The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-01-22
A BOOM IN LUMBER.
Many Different Interests Are Buy
ing White Pine.
FAMINE is GROWING WORSE
Past Week Unprecedented in Buy
Ing Interest-Hardward Prices
Are Again Advancing.

Activity in white ping lumber for the third
week In January Us the most pronounced ever
known in this market. The invasion Of re-
tailers last week in attendance at the north
western convention resulted in many dealers
being better informed as to the actual condi-
tlon OF stocks These retailers bought much
more literally than usual for immediate ship
ment, and as soon as they had returned home
informed friends in the trade as to what they
mad learned. with the result that movement
to retail dealers is developing larger proper
ions than usual at this season of the year.
In addition railroads who are in the mar
ket for much white pine lumber for new sta
lions. right of way improvements such as
bridges culyerts, fences, and for use In the
repair and equipment Of rolling stock have
discovered that tendency is upward and are
placing heavy orders, anticipating that 1t will
be impossible to secure such stocks as they
require month or two later Sash and door
men, box and package manufacturers ana
consumers Of heavy quantities Of white pine
have also taken the cue that the famine Is
growing worse, and that If they want TO Sc
lumber for current requirements they
must purchase now.
All OF these conditions, together with great
ly reduced stocks, have increased the famine
N desirable specifications, and it is no longer
a question Of price. but of being able to get
what is wanted. The price situation has nee
essarily frmed up. number Of manufactu-
delivery, feeling that it will be impossible
to make these deliveries, while considerable
pressure Is being exerted to put in effect an
immediate advance 1t is believed that an ad-
vance has already been scheduled to occur
about the middle of February. but there are
many in the trade who would like to see It
go into effect next week.
Shortages are increasing rapidly. Siding in
12-inch widths. laths, shingles, dimension,
large timbers, No. l and No. boards fen
cling, aooring, finishing lumber cannot be OBJ
tanned from a large percentage OF the manu-
facturers now, and by tho end of the month
there will be many more manufacturers VINO
cannot accept orders for these goods
Present conditions are unprecedented at
this season of the year and grow out or the
excessive demand experienced during 1901.
Figures at hand show that the movement OF
white pine last year Increased Is percent over
the preceding year, and this increased move
ment in Minnesota and Wisconsin aggregated
nearly 400, 900, 900 feet of lumber, the total
shipments being $500, 600, 900 feet. Logging
has suffered the past three weeks through
mild weather, and this is eXerting an lnflu-
enca on the market although 1t is somewhat
lost sight of in conditions which are more
immediate and which have more direct re
suits.
Hardware Prices Advancing.
Hardware prices are frning up. and snort
ages are developing in the production OF iron
and steel products. Nails were advanced
591O cents keg on Monday, and barb WIRE
15 cents per hundredweight. 1T is preolcteu
that a shortage in the production OF these
goods will occur before March /. Wire cloth
is showing advancing tendencies and quota
lions on futures have been Withdrawn
Building paper is strong ana in short supply
Rope is firm and will show easier tone with
renewed buying activity. Copper products
have eased off in keeping with the lower
price on ingot copper, and copper rlVets anu
burrs are 10 per cent lower. Copper nlckel
ware is per cent lower. Coil chain is firm
and an advance is expected shortly. Values
on heavy hammers and sledge5 are we'll
maintained Movement of goods on spring
account is commencing and season will be
at it's height at the end OF a fortnight Pros
meets for trade are the best ever known To-
cally.
implement Situation.
Movement of farm implements has COM
menced. Apprehension exists in some quar-
ters as to the effect of car shortage on the
situation. Eastern factories are several
weeks behind with deliveries to the north
west owing to inability to- procure cars, and
prcspects are that difficulties due to this
cause will increase, and there may be a con-
siderable shortage. Movement at present IS
confined to wagons, buggles, plows, drills,
harrows. corn tools and smaller lines. Buggy
trade Is heavy Corn tools are moving ear
lier than usual, indicating larger north
western acreage devoted to this cereal. Some
complaint is being indulged i'll at present val
ues on wagons, but manufacturers are main
tanning prices firmly. Plow and drill trade
is of large proportions