The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-12-08
UP TO The MARK.
Holiday Trade Is Fulfilling Ex-
pectati0ns Regarding 1t.
Christmas Specialties Have
Record Breaking Run.
STILL MUCH TROUBLE
On Account of Inadequate
Freight Moving Facilities.
Prices Are at Highest Level for
Recent Years.

New York, Dec. S-R. q. Dun's week
ly review of trade says
Lower temperature has stimulated re-
tail trade in seasonable staples, but in
terest is most conspicuous in holiday
goods Expectations of a record break
Ing run for Christmas specialties are
being fully realized. Jobbing and
wholesale houses are doing well for the
season. but reports of mercantile col
lecCOnS show much irregularity. I'M
proVement in the promptness of pay
ments is expected when the crops have
been more fully marketed and greater
ease appears in money rates. which are
far above normal, despite the fact that
the amount in circulation exceeds all
records The movement of freight is
restricted by inadequate facilities. caus-
ing much trouble in the industries.
Very little idle machinery is noticed In
the factories and mills except where the
supply of labor and raw materials is
insufficient and the vigorous demand
for all commodities is indicated by the
highest level of prices in recent years
The closing month of the year in the
iron and steer industry promises fully
to maintain the phenomenal rate Of
progress that has been experienced dur
ing the autumn, notwithstanding a fur
ther advance in some quotations that
might be expected to curtail operations.
Every available plant is now actively
engaged except where material cannot
be secured, and the volume of business
looked for next year assures many new
records in 1907 unless some unforeseen
records in 1907 unless some unforeseen
of orders.
Among new business under considera-
ton are contracts for a large mileage
of pipe for oil lines and all forms of
railway equipment.
Textile mills are operating large
percentage of the available machinery
although the inadequate supply of labor
continues to be a drawback. Even after
the recent reaction in the price of raw
material the margin of profits in cotton
goods is small and purchasers make
little effort to secure concessions.
Prompt deliveries are practically I'M
available Many of the cheaper wool
ems were opened this week at about the
level last heavy weight season The
disposition of many agents, however, Is
to defer opening of lines until longer.
Strength of the raw material does not
Justify expectation Of concessions.
Arrivals of Latin-American dry goods
in this market are well maintained,
however, increased receipts DelnS reaol-
" absorbed.
Some Improvement is noticed in the
movement of wheat to primary markets
hut there is still much complaint from
the Dakotas where elevators are over
flowing and large quantities of grain is
in danger of injury.
The decline in cotton was carried stu
further until middling upland sold at IS
per bale less than a year ago, which
offset in value the increase in quantity
sent abroad. Port receipts continued
heavy, but there was the neutralizing
in liberal consumption by democratic
spinners.
Liabilities of commercial failures re-
ported for November are 81, 980, 1872,
Compared with IS. $685. s9 a year ago.