The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-01-16
COMMERCE

SnOulu go TO pieces at THIS season or the
year is one of the unexplained conditions,
but each year seems but repetition OF
the year preceding it, and a January
slump is regularly looked for Creamery
extras might possibly have held up bet
ter If the supply Of firsts was not so ex-
cessive, the production of the latter run
ming above the average. Many late ar
rivals are also showing lack of ex-
perience in handling the vegetable color
ing now prescribed by law. some makers
using too much of it. while others must
have allowed the colorng preparation to
spoil before using, as it can be smelled
overpoweringly in some lots. Law grade
butter Is in fair request 40 quotations,
but buyers are not inclined to bid against
each other, and any immediate improve
ment in values seems an imprpbability.
Last weeks sharp decline in egg values
had the effect of increasing the consump-
tive demand, and all fresh arrivals moved
out readily, and values advanced to %
cents, cents above last weeks closing
figure. The weather will have big in
fuence in governing values. from now on,
A continuance Of prevailing mild weather
will start the hens laying, giving big
production early, and values will natural
ly go much lower than at present. The
putting away of eggs for storage does not
usually begin before April, and the stock
coming to market in the meantime will
have to depend upon the consumptive de-
mand for an outlet. Cooler stock is viz
tually cleaned up, the only lots now being
offered coming in from outside points.
The cheese list Is firming up to some
extent on well cured goods, especially on
twins or flats and brick. The demand is
of very good proportions, but buyers are
taking stock in small way. Buyers do
not have a weak view of the situation,
but they are loading up lightly on cheese
as on other goods. ..'
Freshly dressed poultry reflects stronger
tone than any other line on the produce
list. The call is not extremely heavy, but
arrivals are moderate, and nice attractive
stocks sell readily at outside prices. Res
taurant and hotel. trade are. gradually
cleaning up the goods put into storage
during the holiday season. but these
lines are not wanted by retailers as they
are not good sellers over the counter.
Thru some unfortunate oversight, I'm
dOubtedly. one of the leading farm pa
pers in Minneapolis gave prominence to
Come instructions for dressing poultry
that We're directly opposite to what are re-
quired to bring best prices. Drawn stock
is not wanted. Owing to the light supply
| Of dressed. live stock has advanced sharp
~. and is selling better than usual at
this season of the year. ...
The veal market has been overloaded
most Of the week, which has held quota
lions down to low basis Buyers have
shopped about considerably, and are in
clined to leave the goods alone unless
they can secure concessions. Other meats
have held fairly steady, the supply not
| seriously exceeding the call. Rabbits are
lower. The demand Stacks up visibly when
the weather becomes soft, and stock has
dragged the past few days. Badly shot
and poorly handled rabbits are not SELL
ing for enough to pay carrying charges.
Potatoes, onions and cabbage steady
at unchanged prices. Carlot inquiry is
comparatively quiet, altho the, inquiry
from outside points on potatoes is show
ing up better. Green vegetables are NOV
ing we'll and values rule firm most
lines. Cucumbers and head lettuce are be-
ginning to come in more freely from
southern points.
Popcorn is extremely dull. Stocks of
both old and new are liberal, and the out
| let limited. Old rice is quotabe at 21a
cents per pound, and new at 1@11ac. On
| the other hand, peanuts have advanced q
| half cent.
The fruit list is holding almost station
airy on values, and lacks special features.
The demand is hardly active and Is con-
fined mostly for goods to go out on re-
frigerator days. Jersey sweet potatoes
are" all cleaned up, but there is an am
4! pie supply Of Illinois stock. Receipts are
| light Of California tomatoes, but arrivals
| are coming in from Florida. selling at
| $3.50 for bushel basket crates. Oranges are
! in very generous supply, especially from
| California orchards, but Florida goods are
! about cleaned up.