The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-02-12
COLD WEATHER
H|NDERS TRADE
Recent Events Have No Special
Effect
IRON TRADE IS IRREGULAR
Bradstreet's Review Shows That There
Is Prevalent the Conservatism Pre-.
dicted Some Time Aso-pe-
mand for War Supplies.
IRON TRADE IS IRREGULAR

New York, February 11.-Bradstreet's
tomorrow will say:
Cold weather is still a bar to expan-
sion in spring trade throughout the west.
but southern distribution continued notab-
~ active and signs of life are found in
leading esatern markets. The Baltimore
disaster and the beginning of hostilities
in the far east though affecting specula-
tive markets to some extent, have as yet
no notable results on trade out of sec
lions Immediately concerned, though some
of the present great strength of prices of
most commodities may be attributed to
the latter development.
Trade and Industrial operations betray
effects of conservatism some time ago
predicted, but 1t is yet too early to meas
ure the possible extent to which the sea-
sons turnover will contract with the ex-
ceptionally large business done in all lines
one year ago. Railway operations, owing
to severe weather in january, are result
ing in decreased gross earnings, following
reduced net returns in December.
Presents Striking Contrast.
Outside of the diversion of some i'm
mediate distributive business from the
burned city to other markets, the effects
of the Baltimore fire have been strilkingly
in contract with corresponding events in
the distant past. Good management of
the insurance business is illustrated in
the fact that with a possible total loss
of $65,OOO000 no real embarrassment in
meeting obligations is expected, and the
restoring of the city to normal condi-
tions is making swift progress.
Baltimore buyers are in other markets
looking for new stocks and the effort to
hold that city's spring trade will be ener-
getic. Country buyers are increasing in
number at Chicago, st. Louis and Kan
sas City. but conservatism in buying Is
noted. Cold weather prevents outside ac-
tivities in building, and limits buying of
materials.
Reports to these centers as to western
trade prospects are good and good spring
trade Is anticipated On the Pacific coast
trade is improving and special activity in
war supplies. coal, fodder, dried and
canned fish and flour is noted. Southern
trade reports show the preparations maxi
ing for an immense cotton acreage in
good reports from the fertilizer, imple-
ment, provisions and mule markets.
Demand Is Backward.
In wooden goods the demand for fall de-
livery is rather backward yet Raw wool
is quietly firm with coarse woods display
ing most strength.
The iron trade is irregular. Big from
sales are not large, and prices display ease
despite the talk gof large transactions IL
the central west Western trade in fin
! ished products Is reported larger at Chi
cago and Pittsburg.
Wire goods plates. bars and structural
note improvement, and the pipe bust
ness is better situated than a year ago.
Steel billets are reported being shaded
through the exchange of scrap and pig
iron therefor; other metals are dull, but
copper is rather firmer, while lead Is
strong. The eastern shoe trade is rather
quieter In actual demands but manufac-
turers are firm in insisting on better
prices, claimed to be necessary to defray
higher cost of metals, which is very firm.
Wheat, including flour, exports for five
days ending February 10 aggregate 1,746-
255 bushels. against 2,604226 last week. 2,
$50, 439 this week last year, 3175,4S1 In 1902,
and 4s1o.so7 in 1901 From July 1, 1903, to
date they aggregate 103,oS0,519 bushels
against 15S,S13,S79 last season. 16s. 1902 In
1902. and 121. 620, sos in 1901.
Corn exports for five days aggregate
$50 1862 bushels against 1.4f1.1 1886 last week,
1,S30170 a year ago. b27,366 in 1902, and A.
$40, 422 in 1901. From July /, 1903. to date.
they aggregate 354SS,021 bushels against
"a, 566.196 last season, 21.064.54S In 1902, and
100 1892 in 1901
Business failures in the United States
for five days ending with February 10
number POP against 210 last week, 2l7 in the
like week in 1908, 265 in 1908, 226 in 1901 and
1879 In 1900.