The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-02-22
BRADsTREET's REVIEW.

New York. February 21-Bradstreets on
February % will say:
Actual trade and Industrial develop
ments are quite generally favorable, bet
ter weather conditions and the easing of
the railroad blockades being largely in
strumental in this direction. Jobbing
trade in the spring and summer fabrics
has expanded at the east, at leading
southwestern centers, and at prominent
southern markets. Better reports also
come from the northwest, where the rail-
roads are winning out of the snow block
AIDES
There is also a better tone to advices
from the South Atlantic states, which
suffered a reduction of crop yields last
fall, and southern advices as a whole re-
fleet the swing of an enormous, II not, IN
deed, record cotton crop at excellent
prices.
Collections are still irregular and tend
to slowness, as retail trade in winter
goods is largely over and spring business
hardly begun. Retail stocks of winter
grades have been well reduced however.
There are, of course, some laws IN the
situation The numerous published an
nouncements by leading railroads of the
curtalment or postponement of extern
siVe improvements owing to high cost OF
demanded on new issues of securities eX-
ert some influence upon sentiment as re-
CARDS future commitments in materials
likely to be used in railway extension.
Based upon these views also, there is
disposition to believe that the crest of
the present prosperity movement has
been seen. tt Is, however, worth recall
ing that predictions somewhat similar to
the above were made at this date a year
ago.
One thing. however is certain, so far
as order books and goods sold are con-
cerned-the first half of 1907 is absolutely
secure. Beyond this the course of events
will be largely shaped by the prospects
and outturn of the crops of the year
Trade in eastern dry goods markets Is
active in all lines but cotton goods still
display most strength and eager demand.
The only complaint Is of backward de-
liveries At first hands print cloths have
again been advanced. Cotton yarns are
very firm. Silks, wooden dress goods,
knit fabrics and. to n lesser degree, mems
wear goods are all in good demand.
Spring iron markets are quiet and
weaker. Late in the week sales Tor sec
ond half delivery were reported as having
been made at a reduction of % cents per
ton, valley furnaces, but southern inter-
ests appear to be holding firmly at $3.50
for No. for delivery in the second half
Some low phosphorus pig has been sold
to an important interest at prices some
what under those recently ruling. Quo
| tations in the British markets have also
receded. Consumers of steel making iron
appear indisposed to come into the mar
lxet until further concessions are made.
Steel IS in better supply, Finished lines
furnish excellent reports. The leather
| trade is only fairly active as regards new
sales, but shipments of orders are still
| large.
Business failures in the United states
| for the week ending February 20 number
| III. against 204 last week and 1856 In the
| like week of 1906. Failures for the week
| in Canada number 1S. AS against % last
| week and % in this week a year ago.
/ Wheat including flour, exports from
| the United States and Canada for the
five days ending February 90 aggregated
:. 939 491 bushels. against 100000 last
week and 2.3750n0 bushels last year For
the past thirty-four weeks of the fiscal
year the exports are 1lSS161o5 bushels,
AGAINST %. 27S 196 In 1905-O6.
Corn exnorts for the week are !. 6SS 6SS
| bushels, against 1897 100 last week and
! a. 400 MI a year ago For the fiscal year
to date the EXPORTS are 80, 323 155 bushels,
against so 655. 900 in 1905-06.