Arizona republican., 1903-05-11

Washington, May 10.--It appears that high prices are quite as much the rule in England as in the United States 1t the present time. Professor Sauer- beck's annual statement. Prices O. Commodities, published in the Journel of the British Royal Statistical Socie- ty, for March g., 1903, just received by the treasury bureau of statistics, shows high prices in foodstuffs, in iron, and in textiles, during the year 1902. The statement begins with series of Tn deX number" tables, showing index prices for groups of articles from 1893 to 1902. The index number for the group designated vegetable food" stands at 63 for the year 1902, against 60 in 1889 and 5} in 1S96 that for "ani- mai food" stands at S7 in 1902, against v in 1898 and z; in 1896; that for min erals" stands ar S2 in 1902 against 70 in 1898 and 62 in 1895; that for textiles" stands at 61 in 1902, against 51 in 1898 and 52 in 1895; and the index number for the group designated "sundry ma
 terials' stands at 71 in 1892 against 62 in 1898 and 62 in 1897. Commenting up on these figures the statement says: Meat was dear during the greater part of the year, ano beef ruled in June anG July higher than at any time since 1sS3 Scotch pig iron rose from 49s per ton to 53s 4d in September, and dropped to 53s 3d at the end of the year. Flax was higher in the summer, but lost the advance later on. Jute was dearer in the second half 0f the year; fine wool advanced 9 to 50 per cent. Silk ruled also higher. Tal- low palm oil and nitrate were dearer. go
 Commenting upon commercial condi- tions, the report says: "The exports from the United Kingdom were some what larger, which was principally due to the American demand for iron and some other commodities. and to the greater exports to South Africa. The shipments on the other hand, to In dia, Australasia, Japan and Argentina were smaller. In Germany, Austria and Russia the depression continued throughout the year, and France was affected by a coal strike in the last quarter. The corn crops of the world were large. and the supply of som . other commodities, particularly sugar, coffee and cotton, was very heavy"
 Commenting upon conditions in the United States. the report says: The United States have again occupied an exceptional position. If a year ago fears were expressed that the state of affairs there was not free from danger. it must now be admitted that they were premature, as the marvellous pros perity has cor tinued unabated to the present day. American securities had another boom, and though a reaction followed, the last prices still occupy a high level. It is estimated that the iron production of the States reached the enormuos total of 17,00O,0O0 tons, and even this was insufficient for the re- quirements.'
 Commenting upon the prospects for 1903, the report says: "The prospects, for the present year are, if anything. little more hopeful. Adverse points in this country are still high taxation, un- digested government loans, and high prices of meat; but the corn crops of the world were plentiful the develop ment in South Africa will no doubt be important, the condition in Australia is improving, and it is not improbable that the trade to the East and also to the Argentine Republic will also in-