Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-12-30
THE BUSINESS FIELD.

THE BUSINESS FIELD.
| A roundup of the holiday trade
shows that it was extremely heavy tho
in many cities not equal to the record
mas season. However, the inclination
| is to view the future If not optimistic
cally, at least not with pessimism.
General business has been quiet, as Is
customary at this time. and manu-
featuring plants have increased the
percentage of idle machinery. Dry
goods jobbers stimulated trade by spe-
cial clearance sales, retail buyers at
tending in large numbers because Of
light stocks on hand. The banks fur
nished currency more readily for nay
rolls, but little improvement is re-
corded in mercantile collections MGR.
wage earners are unemployed than at
any previous time this year, vet many
factories and mills announce resump-
ton early in 1908, and consumption IF
staple commodities is not perceptih.y
diminished, because Of the savings Of
the preceding extended period of full
occupation.
Liabilities Of commercial failures
thus far reported for December
amounted to s13,39O,S65, of which So,
437,599 were in manufacturing, $5,-
1S3,46O in trading and $1,769,s06 in
other commercial lines. Failures this
week numbered $50 in the United
States against 1877 last year. and "a in
Canada compared with IL year ago.
Boston.--Textile mills are limiting
production, and in most cases are run
ming past time. The worsted branch Of
the wool goods market is in good con-
dition, and present indications are for
the continued popularity, thru another
season at least, Of these goods; WOOL
ems, on the other hand, show no ma
terial Improvement.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. manufacturers
are quier, but anticipate revival of
activity in the spring.
Observation-Disclosures trade rose to a
surprisingly large aggregate. and in
some lines compared favorably with
year ago Notwithstanding the financial
depression, and the reduction Of stocks
of merchandise is gratifying in sea-
sonable lines. Money conditions re-
fleet further improvement. Shipments
of currency to move crops is much in
creased, and there is more liberal mar
ketings Of the leading grains at good
prices. Outside banks are bidding for
commercial paper more literally, and
local banks have loaned to a larger
extent upon the principal foodstuffs
and to regular customers, while the
discount rate continues at Z per cent.
The use of clearing house certificates
and emergency checks is steadily de-
clining. Withdrawals of savings de-
posits We're no larger than usual dur
ing the holiday season. More money
is received from the country banks and
local deposits make a satisfactory
showing, the general tendency being
for steady growth, and the January in
terest payments make greater aggre-
gate than hitherto. Mercantile col
lections are not yet prompt at western
@s,.<e I,,+ oc{r Loco two, md
the record of failures in this district
compares favorably with a year ago in
both number and liabilities.
neapolis.-Jobbers are busy with
travelling men are off the
road and the usual year-end condi-
lions prevail. Retail holiday trade is
very heavy and one of the largest in
the history Of the city. There is gen.
eral slowing down in the lumber stu
alton, with a slight tendency toward
lower prices in some grades. The
factory demand for hard woods is
light but stocks are not large and
prices are we'll maintained. Lumber
shipments for the week were 100000
Feet.
st. Louis.-Trade in wholesale lines
this week continues quiet, while the
retail business has been very active,
and in volume fully up to that of the
week last year. A num-
Der of the mills, factories and shops
closed down for the holidays, anG
many repairs and alterations will be |
made. Collections are moderate.
Kansas City.-Retailers in most lines |
lad heavy holiday trade. Jobbing |
business is very satisfactory and col
ections fair. The Kansas City mills |
.urned out $500.
A Break for Liberty