The Grenada sentinel., 1907-02-02
TRADE REMAINS GOOD
Low TEMPERATURE AND SNOW
ARE STIMULATING.
EFFECT OF FLOODS LOCAL
Gratifying Steadinese in Iron and
Steel, While Strength in Cotton
Goods Is Maintained.

New York, Jan. 26.-R. G. Dun &
Co.'s weekly review of trade says:
Low temperature and snow at many
points stimulated retail demand for
Seasonable merchandise. but retarded
movement of freight. which was begin
ming to show noteworthy improve
ment. Distribution of heavyweight
clothing, footwear and other winter
goods was very large during the past
week, reducing stocks that it was
feared would be carried over on ac-
count of the mild season. Wholesalc
and jobbing trade in dry goods for
spring delivery was also liberal, many
cities reporting forward business in
excess of all previous records.
Damage by Floods.
Much damage has been done by the
floods destroying property and re-
stricting business, but these draw
backs had only local significance, anu
did not prevent 4 substantial net gain
for the week in all commercial chan
nels. Leading manufacturing indus
tries report a steady volume Of new
business, assuring full operation of
plants far into the future, and main
tanning high prices for all raw mate
rialS.
New Business in Iron.
A gratifying steadiness is noted in
the iron and steel industry, mills re-
ceiving a volume of new business that
readily sustains prices, yet there is
little evidence of abnormal activity
or speculative imitation of quotations.
No change has occurred in standard
steel rail prices, although the roads
have placed a further big tonnage and
numerous contracts are under negorra-
ton. 1t will be many months be-
fore delivery can be made on new or
ders, not only as to rails, but many
other departments of the industry.
The orders for structural shapes have
increased largely, as compared with
the market when the year opened.
and as plans for spring work are cons
pleted. there is a steady volume Of
new business.
Cotton Goods Strong.
Strength is readily maintained in
primary markets for cotton goods, by
a vigorous demand and a scarcity o.
supplies for immediate delivery, while
in several lines there have been fur
ther advances in prices. Some buy
ers still delay operations in antici-
patton Of a reaction, but thus far have
received little encouragement except
the obvious fact that the upwar,.
OnUnn1nnt hoe +ol-nn
above what is considered a normal DO
sition. The only effect of higher
prices has been the usual substitution
Of cheaper qualities in cases where
the trade would not pay the difference.
The Shoe and Leather Trade.
Attendance of shoe jobbers in the
Boston market has decreased. and IN
another week the balance will prob
ably conclude purchases. Supple
mentary spring business has continued
heavy, assuring all prominent Eng
lish manufacturers Of several months |
full operation OF machinery. There is |
no effort to force concessions in prices |
owing to the recent advance of a full |
cent in sole leather. Cereal prices !
advanced, especially wheat, the rise
starting in a better speculative de- |
mand, andn finding support in some
adverse reports regarding foreign crop |
Movement to primary markets was |
restricted by severe weather, and it
was again reported that winter wheat |
had insufficient snow covering.