Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1902-12-27

/ New York, Dec. Pr. G. Dunn &,
Co.'s weekly review of trade today
says:
| Trade and speculation experienced
| the customary holiday quiet, except in
Christmas goods, which sold freely,
| many packing and shipping depart
ments being still engaged in this class
of work which could not be completed
at the specified time. Industrial un-
dertakings are interrupted in many
many cases by the taking of inventor
les, while other plants are closed be-
cause fuel cannot be obtained. Ord
ers still come forward freely and the
new year will open with more business
on the books than ever before Prices
for commodities are firmly held by the
steady domestic demand and there is
a good export movement of leading
staples. In this, as in many other in
stances, however, there is still the
drawback of inadequate transportation
facilities which restrict shipments to
the seaboard. Financial conditions
are satisfactory.
Railway earnings so far this month
surpass last year by per cent. and
those of 1900 by 11.6 per cent.
Quiet conditions in the iron and
steel industry unaccompanied by any
sign Of weakness testify to the heal
thy tone and suggest a bright outlook
nr ha iyc
mills will extend the season of idleness
beyond the usual time, not because
orders are lacking, but in order to ac-
cumulate moderate supply of coke.
The situation in regard to shipments
from Connellsville has not improved.
A very large amount of business will
be carried over into next year. prob
ably more than in any other previous
season. New contracts have come for
ward more slowly of late, mainly be-
cause of the uncertainty as to date
Of delivery. although there are pros
pective rchasers who still anticipate
better s in 1903. Foreign pig iron
is offere-- slightly below domestic quo
tations, but neither imported nors home
made iron is available for immediate
use In large quantities.. Independent
steel mills claim they are unable to-
pay prices for billets which cost S31 or
more for early shipments.
New England shoe factories are In
full operation and have liberal orders
on hand. Quotations are firm but
without change, as there is little new
business coming forward at this time
to produce fluctuations.
An unexpectedly favorable feature
has appeared in the market for cotton
goods. After a long season of stagna-
ton in the export demand, the demand
from China suddenly became considera-
bic, Notwithstanding the depression in
silver and the liberal stock of cottons
IN Shanghai. Domestic trade is limited
to immediate requirements as is sea-
sonable, yet there is sufficient buying
in most lines to prevent undesirable ac-
emulation of supplies. Collections are
satisfactory both at the mills and with
jobbers. In wooden goods there is a |
good demand ,overcoatings providing the |
chief feature, but cloak manufacturers
have also bought freely, especially OF
light colored lines. Wooden and worsted
dress goods are quiet but steady, and |
light supplies sustain flannels. Wool is |
strong, with further advance antici- |
pated next year.
Failures for the week numbered 209 |
in the United States, against ESQ last /
year, and twenty-one in Canada, COM |
pared with twenty three year ago.