The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-05-23
TWOSERIOUS DRAWBACKS
UNSEAscNABLE WEATHER AND La.
BORIS UNREST RETARD BUSINESS.
Iron and Steel Prices Easier, but Cot
Trade-Week's Bank Clearings.
NEW YORK, May Pr. G. Dun & Co.'S
weekly Review of Trade tomorrow will

NEW YORK, May Pr. G. Dun & Co.'S
weekly Review of Trade tomorrow will
say:
Weather conditions and the labor situa-
ton are the dominant influences in the
business world. Unseasonably high tenn
perature at many points, especially in the
East, stimulated retail trade in wearing APP
parel and other summer merchandise to an
unusual degree, but had a most unsatisfac-
tory effect on vegetation, which was
promptly reflected in diminished orders for
supplies and in some cases there were can
cellations. More conservatism was shown
at the interior, where agricultural progress
met with check, and while no serious in
jury to the great staple crops is yet report
ed, the delay to planting induces caution
among dealers. On the whole there are
fewer wage earners voluntarily idle, yet
the spirit OF unrest has caused the aban-
donment of some new enterprises and post
ponement of Others which means less de-
mand for structural materials and labor.
Payments are also less prompt, time often
being asked where formerly cash transac-
lions for slight discount were the rule.
Aside from these two adverse factors the
trade situation is favorable, and with aver
age weather and Industrial peace there is
every prospect of continued prosperity
throughout the country. Manufacturing
plants are generally well occupied, espe-
cially in foot wear, iron and steel. Traf-
fic on the railways is heavy. earnings thus
far reported for May exceeding last years
by 1876 per cent. and SURPRISING 1901 by
25.7 per cent.
REIMBURSEMENT in prices Of iron and steel
continue, the market gradually resuming
a D1If t. 4x-s1 of
diminished activity as yet, and in many
cases prompt deliveries are urged, but as
the increased capacity brings plants nearer
their orders, buyers are naturally less eager
to place contracts. The fact that some
concessions have been made in quota tons
tends TO postpone business, prospective buy
ers waiting for still more favorable terms.
sheeting indicate that the cotton goods
market is beginning to respond to the high
er raw material. A still more encouraging
sign is the greater interest displayed by
purcha 5ers. Warm weather stimulates ac-
tivity IN wash goods for quick delivery.
Print cloths are f1rmer, and while there Is
no demand for regulars, ordinary goods are
sought for freely. Reduced output OF wor-
steds has strengthened the tone. and the
recent advanced prices for carpets have
not prevented large transactions.
There is sign of reaction in the foot
wear industry. Leather is steady at re-
cent advances. Late sailed packer hides
are active and higher. the general range
of quotations at Chicago being materially
higher Foreign dry hides are steady. ar
rivals meeting with prompt absorption:
Failures this week are 191 in the United
States against 192 last year and IA in Can
ada compared with II a year ago.
Bradstreet summarizes the weekly grain
movement as follows:
"Wheat Including four exports for the
week aggregate 5293 1913 bu, against 4,097, $50
last week 5,1S4,S39 this week last year and
4797,OS in 1901 Wheat exports since July
1 aggregate 200, S941 32 bu against 229,524 2Ol
last season and 1S9, 71s,025 in 1900 Corn ex-
ports aggregate 1,Sl4,1s6 bu against 1.4Sl. 257
last week. 90969 a year ago and 2,2O4SO2 IN
257.I02 bu against 25,S29,l19 last season and
162 121 764 I'm 1901"