The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-08-08
REVIEW Of TRADE
Jobbers Report Fall Business
Very Good.
COTTON MILLS ARE IDLE
Other Factories Are in Full
Operation.

New York. Aug. 7.-R. G. Dun & Co s
weekly review of trade will say tomor-
row:
Trade advices from nearly every sec
ton continue TO show as favorable condi-
tions as a year ago. and in many lines
the volume of transactions has been in
creased. Jobbers report fall business
opening with excellent prospects and
manufacturing plants are well occupied,
with the exception of cotton mills. Dis
tribution of merchandise is so heavy that
railway equipment already proves mad
equate, although crops are not the fac
tor that they will be in few weeks.
Earnings for July exceeded last year
by l27 per cent, and those of 1901 by 20.2
per cent. On the whole. news from the
farms is less favorable, but no serious
curtailment is assured and many sections
make very bright reports. decline of
15 per cent in the cost of commodities
during July is evidence that prices are
less inflated, since the change was main
~ in meats and other food, which have
been ruling at an abnormal position.
Consumption of iron and steel is on a
large scale, and in many departments
the past week has witnessed the signing
of numerous contracts, but there is a
tendency to delay purchases beyond early
needs. This conservatism is not surpris-
ing in view of the uncertainty regarding
the security and financial markets. to-
gether with considerable interruption TO
structural work through labor controver-
sizes The rate of consumption and the
moderate size of orders. however, indi-
cate that stocks are running low. which
encourages furnace men and mill opera
tors to hold quotations fairly steady. A
moderate tonnage of pig iron has been
ordered and in partly finished products
the best feature just now is the bidding
for agricultural implement makers. More
pig iron was imported during July than
was anticipated, and German billets are
still offered at Pittsburg, but the do
nestle makers announce their intention
OF meeting foreign competition. There is
less pressure for tin plates, the peCfliar
weather extending the canning season
and giving more time for delivery of
cans. There is full occupation in all
branches of this industry. and in MGR
chant pipe also the mills have full ordei
books for many months.
No change is noticed in the attitude Of
cotton goods buyers. who appear deter
mined to postpone business until the re-
adjustment of prices for raw material.
Owing TO the gradual reduction in mill
stock there is a similar disposition to
delay undertaking new contracts, and the
result is further addicted 10 idle machin-
cry. In view of comparative steadiness
of retail prices and the activity in dry
goods trading at many points, it Is evil
dent that stocks in other than hrst
hands we're larger than was believed when
the speculative advance begun. Although
the jobbers report bright prospects for
fall trade, it is remarkable that the make
so little effort TO secure forward deliver
les. Irregular distribution of orders is
reported in woolens. some lines being
withdrawn, while others make little pro-
gress. An increase in number Of buyers
is encourag ing and in the aggregate sales
are frequently up to normal.
Healthy conditions continue in foot
wear. some grades advancing in price,
while New England shops are not able
to accept orders for delivery in several
month";
There were 17s commercisI failures in
the United States this week against l9l
last week. 191 the preceding week. and
19s the corresponding week Of last year.
in
19 the p receding week and Ii last year