The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-12-15

proved. Wages are still being advanced
and the supply of help is still scare, al
though this is the season for comparative
suspension of outdoor activities. Car
shortage still prevails, and it is alleged
that the railways are diverting rolling
stock from grain to other higher reve-
nue. paying reghts
Collections range from fair to good,
though the car shortage defers payments
in various parts of the country, partieu-
larly in the northwest. In the South At
lantic states poor crop returns are respon-
sible for conservative buying, close seru-
tiny of products, slow collections, and
some requests for extensions.
Demand for pig iron for the second half
and third quarter of 1907 is developing
Eastern interests have placed some good
sized cakes for basic and malleable irons.
Prices are firm, the disposition being 10
offer iron for the third quarter at 81 per
ton under the figures asked for supplies
for the first half of the year
Some further business has been done
in foreign irons, but advances in process
over sea make the price situation prae-
tically the equivalent of our own and this
combined with the fact that foreign sell
lers cannot now furnish such prompt sup
plies produces the impression that further
imports will not be of large volume. Do
nestle production in November was very
heavy, only 800 tons under the record.
which was made in october and being at
the rate of over 2100O,O0O tons. 1t is to lie
noted, however, that some furnaces have
been out for repairs, while others will
follow under the influence of winter
weather.
New bushes sin steel rails is of fair
proportions the work being for $1,000
tons Light rails at Chicago are up 81 d
ton and splice bars have been advanced s..
Demand for structural material is only
fair, but mills appear to be confident
of future orders. Bar irons sheets, tin
plates, wire products and steel plates for
car buildings are all active.
Cold weather has retarded shipments of
ore from Lake Superior ports, the move
ment for the season Is estimated at 81. ao0,-
900 tons, and some furnaces interested are
anxious about supplies. Coal is in good
demand, while coke is scarce ard high in
price, the car shortage curtalling deliver
les. Copper is higher, 23e per pound,
with demand urgent for spot and nearby
delivery.
The Boston wool market is active and
buoyant in tone, with prices " to l cent
higher.
The leather trade reflects the approach
of the holiday season in rather quiet mar
kets. Hides are in light demand from
tsnneries and are easier.
Sugar mas been irregular, immediate
needs of few refiners calling for buying
al slight advances but reports ae to the
Cuban crops are OF a large possible yield,
providing labor to harvest and grind the
crop can be secured.
The excitement and decline of half a
cent on raw cotton has been without eff
feet in cotton goods, some of which are
higher than week ago. Thus print
al, he h,,.r hxo ,,rIyo -
and other kinds are tending upward. The
main anxiety in trade as present seems
to be getting goods already ordered
Business failures in the United States
for the week ending December 13 number
22O, against 2l6 last week, and 225 in the
like week of 1905.
Canadian failures for the week number
81, as against 80 last week. and SO this
week a year ago.