Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-04-20

stocks fell to s97, the lowest point since
October, 1901, whereas in the CORE
spending week last. year the highest
record up to that time was established
at $109. In point of activity there was
also a large margin in V of 1902,
which accounts for the decrease in bank
exchanges at New York Of 24.S per cent,
while compared with 1901 there was a
less of APP per cent. Al; other leading
I%cities, however, where speculation is
less of a factor, clearings were only 4.6
and,4,9 per cent smaller.
Several factors tend to delay the
placing of contracts for pig iron deliv-
cries after July /. which naturally
weakens the tone, and it is reported
that Bessemer is freely offered at $50,
VALLEY furnace, without attracting pur-
chasers. Thus far no accumulation of
material is reported. notwithstanding
the unprecedented production. and the
prospect favors continued activity in.
demand after the present period of IN
certainty is past. Textile mills have not
received any material increase In the
amount of new business. n there is
evidence that the exceptionally heavy
transactions of January and February
provided sufficient supplies for present
needs. No improvement has occurred
in the market for mems heavy weight
woolens, and there is prospect of an
unusually early opening, of spring lines
for next veal in order to maintain ac-
tiyity at the mills. AS a rule the foot
wear market is quiet, except for good
purchases of heavy shoes by western
jobbers. Wheat has also exhibited much
strength, the bright prospect for win
ter wheat falling to check the upward
tendency. According to the estimate of
condition on April l, and subsequent
reports, there seems reason to antici-
pate a new high record OF production.
A more favorable official report of
foreign in March could not
be desired, while several features of the
statement merit special consideration.
Imports during March. 1903, were worth
0 6,199.173. This Is an increase of more
than IL per cent compared with March,
1900. which in turn surpassed all other
records for the corresponding month.
The magnitude of our purchases
!, ia ~ Ja.t ,o,1%1 :, I,n f1n LnffA,.
appreciated when 1t is realized that in
only one other month In the nations
history were imports Eeavier-April,
lS97,.when anticipation of higher du-
ties produced abnormal conditions. The
recent heavy consumption of foreign
goods testifies to the activity OF BUSH
ness and generally prosperous condi-
tons in the United States; yet 1t is a
fact that, despite he unprecedented
home demand, merchandise was ex-
ported In March to the value of $751;
951,579, an increase of s25,202.17S over
the same month last year. The largest
increase was in cotton, of which ship
ments were 733,626 bales, against 1856,
325 a yea & and the average export
price was 9.s cents a pound. compared
with 81 cents in March. 1902.
Liabilities of commercial failures thus
far reported for April aggregated ST.
297.22s. of which s3.s31,s2s were In
manufacturing. s3,Os1.104 in trading
and 1854. 296 in other commercial lines.
Failures for this week numbered PIP
in the United States, against PSI a year
ago. and sixteen in Canada. compared
with twenty-four last year.