The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-12
STOCK MARKET IS AT \ STANDST|LL Did Not Lose But Little Ground,
 However STARTED IN WITH VlGOR More Prominent Stocks Are Now sub- ject to Attempts to Take
 Profits In the
 Main.
STARTED IN WITH VGOR

New York, April 1.-The stock market was at a standstil almost the greater part of the day, but lost little ground. Prices started upward with some vigor and this was tentative effort to extend the advance by developing new points of strength upon which to sustain prices hs was successfully done last week, but the attempt met with less success to- day. The marking up of prices was less bold and comprehensive and the stocks rhosen for leaders were of less influence upon sentiment, the list of most effective market leaders having been pretty well run oyer by the succession of movements already made.
 The more prominent stocks, on the con trary are now subject to attempts to take profits in the main and so effective on the side of she reaction. Such eff forts at profit taking were obvious today but were not pursued at the expense of values and there was little urgency in the selling. The consequence was a re- turn to dull and sluggish market, but with an undertone of good resistance and a disposition to await favorable develop ments. News bearing on the stock mar
 
 was not of much influence.
 It is probable, however, that the hes- tation of the market was due in part to the pending hearing at St. Paul tomorrow on the motion to enjoin the distribution of the Northern Securities assets. Re ported interviews with the principals to this breathed spirit that was not reas- suring to the market which was weighed upon by a conviction that the inside mys- Id. market operation in Union Pacific is still hidden.
 It was known also that the government report on the first of April condition of winter wheat would not appear until after the stock market closed and there was a feeling that Knowledge of it's tenor would be desirable before proceed ing with market operations. The almost buoyant tone of the London market help cd the opening strength here.
 Abundance of money is reported avail able in all the worlds markets but the course' of surplus funds seems to be to- ward Paris. Shipments were made of gold today to that place from London and $1- OOOOO0 engaged here The tendency to accumulate funds there will arouse some renewed surmises of possible war loan. The money market in London is relax ing and an early reduction in the Bank
 
 The extreme ease of money here facili- tates the outward movement of gold The statement of this country's foreign trade for March enforces the showing of former months in explanation of the turn in the foreign exchanges. Grain and cotton ex- ports alone fell more than s20,O00000 in value below those of March last year.
 If last months expanding tendency of imports Is still maintained, the impair ment of the trade balance in our favor easily explains the outward movement of gold Railroad traffic officials speak confidently of the outlook for future traf- fc but admit decline in the present volume, A renewal of the advance in Union Pacific freshened up the late mar ket today, but the gains are moderate
 The bond market was also less active Total sales. par value, $2. 26O000.
 States bonds were unchanged.