The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-12
WEEKLY TRADE REVIEWS
BY DUN AND bRADSTREEI
Earnings of Railways Still Con-
tinue to Show Gains Over
Same Time Last Year.
RETAIL BUSINESS GOOD
Jobbers Busy Filling Orders for
Merchants Whose Stocks
Have Run Low.
RETAIL BUSINESS GOOD

NEW YORK, Dec. 11.-R. G. Dun & Co.'S
Weekly Review OF Trade tomorrow will
say: Developments are not encouraging
as to cotton spinning, but there is evidence
OF better conditions in the iron and steel
industry, while retail trade feels the usual
impetus as the holidays approach Idieness
among New England lumber mills is off,
set by increased activity in the South. Ow-
ing TO pressure OF grain there is still de-
lay in handling freight promptly at a few
Western points. but as a rule traffic IA
cilities are adequate. and railway earnings
for November show an average gain Of 1
per cent. over last year.
1T is significant evidence Of the attitude
OF consumers that while the output OF
pig iron declined to about one million tons
IN November, the lowest point in several
years. furnace stocks rose to 65o,107 tons,
exceeding all recent records. Such strik-
ing discrepancy indicates clearly the ex-
tent of contraction In this leading branch OF
manufacture. From present indications ~
seems almost certain that the situation will
show some improvement by the end OF the
month, although inventories always retard
operations during December. Throughout
the Industry. however. there is a growiag
new year. Prices have steadied and orders
are being placed more literally. Structural
freely. several
tracts being under consideration, and many
smaller orders have been actually placed.
The chief event among the minor metals
was a manipulation in tin which forced
prices sharply upward, hit demand for con-
sumption is not brisk"
Bradstreets tomorrow will sayi "Dis-
tribution along consumptive lines grows
In volume with the continuance of cold
weather and the nearer approach OF the
holidays. Jobbing distribution also feels
this stimulus in recorders TO I'LL depleted
sured buying for, next spring. Wholesale
trade generally Is quiet usual al this
period, and industry shows slackening In
some lines. The Improvement in crude iron
apparently holds. judging from small price
advances at several markets. Eastern shoe
manufacturers are still shipping heavily on
winter account, have an average spring
business booked and report fair orders for
next fall.
Railway earnings are really good and
VIII show gain OF full per cent. over last
November. Season conditions, stock TAX
fngs or readjustments to lessened demand
are all assignable reasons for the quoting
down OF outdoor activity. such as build
Ing, or for reduced running time, or suspen-
sions in variety o. Industries employing
large numbers Of hands. High raw ma
terial renders the margin Of profit in cotton
tailment first f Seriously considered at the
South IS now generally talked OF. but the
feasibility OF agreement by American man.
pfacturers as whole IL doubted.
Wheat, including flour, exports for the
week ending Dec. 10 aggregate 4,607,6l0 bu,
against 4.201, 504 last week. LOAF this week
last year, 3.S79.S09 in 1901, and 4.7s5.577 in
1900. For twentythrse weeks OF the cereal
year they aggregate 7.536.909 bu, against
1882. 49s in 1902. 49, rs 2s9 in 1901. and ST..
9e9 III in 1900. Corn exports for the week
aggregate 641,945 bu. against 1,09S.951 last
week. 1901 2S6 a year ago. 7S.307 In 1901. and
ASS. 45S. For twenty-three weeks of the
present cereal year they aggregate 1924, 49,
bu against $685. 203 in 1902, 49, 301, $50 in 1901,
and s.. 293. l04 in 1900.
Business failures in the United States for
the week ending with Dec 10 number 241.
against go last week. 247 in the like week
of 1902. 233 in 1901 247 in $780, and I'll in 1S99