Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-05
THE VOLUME OF TRADE
OPERATIONS IN BUILDING
LARGEST EVER KNOWN.

Bradstreet's reports Of the present condi-
lions and the outlook say:
Reports Of active retail and tobbing
trade. OF immense-in fact. unprecedented
building operations, and OF really excellent
crops furnish a sharp contrast to the weak
ness OF the countryfs central market for
securities This latter reflects liquidation,
due to past excuses, by coTnparativei
small number of operators, not, apparent
ly, as in some past years, generally shared
in by the public at large. Continued favor
able weather has allowed good progress in
planting. the termination of crops. the en-
largement of country retail trade, improved
recorders for summer goods, and the placing
with confidence OF a volume of fall orders.
fully equal to year ago. Collections have
also measurably improved. Easier money
Tor legitimate business needs is likewise
foreshadowed. Railway earnings are large,
clearings still make records for this season
OF the year, and the call for replacement
at San Francisco Is feature helpful to
trade in many lines. There are. of course,
some few unfavorabIe features in general
industry. The coal strike still hangs fire.
and other minor troubles, due to unionistic
movements on the lakes and In a few cities.
the recrudescence in a mild form of May
day strikes are all elements to be reckoned
with.
Business failures in the United States
are small in number, being for the week
ended May 3 only 139. against III last week;
1913 in the like week of 1905, 116 in 1904,
175 in 1903 and IT9 In 1902. In Canada fail
ures this week number 20. as against % last
week and % in this week year ago.
Dun Agency Reports.
Dispatches to Dun's Review indicate that
business has made fairly good progress. de-
spite some new labor troubles on May J..
The volume of traffic at Boston is well
sustained and spring trade makes good
progress. Textile manufacturing Is active
at Philadelphia, but operating expenses are
heavy, and eastern wool trade is dull be-
cause of stubborn strength at the ranches.
Business is brisk prospects favorable. but
payments somewhat irregular. There Is a
steady demand for merchandise at Pitts
burg, although labor difficulties interfere
with some branches Of trade
Wholesale trade at Baltimore Is OF season.
able proportions. but there are complaints
regarding collections. Louisville reports
manufacturers busy. building operations
unprecedented and the demands for money
below expectations. It Is between seasons
in dry goods at Atlanta. Business at ct.
Louis Is above normal In all lines; collec-
tons satisfactory. All business at New Or
leans is reasonably active. Business at
Kansas City is far more active than a year
ago In all staple lines. and money Is In am
pie supply for all legitimate purposes.
Despite numerous strikes business makes
steady progress at Chicago. Seasonabie
weather at Cleveland helps retail trade In
clothing and builders supplies. while dry
goods jobbers report urgent demands for
quick delivery. Retail trade at Cincinnati
is satisfactory, while clothing manufacture
ers report good spring distribution and pay
ments fairly prompt. Dry goods jobbing
trade at st. Paul is active. shoe factories
well engaged, and the millinery season has
been most successful. but collections are
only fair. Orders at Minneapolis are chiefly
for immediate needs and collections are
slow. Building operations are extensive
and saw mills opening but logs are
scarce. Trade conditions are favorable at
Salt Lake City.
Bank exchanges show remarkably large
payments through the banks total ex-
changes for this week being So .26s, Ill PIT
an increase of IL per cent. compared with
the exceptionally large total os last year
Nearly every city contributes to the gain.