Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-07-29
CONDITION OF TRADE
DUN AND BRADSTREET AGENCIES
REPORTS ARE ENCOURAGING.

r. G. Dun & Co.'S weekly review of trade
says:
Commercial tendencies are still in the
direction Of Improvement. although prog
ress is hampered by some imitation of
prices for the raw materials of textile
and footwear industries. Confidence ex-
pands as the crops are secured, each day
putting large quantity of grain beyond
danger and making sensational rumors OF
loss less effective. Weather conditions
have been favorable for retail distribu-
ton. reduced stocks in the hands of deal
ers being reflected in enlarged wholesale
and jobbing demands. Evidences OF faith
In the future increasing. more DISPOSE
ton being shown to provide for require
ments beyond immediate consumption.
The Industrial situation Is In striking
contrast to conditions prevailing a year
ago, when there was much idleEess both
on account of quiet trade and labor con-
troversles- Complete returns now avail
able for the leading departments indicate
that the first half of 1895 made a better
comparison with the corr espondng six
sanguine estimates, which naturally in
creases optimism regarding business dur
ing the second half; Foreign commerce
at this port for the last week was almost
Identical with the results in 1904.
Crops Affect Traffic.
iIalliC interests LeSln TO 1eel the pres
sure of crops. but facilities have proved
ample thus far and railway earnings in
July We're 8 per cent larger than in the
same time last year
Resumption of work at several steel
plants testifies to the brevty of the mid
summer period of dullness Confidence In
the future is general in this industry
that it would be most surprising If ex-
Docted ACTIVITY failpi to
Prices are readily maintained.
Hides have advanced still further and
conservative buyers are beginning to hest
tate before placing orders, although the
scarcity is admitted There is surprising
ly little disposition among visiting buyers
in the Boston market TO resist the up-
ward tendency of prices for boots and
shoes. although purchases of spring lines
are not made with normal freedom.
Failures this week numbered PA in the
United States, against 90 last year and q
in Canada. compared with is year ago"
Crop Confidence Begets Trade Orders.
Bradstreet's statement of trade says:
Crop reports and fall trade advices are
more unanimously favorable than at any
preceding time this season
Confidence in the crop situation is re-
fected by good fall orders and a volume Of
wholesale and retail trade certainly in ex-
cess Of year ago and fully equal to the
average at this season. Special activity is
noted in cotton goods, which are in eager
demand at high prices. with scarcity of de-
sirabie makes widely reported. Trade in
WOODEN fabrics is good. confirmation of this
being found in freer buying of manufactur-
crs Of raw material a high prices
Reports from the clothing lines ard from
lumber, hardware and other building mate
rial lines are generally satisfactory A
heavy movement of winter wheat has
helped collections and developed a little
more activity in -four milling in the south
west. The iron trade shows some quietness
after the exceptional activity in pig iron
noted last week Other Industries show
considerable activity. The summer shut
down of glass factories will be the shortest
reported in many years. Building is more
active throughout the country confirming
the most optimistic predictions made earlier
in the season.
Exports of Grain.
Wheat including -four, exports for the
week ended July q are 1854, 146 bushels.
against To5, 800 last week, 1913. 265 this week
last year. 3. 191. 442 in 1903 and Ass 534 in
1902. From July l to date the exports are
34I2, TO bushels. against s. 1856. ia last year,
- 006 624 In 1903 and 10 ,5iS $40 in 1902. Corn
exports for the week 1881 bushels,
against / 1888 40 last week, 49, S44 a year
ago, 1925, $50 in 1903 and IS 405 in 1892. From
July to date the exports of corn 3.734-
0SS bushels, against 2,3lO. 544 in 1904 5,35T.-
6G5 in 1903 and 123, 726 in 1892.
Business failures in the United States for
the week ended July - number 1875, against
1865 last week ia In the like week of 1904
Canada failures for the week number IS. as
against - last week and II in this week a
yeal ago.