The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-12-19
RUMoRs OF WAR IN ORIENT
HELP THE WHEAT MARKET.
HEAVY EXPORT DEMAND
CAUSES RUSH TO BUY.
Corn Is Firm, but Trading Of
Moderate VOlume-PrOvi.
siOns Are Lower.

Chicago, Dec. 1S-Osquieting reports of
an imminent clash between Russia and
Japan. together with heavy export sales,
| caused active buying Of wheat here to-
day. AS result the market ruled strong,
May closing &c higher. May corn was up
Nc. oats were &c higher. while provisions
closed steady.
WHEAT.
There was unusual interest in the wheat
pit and n very strong market. A number
Of factors entered into the situation Of a
| nature to create anxiety in the minds Of
was Of good quality. < marked reduction
in the number OF cars received at Mime
apOlis and Duluth. steady cables and I'M
favora BILE weather conditions in Argentina
were early Influences that tended to Gre
ate bullish sentiment among traders. The
opening on May was shade to 1tqAc
higher at size to SliaGslesc and from the
time the first sale was made until the final
tap OF the bell prices showed constant ten
dency to advance. A cablegram from Ar
gentina to a local firm stated that there
had been frostS In the southern portion
and that the damage to wheat was eeti-
mated at rs per cent. A little later In the
session rumor was circulated on the floor
that Japan had declared war upon Russia,
and, although this report was denied. a
big decline In consuls and Japanese secur-
tiles In London was an added incentive to
u.
Advices from the Southwest to the effect
that many complaints were coming in of
insufficient moisture and unfavorable con-
ditions In the southwestern and southeast
ern sections Of the winter wheat belt were
taken as indications Of a possible shortage
next year. In addition to these influences
the export business at the seaboard con-
tributed further strength late in the day.
20 boatloads being reported taken for ship
ment. Closing prices were close to the
top. May being &c higher at s2l4Gs2hc:.
and flour were equal to 51A6Oo blu. Primary
receipts were 640.900 bu., compared with
$4,000 year ago: Exports Of wheat and
STREETS 2ae !of we're ne bu. Minneapolis Du
luth and Chicago reported receipts Of US
cars. against 499 last week and ASS year
ago.
Corn had a firm undertone, but the vol
ume OF trading was small. There seemed
to be a little corn wanted by scalpers
because of the predictions OF stormy
weather. Poor roads would enbarrass the
country movement. which has picked up
was Influenced by the heavy export sales.
% boatloads being reported taken for ship.
ment. There was some selling Throughout
iority Of traders were inclined to favor
the bull side. After opening unchanged TO
$50 higher. at 43lc to A3ssc May sold Pc
tween 431sc and 4sAa4SAc, closing s at SIC;
Local TeCelptb WGiS 4oS SoASs VasAA ~
contract grade.
Shorts were the best buyers of cats. and
the selling was largely by scalpers. The
strength In wheat was the principal IN
fiuence that brought out the demand. al
though small receipts and good shipping
business helped to support the market
May opened shade lower to- shade
csc and 367sa37c, closing at 367sg37c.
neal REGENTS were "a cars.
NOE, OF FUTURES