New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-09
CONDITION OF TRADE.
"Dun's Review" says:

Retail trade has been somewhat slow to recover yer
from hoday PARTLY of tn so Sa
extent. Traffic was impeded and shipments OF
temperature stimulated the demand for seasonable
goods, and burdensome stocks In the hands .o OF
in those lines received supplementary orders. ana
actual sales did Increase materially. Mills and
factories report irregular conditions. some indus
auspices, while other branches extremely quiet;
War talk supplied strength to the cereals and ID
''Dun's Index Number against SOS 223 on Decem-
s 9e6 afep eyen ontbs rse of per Cent Latest
returns Of railway earnings for December are 81
tt lion in Industrial dividends had depressing in
huence on securities. although not unexpected
London sales of stocks increased the demand for
gold are imminent Foreign commerce at this
port for the last week showed an increase OF over
a year ago. and exports decreased half as much.
Bank exchanges at New,York for I'VE f, DAYS were we're
year, and at other leading cities there was loss
In the leading manufacturing industry the year
opens with quiet conditions as 10 demand, but
reductions went into effect and several others
ings Of the leading producer were less than n5 half
those Of the corresponding months OF IS5 ana
other concerns These Official returns indicate the
heavy contraction in this industry. and there was
opening Of The year. 1t is obvious that economies
GF eRpeetatSn Of renewed ACTIVITY although
as yet there is only a seasonably quiet market.
"Bradstreet's'' says:
The new year opens quietly. but with satisfactory
features predominatng. Cold, stormy weather has
retarded business and transportation. but in some
sections has stimulated sales OF heavy goods shoes
and rubbers at retail. Wholesale business is sea
aonabIy ouiet 4 leading Eastern and Central West
ern markets. but IL is worth noting that spring
demands and shipments have begun at the South
west. Collections show 4 slight Improvement
and money Is easing. supplies of that commodity
being in better supply than heretofore. Prepare
lions for spring going forward actively ana
with a good show Of conservative confidence.
War talk has been a stimulus TO many markets.
notably those for cereals and provisions. but Sc
curities and cotton have been depressed thereby.
Iron and steel in the cruder forms have shown
steadiness. and. though quiet at the East, are in
better demand in the more finished forms at the
West Western and Southern plough rnanufact-
urers are buying freely, and interests cater
ing to Southern trade have begun to overtime
10 fll orders. based upon an expected enormous
acreage in cotton the coming spring. Heather Is
showing more strength at the East. and lumber.
while affected by climatic influences upon building.
is in active export demand. with quotations held
favorable 10 widespread activity in building the
coming spring. The Industrial situation looks
rather better, employees showing a disposition 70
accept lower wages. and a number OF iron and
steel mills and furnaces are resuming on read
justed basis o. cost. Some good contracts are re-
ported placed coke at the lower level OF prices