The Washington herald., 1906-12-29

New York Dec 2S.-In its weekly re-
view of trade. Dun's tomorrow will say:
Less than the customary dullness in
general business followed the holiday
and Christmas week made a favorable
comparison with previous years as to the
volume of trade. Stocks of winter goods
have been so we'll distributed that there
remain less than the usual assortments
for bargain sales.
Wholesale business is good for the sea
son, and collections show further i'm
proyemeut Jobbers are delivering spring
goods in some lines. adding to the freight
congestion, which has not been relieved,
except in isolated cases. Manufacturers
complain Of the light receipts, and there
is also some interruption because of in
ventoTies and repairs.
"On the whole, however, there is less
idle machinery than is customary at
this time. Lack of snow greatly facil-
tated building operations at many cities
and work is making rapid progress, al
though delayed deliveries Of materials
retard operations in this industry also
Steel Trade Is Booming.
lions Of the iron and steel industry,
which is only natural when all depart
ments are crowded with work and con-
tracts run so far into the future that
there is no prospect Of dleness for at
least half Of next year. Pressure for
pig iron Is especially severe. partly be-
cause of railroad blockades that retard
delivery. and in some cases cause Idle
ness at the finishing mills
Commercial failures this week in the
United States are Isl. against "a last
week, 261 the preceding week. and 81 the
corresponding week last year. Failures
in Canada number Il, against 26 last
week, . the preceding week, and p last
year
"Of failures this week in the United
States = were in the East, 80 South, "A
West. and z in the Pacific States, and
81 report liabilities of 5000 OF more. La
bilites of commercial failures reported
for December &c date are SO. ZS4.22S. COM
pared with S7,613 Isl a year ago"
Bradstrect's Report.
Bradstreet's review tomorrow viii say:
with an unparalleled volume of bust
ness for 1906, crowned by a record holiday
trade, and a heavier volume of future or
ders booked than ever before. the CONNER
cial and Industrial interests of the coun-
try look forward with confidence TO the
developments of 1907.
Business, after a year Of unprecedented
activity, temporarily hats for inventory
ing and preparation of the forthcoming
year.
Current jObbing and wholesale trade is
OF the flling-in-Order character, and while
a cold snap early in the week helped retail
trade in seasonable goods, the weather.
on the whole, has been too mild for the
fullest developments. Money continues
firm and active, but easier conditions are
looked for after the New Year. Car short
ages still prevail though the situation is
somewhat better in such sections as the
Northwest and parts Of the South. Rail-
way gross earnings for the first half of
December excel those Of the corresponding
time in 1868 by SO per cent
"One of the most significant features IN
the entire situation is that consumers are
apparently convinced of the peTmanency
OF the present high prices, and. as shown
by advance orders, are disposed TO order
ahead with liberality and confidence.
Buying Of pig iron for delivery in the
second half of 1901 is increasing in volume
Eastern markets are still the scene OF
most activity, but interest is also devel-
cping in the West"