The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-10-13

Bradstreet's saYs:

BIaQSII6Gl s says
Cold weather has greatly stimulated
many lines of retail trade hitherto in
clfned to lag, notable in this respect
being heavy weight clothing, shoes and
rubber footwear, and induced some re-
order business with j0bbers, 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
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 finding
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 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
years and iron and steel show in
creased strength. All available sup
plies are eagerly taken despite I'M
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 a. between
seasons character, is very large for the
season. Especial activity Is noted here
in wholesale circles in cotton fabrics
which tend upward on stronger raw
material prices. Spring trade is re-
cefving 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
best year In the city's history by 10 to
two weeks strike OF Chesapeake bay
boat crews affects demand and causes
extra expense IN shipment. Louisville
reports a strong demand for old bour-
bon whisky and Cincinnati reports the
Burley tobacco crop badly hurt by re-
cent wet weather. Great activity in
trade is reported at Pacific coast
points. Mobile reports increased de-
mands for hardware following the re-
Another buying movement the sec
ond within few months, has occurred
in the pig iron market and prices have
again advanced so cents ton. Most
of the business calls for basic pig for
delivery in 1907, purchases of which ae-
gregate about III. 900 tons. At the same
time good-sized orders Of foundry iron
have been made. and for spot supplies
very high pFicessare paid In fact. the
insistent demand for prompt deliver
les, coupled with the heavy orders
placed for shipment IN 1907 and the
steadily advancing price movement,
raise fears IN some quarters Of
runaway market It is understood that
some moderate orders have been placed
for English and Scotch irons
Orders for structural material are Of
goodly proportions. Sheets and tin
plates are in good demand, and the ten
dency IS to request premiums. Specia-
cations and orders for steel plates for