The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-05-11
Complaints Come From All Over
the Country.
Spring Trade Has Been Damag-
ed Beyond Repair.
FREIGHT CONGESTION
Has Been Relieved Although
Traffic Is Still Heavy.
Outlook in Iron and Steel Was
Never Brighter.

New York. May 11-R. G. Dun &
Co.'S Weekly Review of Trade says:
Weather conditions unreasonable
almost beyond precedent have re-
tarded retail trade and agriculture to
an extent that can not yet be meas
ured. Spring opened with bright
prospects for business, but record
breaking results can not longer be at
tanned May thus far has brought
complaints of excessive cold from al
most every section of the country, and
in many cases it is found that mercan-
tile collections have been slow.
Freight congestion is relieved, how
ever, and traffic is very heavy, partly
In fail and winter business, which is
viewed with confidence. The outlook
in the iron and steel industry was
never brighter. Steel rails are con-
ssantly ordered, much new business
being in light rails for trolley lines,
ments are purchasing bars freely.
Textile mills are still actively en-
gagged as a rule, but in the primary
markets there is some irregularity.
Cotton goods are no cheaper, but the
effect of the backward season on re-
tail trade is felt in all departments.
Inc only interest of the jobbing trade
Is in fall goods, current needs having
been supplied. Export trade con-
tinues featureless. the only sales being
small parcels for the Red sea.
As to woolens. mems wear orders
appear less freely and this slow move
ment is also attributed to the weather.
Bradstreet's.
Bradstreet's says:
Weather conditions. as for five
weeks past. are still the key to the ir-
regular crop and trade reports. Freez-
ing weather and snow have hurt trade
and retarded crop preparations and
growth in the northwest, while low
temperatures and heavy rains affect
southern distribution and crops, and
Influenced distribution in the west.
Despite the between seasons period,
and the slowness OF retail trade and
collections. there are few complaints
from jobbing and wholesale lines. ex-
cept that filling in orders are light
and that retail stocks are reported
heavy One explanation of this is that
5obbers and wholesalers had a heavy
volume of business booked, deliveries |
upon which have been slow. De- |
mands from wholesalers therefore |
have been sufficient to keep all ac-
lively engaged. Crop and trade de-
velopments from now on will be close |
ly watched to allow of a proper ap-
probation of future needs of fall |
trade.
Other developments of the week
have been encouraging In the iron and
steel industries current production at
the maximum and other industries, |
~ pushed. Labor disturbances are not /
serious, except at San Francisco, where |
business has been brought to a COM
plete standstill. and at New York, |
where a nearly general strike of dock |
laborers has caused interruption to
freight.
Higher prices for cereals, cotton and
other natural products are result of
bad crop reports and broadening
speculative interest. European crop re-
ports are little better than our own,
and partly explain higher quotations
offered for wheat and corn reported
in the lower Mississippi valley.
Hog products are higher this week,
points. while cottoonseed oil went up
cents.
The sugar markets are stronger, Eu-
rope leading. with higher prices for
beet grades. cane sugars here follow
ing and in turn affecting refined. which
is 10 points up. While raws are 6 points
up.
Coke is still lower despite the &C
tivity of blast furna ces. Anthracite
coal is active but bituminous is dull.
Copper is dull owing to the fact that
VIII en- prices are advancing last week
some large quantities were offered at
demand and whatever do
mestic inquiry there was.
Business failures for the week end
ing May Q in the United States number
154. against 1913 last week, 1872 in the
like week of 1906, 159 in 1905, 201 in
1904. and 1S2 in 1903. Canadian fail
ures for the week number 20, as
g gainst Is last week and % in this
week a year ago.