Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-01-18
DUN'S REVIEW.
Business Conditions Sound. Though Price:
Rule TrifIe Lower.

New York. Jan. 17.-R. G. Dun &
COS. Weekly Review Of Trade, tomor-
row. will say: REIMBURSEMENT of prices
continued during the second week of
January and the general average
reached a much lower point than
prevailed when the year opened
Manufactured products were scarcely
disturbed but both staples and
securities suffered. Business con-
ditions are sound, liberal distribu-
ton and prompt payments being re-
ported, except at n few Southern cities.
Cotton still fails to command a price
proportioned to the estimated crop
and rs n consequence the return to
growers is insufficient to sustain bust
ness at the rate established by the pre-
vious years most profitable yield.
Transporting interests are less behind
with deliveries. Nothing has tran
spircd to disturb the bright outlook in
the iron and steel industry. Quotations
are maintained firmly, especially for
pig iron which is in great demand.
Structural material is taken almost
eagerly and more foreign bridge con-
tracts are reported. Sales of copper
are made at ii cents, which make
somewhat striking comparison with the
50 per cent. higher figures Of a few
weeks ago.
Footwear producers have at last
made a general advance of from 21a to
) cents. Annual inventories made
such unsatisfactory exhibits that
makers found no difficulty in agreeing
on higher prices. Materials have long
-
uct, even making full allowance for
improved machinery ana other econo-
mics at factories. Jobbers have not
made a sweeping increase in quota
tions and where makers are asking only
212 cents more, wholesalers have not
altered lists. Stocks of cotton goods
are not burdensome, and demands
gradually expand with the advancing
season. especially for fine grades.
Heavy brown goods move slowly both
on home and domestic orders Wooden
goods opened lower than expected and
purchases We're retarded rather than
stimulated by the declines. Changes
were few and small, yet there has been
such confidence in a higher level that
the trade hesitated. Wooden and wor-
sted yarns tend upward.
Grain reacted sharply from the high
point and large Western operator
was caught with more than he could
carry.
PROVISIONS weakened slightly in svm-
p3thy with grain, yet the higher level
of prices in December established q
new monthly record in value of ex-
ports.
E'lil returns of fnraiu,
the year 1901 make more gratifying
exhibit than even the most sanguine
authorizations. All previous records Of
imports were eclipsed, a tribute to the
prosperous conditions of this nation.
which took freely of Injuries and also
required large quantities of material
Tor its expanding industries.
Failures for the week numbered 334
in the United States, against 325 last
year. and 40 in Canada against AZ last
year.
h More activity is reported in retail
business at st. John, the first good
roads of the winter bringing many far
mers. Wholesale lines are only mod
erately busy Stock taking at Halifax
tends to make business quiet, but
travellers are sending fair orders.
LAUNDERING operations promise to be
extensive.
Business for the new year has opened
fairly at Montreal. with good spring
orders in many lines. Collections are
fair to good. Business is quiet at Que
bee ana collections come in fairly. At
Vancouver trade is unusually quiet and
collections slow, Conditions are un-
settled at Victoria. but the outlook is
favorably, especially in island develop
ment.