The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-10-13
Bradstrect's.
Bradetreet's says:

Bradstreet'S says.
Cold weather has greatly stimulated
MANY lines of retail trade hitherto in
clined to lag, notable in this respect
being heavy weight clothing, shoes and
rubber footwear, and induced some re-
order business with jobbers, who are
still busy on regular trade. The coal
trade also shows Improvement and
some advance in prices, but here car
congestion, especially at the west, Is a
bar to fullest activity. That the early
advent Of snow and frost has done
some damage is evident in reports of
injury to fruit orchards, vines and to-
bacco plants at the west, and rumors
of frost damage to cotton at the south.
The railways seem to keep hndlng
increased difficulty in handling the
traffic offering and fears Of future
great congestion are expressed.
The price situation as a whole is one
Of great strength, october 1 prices be-
ing at a record level. For the week
the features in speculation have been
the slowness of dealings in grain at
small net changes in price, and the
sharp fluctuations of cotton, due to
contradictory advices as to frost dam
age. The strength of the metal mar
kets deserves mention Copper has
reached the highest price in sixteen
wears and iron and steel show in
creased strength. All available sup
plies are eagerly taken despite IN
precedented production.
In other lines of industry activity is
the rule, and labor scarcity is a cause
of complaint from manufacturers.
farmers and lumbermen. Collections
show some improvement at the west
and are slightly better at the south
where higher prices for cotton induce
a freer movement
Jobbing trade. though of between
seasons character, Is very large FOR the
season. Especial activity is noted here
in wholesale circles in cotton fabrics
III, inward
material prices. Spring trade Is re-
ceiving increased attention and good
orders are already noted.
ST. Louis reports that trade in most
leading lines not only exceeds a year
ago but is better than IN 1904, the
hest year IN the city's history by 10 to
20 per cent. Baltimore reports that the
two weeks strike of Chesapeake bay
boat crews affects demand and causes
extra expense in shipment. Louisville
reDorts a strong demand for old bour-
hon whisky and Cincinnati reports the
Burley- tobacco crop badly hurt by re-
trade is reported at Pacific Goa
points Mobile reports increased de-
nands for hardware following the re-
cent storm.
Another buying movement, the sec
ond within a few months. has occurred
in the pig iron market and prices have
again advanced so cents q ton. Most
of the business calls for basic pig for
delivery IN fS9fs purchases OF which ag-
zresafe about $4,000 tons. At the same
time good-sfzed orders of foundry iror
have been made, and for spot supplies
very high prices are paid. In fact tbs
hinsistent demand for prompt deliver
les coupled with the heavy orders
|. placed for shipment IN 1907 and ths
steadily advancing price movement
raise fears in some quarters OF
runaway market Tt is Understood tina
some moderate orders have been placed
/ for English and Scotch irons.
Orders for structural material are oil
I goodly proportions. Sheets and fir
plates are in good demand. and the ten
dencys IS to request premiums. Specif-
! cations and orders for steel plates To-