New-York tribune., 1906-07-09

ended June 80 brought TO this country far more
immigrants than any preceding period OF tweiVe
months vet the one complaint that Is almost
universal pertains TO the scarcity OF labor. IL
is customary to have troubles OF this KIND IN
the agricultural sections at this season. but TINS
year the embarrassment extends TO manufactur-
ing and transporting occupations Mills that
have been accustomed 20 closing for repairs or
the taking of stock are now more anxious to
keep running because of importunate custom
ers but many wage earners are insisting on va
cations even at the sacrifice of pay. There
could be no better testimony 70 national pros
perity. Interior buyers for wholesale and Joo-
bing houses are coming TO Eastern primary
markets earlier than usual. and reports from
travelling statesmen also indicate that stocks
are low and preparations for the next season
will be very heavy.
Little change occurs in the price Of cotton,
speculative traders upon both sides OF the ac~
count having great confidence in their ultimate
success. but not enough faith to operate freely
along those lines Exponents Of higher prices
claim that the official report shows condition
below the average and that there has been no
increase in area commensurate with the steady
gain in requirements for consumption. while it
is also urged that the critical time for the new
crop has not been reached and may cause
heavy reduction from present estimates On the
other hand. the short account is equally con-
fident that the increased use Of fertilizers as
a larger yield to the acre than ever before.
that statements Of consumption excessive,
that there will be a substantial surplus at the
end of the old season, and what is more i'm
pOrtant than anything else. there is no specu-
lative buying. Both sides present good argu-
ments, and it is not surprising that the market
stands still. The weather has been most pro-
nit nd he hos harTa
than normal progress II is also gratifying, in
far the continued prosperity or the whole
country is concerned. to find that cereal crops are
making splendid progress and each day reduces
the possibility of any widespread calamity.
At this time of the year it is customary to
note a general stOppage of machinery in the
leading Industrial plants of the nation. although
for two three years there has appeared dis
position to curtail this holiday season as far
as possible because Of the large amount Of busi-
ness in sight This year. more than ever before.
manufacturers are being urged by customers to
make prompt shipments. and it is the exception
where an oldtime shutdown will take place.
The boot and shoe industry continues to occupy
position of prominence because of the steady
increase in shipments from Boston in compari-
son with any previous season, more than $500
Ooo cases having been forwarded during the
FIRST half of the year Equally favorable results
are indicated for the next six months, jobbers
placing orders much earlier than usual despite
high quotations. Other points of special pres
sure are noted at steel mills where there ap-
pears to be limit TO the requirements OF this
nation, while the only definitely unsatisfactory
news comes from the cotton mills. which are
gradually filling contracts on hand. but find little
new business to provide for the future Fort
unately, there some lines of cottons that do
not share the general indifference