Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1904-12-26
BUSINESS AT LEADING POINTS.

Chicago-Last weeks snow storms
were succeeded by seasonable weather
and trade generally improved. Deal
ings at retail in holiday wares have
reached a volume which surpasses all
previous experience. Wholesale hous-
es are mostly engaged IN attending to
house trade, filling reassortments and
preparing for spring trade Advance
orders already on hand make sat
isfactory showing and the outlook APP
pears to be very encouraging, country
reports Indicating that stocks are low
and that the buying power Of consum-
ers, especially thruout the agricultural
sections, provides for a ready dispo-
sition Of merchandise Another fav-
orable feature Is that factories thru
out the interior are employing moro
hands at good wages. Mercantile col
lections generally make a favorable
showing, and defaults are under those
of a year ago.
now moving in both retail and whole
sale lines has scarcely been equalled
In the history of this city. Reports OF
the secretaries Of the lumber associa-
lions show shipments from Mississippi
valley points for eleven months to De-
cember j, 1,49s, OOO,15 feet, against L.
512,564,091 feet for the same period of
1903. This decrease, however, will be
materially cut down by the addition of
the December figures. From Wiscon-
sin valley points shipments amounted
to 460 $4,000 feet for 1904, against
487. OIL 900 feet in 1908. From Mis-
sissippi valley points the decrease in
shipments was very largely during the
first six months, the last four months
showing material increases, reaching
as high as 100000 feet for the month
of November alone. White pine lum-
bermen are preparing for an active
year and a considerable increase over
THE year now closing.
st. Louis - The tendency In some
leading lines is toward reduced activ-
ity. This is particularly true OF dry
goods, clothing, cloaks, hats and mill
linery, altho business In these is still
fairly active. Many statesmen have re-
turned, and will remain until after the
holidays. Footwear is active. especi-
ally in heavy shoes and rubbers. Gro
ceries, hardware, furniture and wood
enware show no abatement In activity.
Collections are good.
Boston-The New England demand
for seasonable goods Is fair, and sales
of underwear hosiery, gloves and rib
bons are of fair volume. Clothing trade
is satisfactory. Cotton and wooden
goods at first hands are quiet. The
Fall River mills are running nearer
full this week than at any time since
the strike began. Many OF the eastern
lumber mills are shut down and sup
plies for prompt shipment are not
large.
st. Paul-Aggregate Of holiday sales
is very gratifying. Collections are
more prompt and the outlook for next
year is distinctly promising. Dry
goods jobbers report current business
seasonably quiet and little new bust
ness is expected until after the new
year, but fall trade has been very good.
Markets are firm, with tendency ups
ward. The grocery movement holds up
well, December sales exceeding last
year. The hat, cap and fur trade is
satisfactory, footwear sales show In
crease over corresponding month OF
1908, and seasonablA business is re-
ported In furnishings and clothing.
Wholesale drugs and. chemicals are
fairly active, manufacturing harness
jobbers are we'll employed, and hard
ware trade Is fairly good, with mar
kets firm and advancing.
Get There or Go.