The Washington times., 1902-05-10
Observation-Disclosures
Shows IMPROVEMENT
Manufacturing Situation Re-
ports General Activity.
CURTAILMENT OF PRODUCTION
Storms, Fires, and Strikes Interfere
With ndustries-Weather Makes Out
look for Normal Wheat Yield Bright
er-Cost of Living Higher.

| NEW YORK, May 9.-"Bradstreet's'
| tomorrow will say:
improved weather conditions furnish
! the keynote for the more cheerful tone
in distributive trade. Bright, sunny
proved the outlook for recorder business
from jobbers.
''CoIIous rains, while not repairing all
the damage to winter wheat done by thu
recent drought in Kansas, seem to have
put the rest OF the crop out of anything
like immediate danger. 1t has also placed
the ground in excellent condition for the
later crops, such as corn and oats.
Rains Retard Seeding.
I'm the Northwest continued rains have
tended to quiet retail trade slightly. but
aside from retarding seeding, no import
ant permanent unfavorable effects are
noted. and the ultimate result, 1t is con-
ceded, will be favorable.
THE situation in manufacturing srn-
orally may be summed up in the one
word activity the only important excep-
tion to this being noted In the woolen in
strikes. The unsettled anthracite coal
situation also overhangs the Eastern
trade situation, but the bituminous in
dustry reports wide open activity.
Stock Market Quieter.
"The New York stock market is quiet
er, being affected by the renewed pros
pect of anthracite coal miners strike.
Quotations previously displayed marked
tendencies to improve, largely on manip
ulation, although high money rates.
coupled with further violent breaks in
specialties and the failure of three stock
exchange houses, caused some temporary
unsettling of the market"
Dun's review will say tomorrow:
AT time when consumptive demands
surpass all previous records in the ma
tion's history it is unfortunate that pro-
duction should be curtailed. Yet that is
the present situation. Fires, labor con-
troversies and tornado stopped work at
many points, greatly reducing the out
put. and many more wage disputes must
be settled before the end of the month OF
furnace fires will be banked and wheels |
cease to revolve.
Losses Severe.
Losses by the elements have been Sc
we're, the largest tin-piate plant in the |
world being rendered idle probably for |
while many foundries and shops |
were totally destroyed. Prices of COM
modities on May /. as shown by Dun's !
index number, rose TO the highest point |
In recent years, gaining sS per cent over
the corresponding date last year, but this
week there has been a material decline in |
some products. notably grain.
Distribution through retail channels /
continues very heavy, seasonable weather
exerting a most helpful influence. Rail-
road earnings are steadily gaining, full |
returns for April exceeding last years |
by 10.6 per cent and 1900 by ESQ per cent
Bank exchanges at this city reflect the
striking decrease in speculation. declin-
Ing 20.3 per cent from last years figures,
but cities outside New/York gained 6.3
per cent over 1901 and 29.6 over 1900.
Wheat Outlook Better.
More encouraging weather reports have
made the outlook brighter for a normal
wheat yield, while the wide discrepancy
between census figures and those of the
Agricultural Department regarding the
,rop of 1899 suggested the idea that in
succeeding years the production was
heavier than officially reported. These
Influences were depressing. while there
Vas little of a sustaining nature in specu-
ative operations.
Exports from all ports OF the United
States during the week amounted to 3.477,-
as bushels, flour included. compared with
1913, ,O37 In the preceding week, but there
appeared an increase over the 3,l53,52l
bushels shipped a year ago. Special re-
ports to Dun's review indicate that the
ipring wheat outlook is good, although
ome reduction IN acreage was caused by
high prices for coarse grain and last
ears splendid returns from fax.
Failures for the <eek numbered 2lS
n the United States against 1s7 last year.
md "A in Canada. against 26 last year"