,
which are not delivered as rapidly as
desired. Quotations are fully main
tained for Woo1ens and Worsteds, as
might be expected in view of the con-
tinued strength of wool.
Bradstreet's says the business fall
ures in the United States for the week
ending Thursday, Nov. 6, number 14S,
as against 149 last week. 191 in this
week last year, 161 in 1900, 1S2 in 1899
and 1877 in 1898.