The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-02-16
Chicago Grain and Provisions

CHICAGO, Feb. 15.-Bulls in the grain markets had slightly the better end of the argument today at the end of an- other dull and uneventful week Of spec ulation. Yesterdays small losses were made up and a better tone prevailed but the dragging nature of the markets IS shown by the fact that the weeks gains were under 1 cent. May wheat registered a gain today>o of 3-Sd1-2c. May corn 1-2c and May oats 3-Sc. Provisions closed z 1-2Q10c higher.
 Higher cables and predictions of small CT worlds shipments occasioned slight ly better opening in wheat, but the char acter of the trading was of the same poor sort that has been manifested TOT the past two weeks. Most Of the Dusa- ness was slow and confined to the local crowd. Outsiders kept out of the market to a marked degree. bullish interpre- tation put on the French government crop report was shown in the Par1S ca bles and engendered still better sentiment here. There was even an attempt to bull the market on this news. Many views of conditions, however, worked against the tone of the market Northwester and primary receipts were liberal, St. Louis was weak and the weather was favorable. Good lines were bid for at New York but would be taken only at declines. The scarcity of winter wheat which is said to be the cause of small receipts. they likewise are somewhat dis- trustful about. Manitoba wheat Nr cheap CT grades of the spring variety have been used during the week for export and this gave but little assurance to the bulls On the other hand, constant reports of heavy feeding of wheat to stock come to hand and the bulls have given some heed to the mutterings from Oklahoma and Kansas that the plant Is liable to damage. especially in VleW oI the two previous years of bountiful yield. Under these influences, prices see-sawed narrowly. May opened Is higher at IS S-S. sagged Is and then gradually worked upward to IS 3-4.
 Corn strength played a small part in the advance May closed firm. S-S@1-2c higher at 7S 5-S0l7S 3-4. Local receipts were fourteen cars, one of contract grade; Minneapolis and Duluth reported 427 cars: making a total for the three points of Al cars. against 3O1 last week and 459 a year ago. Primary receipts were 527, OOC bushels compared to 502,000 bushels last year Seaboard clearances in wheat and flour equalled 311 900 bushels.
 Corn was quiet but showed a much better feeling. Liverpool was slightly higher in the face of our decline yes- terdsy. working against the opening bearfsh sentiment, started May shade a short time, short selling eased the market by buying. The Southwestern markets seemed still in control. and were influencing factor. St. Louis, which had been turning bearish. was holding up well. No. corn there. which recently declinel to 3 1-2c under May was reported 1 back to the level or that option. On the other hand cash stuff here was offered more freely and at reduced prices. Gen orally speaking however, spectators stayed out of the market, allowing the situation to be worked out by thos who have the corn and those who want 1t. Late in the day there was talk of an im- proved export demand and some fair buying set in. May advanced to 6 1-2 and closed firm 1-2c up at 62 S-SqC2 1-2 Receipts were 5s cars.
 Oats were profoundly dull though ap- pare nty stronger at all times than the ,ther pits. The only feature to the day , market wa some buying by cash people The steadiness of the corn was h"lp Spectators watched the pit carefully and appear to be looking for something te changed and sold up well, closing hrrr 3-ec higher at 43 S-4 Receipts were q | oars.
 l Provisions had a small trade, though 1 with a better tone. The market lately