The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-26
VERSATILE WEATHER.
1t Is Responsible for Erratic FIuctu-
atoms in Prices.

NEW YORK, April 25.-R. G.. Dun G. Co.'S
weekly review of trade tomorrow will say:
Versatile weather has produced cratic
fluctuations in prices and affected business
very differently, according to locality The
extremes were billiards. and oppressive
heat, with every intermediate variety. AS
the future prosperity of the railroads is
more or less dependent upon the crops the
vagaries of the weather were quickly re-
hected in the market for securities as well
as in option sales of grain and cotton Re
tail distribution OF merchandise has main
tanned good average, losses al some points
being Offset by gains elsewhere. Manufac-
turing plants are well employed except
where wage disputes interrupt. Coffee and
silver touched low record prices but the
average of commodities advanced. Trans
porting interests maintain their wonderful
record. railway earnings thus far reported
for April exceeding last years by 90 per
cent and those of 1900 by 1913 per cent.
Most large consumers of pig iron have
provided for their needs we'll up to the end
OF the year, and consequently there is little
change 10 report in the situation except as
to small orders that appear from time to
time. Quotations received by cable indicate
that pressure in the United States has prO-
duced a decided advance abroad. and i'm
ports after paying duty and freight are
extremely pensive. The movement of par
litlll manufactured ana unlSneQ steel
products continues on a large scale 4
severe setback in London tin speculation
caused a decline here. but other minor
metals are without special feature In
creased output and quicker deliveries OF
coke facilitate work at iron furnaces and
reduce the price, while the lower list for
anthracite coal as stimulated orders. Lum-
Der and building material are having the
usual spring activity.
While the prospects for a full yield of
wheat are less bright than they were a
week ago. the sharp rise in prices must be
attributed in part TO skillful manipulation
by interests recently prominent in the stock
market. Lack of moisture has checked
growth In the Southwest and snow has re-
tarded farm work in some spring wheat
States, but il is probable that there is the
customary eXaggeratiOn of damage reports
for speculative purposes. A year ago there
was n sharp advance in prices on gloomy
reports, yet the final yield promises to be a
record breaker. Exports from all ports of
the United States. including -four. were
4,4l .6l4 bushels, against 3 433, 9S7 last year.
shipments being mainly OF wheat pur-
chased before the advance. Exporters
made few new contracts at the higher
prices Corn was attracted to market by
the better terms offered. receipts for the
1898 a year ago. but Atlantic exports fell
of 20 340.2S7 bushels. against 1.275 156 in 1901
Meats were well sustained. Cotton rose
10 the top point or the season on light re-
celpts and reports OF reduced acreage Not
only has the planting season been retarded
by bad weather. but there Is evidence that
grain will be largely substituted owing 10
high prices OF the past season.
Failures for the week numbered PIP IN the
United States, against 2l5 last year, and
eighteen in Canada, against twenty-six a
year ago.