The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-11-08
BUSINESS
CONDITION
Dun's Review Shows CON-
MERGE Progressing.
IN STRUCTURAL LINES
Contracts are Made for Re-
mote Future Delivery,

New oYrk. Nov. 7.-R. G. Dunn & Co.'S
weekly review OF trade tomorrow viii
say;
Trade and industry are making steady
progress, reports from all sections OF the
country containing evidences OF whole
scme developments. An unusually large
fall distribution occurred and current
transactions IN heavier goods are liberal
considering the season. Complaints OF
slow freight movements are Sun heard,
testifying 10 the enormous v-lume Of bus
mess handled ~ the railways which re-
port earnings for October as per cent
lower than last year and 14.2 per cent
above 1900 II is the exception when man
ufaeturoing plants have not contracts
assuring activity for many months and
annual inventories will be taken with DIFF
fculty, owing 20 importunate customers
Irices OF commodities proportioned TO
consumption, as shown BY Dunns index
number. declined about per cent during
October. sss57s comparing with 500 6is.
The decrease occurred IN meats and fuel.
mainly the latter.
The only development of note in the iron
and steel market has been 10 per cent.
reduction in the price Of tin plate TO take
effect December u while some change
was anticipated. the trade was not pre-
pared for so large a cut. The recent low
erinE of price-lists in certain sections Of
the market should stimulate foreign
trade there viii be occasion for gratih
cation as some exceptional export move
ment is needed TO Offset the heavy imports
OF pig iron and billets.
Many furnaces have been compelled 10
bank because of the poor receipts Of coke
and there is little evidence OF improve
ment in the railroad situation. motive
power being utterly inadequate.
Contracts run far into the future in
structural material for bridge buildings.
while plates are sought by car works
and ship yards High premiums are still
raid for prompt delivery. but most ship
ments are on old contracts placed at regu-
lar list prices. Recent enlargement Of
facilities has greatly increased produc-
ton in many lines, which explains the
slightly easier tone Of the market. as
whole, but there is no evidence Of d.
nninished demand nor unsound conditions.
Taking OF inventories interrupts work
at New England shoe shops and will prob
ably occupy muchlof this month. so that
cutting will not begin on the large con
tracts already placed for delivery dur
ing the first quarter OF next year. Ship
ments continue heavy from Boston. each
week of late recording a moderate in
crease over the corresponding period last
year The tone is remarkably strong
Jobbing trade is comparatively quiet
except in Pennsylvania. and mild weather
has restricted retail sales. Some decline
in the raw material did not produce any
lower Offering prices for cotton goods,
although it made buyers all the more anx-
ious to delay placing contracts. AS a
result the movement is only for immedi-
ate requirements. but supplies Of staple
cottons are rot burdensome and there
are complaints that old orders are not
teing filed according to contract. Export
orders are limited. Business in woolens
is light. the chief inquiry being for staple
pieces which are not delivered as rapidly
as desired Quotations are fully main
tanned for woolens and worsteds. as might
be expected IN view OF the continued
strength OF wool