The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-03-05

NEW YORK, March Activity was
slightly stimulated in the market to-
day, but without affecting any more
appreciate movement of prices than
on the dullest days Of the week. Up
to noon the number of shares traded in
was not far below the days total yes
terday and the day before. From that
time the market dropped back into its
dull rut. There was nothing in the
days news to explain clearly the squirt
in activity. Traders were seemingly
impelled by the idea that permanent
inactivity was Impossible and that the
longer it continues the more likely is
an attempt to put an end to it to prove
successful Today's demonstration. al
though conducted with more confidence
and determination than for some time
past, was still purely professional.
The movement of individual stocks
had a good deal to do with the gen
eral tone. Advices in Brooklyn Tran
sit and in the other local traction
stocks in sympathy were attributed to
the prospect of the new Williamsburg
bridge across the East river being
opened to street railway traffic at an
early date. There was slight adj
vance in the coaIers on the assump
ton that soft coal strike would help
the anthracite business, in the same
lated the soft coal business. Della
ware & Hudson enjoyed the benefit in
addition to the strong showing of it's
annual report. The reaction in the
grain markets was urged as a valid
ground for a rise in stocks In the de-
gree that the feverish rise in grain had
depressed the stocks.
Panama Doubt Disappears.
The settlement upon the terms and
method Of the Panama withdrawal
from the subtreasury and from govern
ment bank deposits was regarded as
satisfactory clearing up of doubtful
matter and as offering a possibility of
stimulation to investment here on the
part of the French and Panama bene-
ficiaries. Some trouble was reported
from Paris in the winding up Of the
settlement, but the power for disturb
ance of this factor was felt to be about
at an end. Reports of gross earnings
of railroads for the fourth week in
February, although showing a large
proportion of loss compared with last
year, are relatively better than for pre-
ceding weeks, and offer, some eneour-
agement for, the plea that Indictment
weather is responsible for the greater
part Of the losses. The progress of the
cuts in freight rates towards the point
en- the zeal of the officials who are try
ing to fix up the dispute. A glance at
the list of net changes for the day,
however, will show that these various
causes were not very effective in
bringing about the higher prices which
those who professed to believe in their
efficacy hoped for.
A decline in Northern Securities on
the curb was the remainder of the re-
curing effect to be looked for from the
supreme court decision day On Mon
day. The movement of currency has
been in favor of New York, and gain
in cash for the week is indicated Of
nearly 100000 in spite of the outgo
of gold to South America, transfers to
Chicago and absorption by the sub
treasury. This was regarded with dis
satisfaction rather than otherwise, as
showing a decreasing interior use Of
money. Attempts to sell st. Paul on
the favorable January statement and
a report of a Burlington note issue
helped the late reaction. Corn products
was Hquidated freely and the closing
was heavy.
Bonds were rather firm but dull To-
tai sales, par value $1,495,000 United
States bonds were unchanged on call.
CLOSING LIST,