Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-04-16
Great Demand for Easter Goods
and Jobbipg Activity in Sum-
mer Fabrics.
PREVALENCE OF STRIKES
Only Disturbing Element in Industrial
Situations Extensive Operations in
Agriculture Indicated-Rail way
Earnings Increase-Adverse
Factors in Textiles,

New York, April l0-Dun & Co.'S week.
Is review of trade tomorrow will say:
Aside from the prevalence of strikes and
possibility of further interruption to in
duetrial activity next month on this ac-
count the business outlook is most graft
flying. Late frosts caused some damage
early in the week, but low temperatures
did not continue and in most sections agri-
cultural products had not advanced suf-
hciently to safer materially while the
prospects are bright for large crops, and
heavy sales OF fertilizers testify to ex-
tensiVc operations. Despite some unfavor-
able weather, Easter retail trade has been
heavy aud jobbing activity in summer
fabrics indicates expectation of a
vigorous consumption the season adj
vances. There is less complaint regard
ing deliveries due to better traffic facili-
ties. Railway earnings in March increased
13S per cent compared with last year.
and 2i1 per cent. compared with 1901. I'm
due significance has been attached to the
recent reduction in prices of Southern pig
iron. and throughout the country a ten
dency to delay placing contracts is
noticed. No other cut in quotations has
followed, and in the TRACE it is believed
that after the temporary uncaSineSs there
will be Il resumption of buying on the
former liberal scale. Finished steel is
ragcrlv sought and there is increased ac-
tiNity in outdoor work. The pig iron out
put has bounded upwards, with the bet
ter movement of fuel and in a short time
production will be at the rate of twenty
million tons annually. These figures are
more than double the maximum year $
output prior to 1899.
Ia the textile Industries there are still
adverse factors, notably the labor con-
truVcrsieS 1T cotton mills Beyond a mod
crate revival of export purchases for
China there is no increase in the sales of
cotton goods. both sellers and buyers
awaiting some more definite information
AS to the future. Another rise in the raw
material threatens a shut down at several
mills which have light supplies and few
contracts. Manufacturers of mems heavy
weight woolcnS and WOrStcdS receive Few
new orders except for tilling out sample
lines, and the situation Is practically un-
changed. Thus far fan business is below
normal. and olothicrs are not seeking large
supplies of material Wool has been fairly
steady since the month opened, but none
of the March decline il recovered New
business is small at Eastern shoe fac
tories. but this is seasonable and no APP
preheusion Is felt. Moreover. current ship
ments are much heavier than "A year ago
and activity is assured for ut least two
months after work begins on fall con-
tracts. Quotations are firmly held and
! local jobbing trade is brisk Leather is
| in better demand, the strike at Chicago
tanneries stimulating purchases. Domestic
hides have lost part of the recent recov-
cry, and imported skins are also some
what cheaper
Failures this week in the United States
are ~ against l7i last week and 19S last
year. and in Canada II against II last
week and 10 last year.