The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-08-22

GOOD REPORTS.
Trade Conditions Show Improve
ment Over II Year Ago.
Weather and Crop Conditions
the Keynote.
STRIKES ARE FEWER.
Lumber Trade Is Active in the
West.
A ~ 4
STRIKES ARE FEWER.
Crops Are Going to Market Less
Freely Than Usual.

New York, Aug. 22.-Bradstreet says:
weather and crop conditions are
still the keynotes to fall trade. In the
Northwest, Southwest and South buy
ers are taking hold energetically and
reports as a whole are as good or bet
ter than year ago. In the East fall
5obbing has started in well, though
perhaps not so active as hoped for.
Some soft spots are. however, noted in
the central west sections in which crops
were lighter than hoped for buying
conservatively. The retail trade is sea-
sonably quiet and collections are re-
ported backward in a number Of in
stances.
Among the great industries few i'm
portant changes are noted One of the
notable developments is the general
softening of pig iron prices following
the heavy buying of two weeks past
Fewer industrial operatives are on strike
now than for months past, but the idle
ness Of cotton mill operators tends rath-
er to increase. The lumber trade is ac-
tive west and north but in the East it
has not as yet recovered from the de-
preston induced by labor troubles, now
about drawing to a close. Shoe manu-
featuring is notably active the country
over and eastern shipments are break
ing all records. Railway earnings for
show good gains. The eastern Jewelry
trade is quiet for the season and the
labor situation is not a very clear one.
Leather is reported firm, but quiet
as a whole. the shoe manufacturers
buying only from hand to mouth. New
England hides are lowering.
Weakness in southern foundry iron
is noted at eastern markets, and Bes-
semer pig iron is reported offered 81
per ton lower al Pittsburg than a week
ago, with supplies for immediate de-
livery more in evidence. Large buying
of pig iron is less noticeable than IL was
one or two weeks ago, but quite
number of small orders have been book
ed. Steel billets are less active, but
fairly firm. Merchant bars, sheets and
plates in finished products are reported
in much better CALL but the demand for
structural material is light, particularly
rejecting recent labor troubles. Copper
was marked up this week, partially, 1t
is thought. to affect the stock market
quotations, but some large sales below
the official price are reported
r. G. Dun & Co.'S Weekly Review of
Trade saws:
Business is well maintained, aside
from the duieting influence of the va
cation season, which somewhat restricts
trade and retards collections. Making
due allowances for the period, there is
no cause for complaint. The adverse
factors that have - been operating
against prosperity in recent preceding
weeks are no longer sas potent. normal
controversies still exist, curtailing the
output of a few products and the con-
sumption Of all the necessaries of life.
Crops are not going to market as free
ly as usual although the agricultural
outlook is distinctly favorable. In spite
of several obvious reasons for expecting
a check to freight traffic. earnings of
railways thus far reported in August
show an average gain of Sc per cent.
over last year. and 1S.2 per cent. over
1901. Complaint is beginning to be
heard regarding the inadequate faciH-
ties of the railways, and it now appears
that inconvenience and loss must be
again experienced Notwithstanding the
extensive improvements. Sensa tional
stories of the large number of BUYERS
now at this center and the fabulous
sums that they spend cannot be ac-
cepted as statistically accurate, but it
Is probable that an increase over all
previous years is actually occurring
desuite the decentralization in cotton
goods caused by speculation in the raw
material
Although production of coke at Con-
nellsville has been moderately curtailed
supplies accumulate and prices are de-
pressed. A liberal tonnage of iron has
been placed during the past week pro
Viding abundant demand for all the pig
that is being made. More large con-
tracts for iron and steel have been
placed by a prominent manufacturer
OF agricultural machinery, and as much
Of this business has been held back en-
NlAEA9 oH account OF prices, 1t Is be-
heved that no further concessions are
to be expected.
In view Of the very satisfactory Job
bling trade that is reported in dry goods.
It Is surprising that no reflection of
the activity is seen in the primary mar
ket. Makers of cotton goods find no
business Offering except such small or
ders for immediate requirements as
emanate from urgent dealers.
Moderate orders for light weight
woolens and worsteds have been placed
Tor spring delivery. Heavy shipments
OF shoes from Boston make striking
comparisons with preceding years. and
the volume of new business promises
to maintain heavy movement but it
Is noteworthy that there is a tendency
70 operate moderately and frequently
this year. rather than to buy seldom
and largely as in other seasons.
Somewhat easier prices for the great
rood staples testify to brighter crop
prospects.
Failures this week number 23s in the
United states, against POI last year.
and in Canada, compared with 80 a
year ago."