The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1903-02-24

to the effect that the market IN Buen-
os Ayres, was exactly the same as on
January 80. In Buenos Ayres. on
choice stock, the extent of the recess
sion in prices is reported about one
quarter cent from the top prices
touched there this season. On
woods unsuited to this country the de-
cline has been more marked, being
according to some advices R@Ac per
pound. At the last sale OF River
Platte woods held in Liverpool prices
were K@1d per pound lower than in
January. Authoritative mail advices
from London dated February 2 and
February Z, are that for choice merlno
woods, sound and light, there was a
good demand and no change through
out the last auction sale, the initial
advance of 5 per cent being we'll main
tanned. On average woods showing
wasty or tender staple or doubtful
shrinkage, prices were easier as the
sales progressed. Fine cross breds
held at the initial advance throughout
the sale. Low crossbreds opened lo
per cent higher and advanced still fur
Their up to the middle OF the Sales
when they commenced to ease OF and
closed at practically the initial ad-
vance. Since the close of the sale,
priyate advices received by some par
ties here are to the effect that the
tone of the market as a whole is a
shade easier. At the next auction
sale, which will begin March III, 1t is
estimated that there will be 10000
bales available.
Considerations Governing Prices
What strength the situation pos
sesses is attributed, as we have SAID,
to the small stocks on hand and the
probability that they will not be ma
terially increased for some lime 10
come. Holders of wool, as a rule,
therefore, are confident as to n fu-
ture of this commodity; but without
a demand or with a demand TOT
clothing considerably curtailed by the
increased cost of living on the part vi
the masses. who have not received a
~proportionate increase in their IN
come, it is possible that any calcula-
tion as to the future price OF wool
based on it's statistical position may
he found to be misleading. Whatever
the future may bring. the present SIT
nation is an exceedingly Interesting
IN, and it's outcome will be watched
with much earnestness.
Texas, California and Oregon
For Texas woods there is only a
moderate inquiry. A small business
has been put through on elgn'
months wool at 1S@1Skc, the latter
for choice, fine stock, the wool orlng
ing. on a secured basis aoou'
55c Years growth woods nay Of
oouted at 10000 in the grease. II
fall Texas there has been practlcallS
nothing doing. There is very little
, of this wool left here.
For CALIFORNIA;, also, there mas pee
, hit little inquiry, but the position o
these woods is pretty strong by reason
If the fact that supplies of cholc'
!, stock are pretty we'll cleaned up. I
little defective wool is reported 7
have sold at 33@35c. clean, an
some choice northern stock at SIC.
Oregon woods have been neglected
M business having been done in thes
as far as can be ascertained. Easter
staple Oregon is offered freely at III
On the clean basis, strictly stapl
Oregon is quoted at So c, ana clotl
h ing at 5O@52c, the latter being a
is outside quotation.
Territories.
The business in territories a pee
to comparatively limited, transactlo1
1e being generally of moderate SIZE al
II unimportant. Prices, as a rule, al
to not essentially changed, holders
he fine stock being APPARENTLY as firm
IN ever. Some houses report that WOO
I'd can be had on slightly better tern
or than would have been possible a lie
nd weeks age, but attempts to secu'
~ woods at actually lower prices, as .
A fore stated, have not met with mu'
lis success. One house reports a sale
ID selected fine staple territory at 81
cd clean, but this is an extreme price I
If. territorial wool today. We shou
nd quote on the clean basis, for avera
ID woods. as follows: Fine medium, 81
nd fine, 52@53c, with occasionally a l
~, flo mora for choice Nevada; fine 81