The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-05
FEAR OF LABOR DISORDER
ABOUT THE ONLY DISTURBING ELE-
MENT IN THE SITUATION.
Prices Slightly Easier-Iron and Steel,
Textiles and the CereaIs-Week-
Iy Bank Clearings Report.

NEW YORK. April Ar. g. Dun & Co.'S
weekly review tomorrow will say:
Labor controversies continue TO be the
only seriously disturbing events in the in
dustrial world, and while many disagree
ments have been promptly settled. others
have appeared to interrupt production and
make manufacturers conservative about
new undertakings. Retail distribution of
spring wearing apparel received a check
from the more inclement weather in many
localities. yet merchandise of most staple
lines is purchased freely and collections
are satisfactory at nearly all points except
the South.
Supplies of iron and steel do not seem
in any immediate danger of overtaking de-
mand. In fact, the prospect of labor dis
turbances on May 1 makes the situation
still more uncertain, and those who hoped
for equilibrium in the market by July 1
are less sanguine. Midsummer seems TO be
the dividing line as to quotations, prices
after July L averaging about 81 per ton
less than earlier deliveries, while the few
fortunate sellers of spot material continue
to secure large premiums. Pittsburg pig
iron is definitely higher and large contracts
are still under negotiation between the
bessemer producers and the leading con-
sumers. Coke continues to move a little
more freely, yet prices are fully sustained.
In the markets for textile products there
is a distinctly firm tone. Labor troubles
and the high position of raw cotton are
both factors of strength, while mills have
orders that will occupy their full capacity
for some time. Although quotations are
nominally without change the scarcity of
available supplies makes 1T a simple mat
ter to hold prices. Export inquiry for
sheetings and drills has increased, but max
ers insist on higher prices than are offered
In many cases. 1t is between seasons for
wooden goods, and there is the usual quiet
except where buyers are anxiously looking
for goods to replace deliveries interrupted
by the strike at Olneyville and vicinity.
No Improvement is recorded In conditions
at foot wear shops in New England, where
only the larger manufacturers are able to
keep going. Prices Of shoes are unchanged,
although buyers are holding back for bet
ter terms. Leather has steadied under
large purchases of sole and betting, with
the additional support of heavy exports.
Domestic hides again average lower.
Widely divergent views as to the crop
outlook resulted in a dull market for the
cereals and only small changes in prices.
Wheat receipts for the week were but p
04, 500 Blu, against 3,357,1 * last year, while
exports from all ports of the United States
amounted to 3,S65,07O bu, compared with
4.626,0 37 a year ago. There was not the
customary loss in receipts of $50, sos
bu comparing with 1,602, OPT a year go-bu
Atlantic exports were only 90, $50 bu,
against 3,046. s91 bu last year. 1t is not sur
prising that cotton is so firmly held in view
of the dispatches from the South. These
reports indicate small stocks of old cot
ton and a decrease of acreage for the next
crop, with smaller sales of fertilizers and a
backward season.
The course of commodity prices during
the month of March indicates a seasonable
tendency downward. Dun's index number
giving the aggregate of quotations proper
toned to consumption was 1922 on April 1,
against 10l ,593 a month previous. This de-
cline of 2.3 per cent. was mainly due TO the
higher temperature, which accelerated the
output of garden and dairy products.
Failures i'm the United States this week
were 167, against 1875 last year, and % in
Canada, against % last year.