The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1907-02-09

WEST COAST TRADE REPORT IS OUT

The initial month of the new year
has practically closed, with very fav-
orable results, so far as the regular
volume of wholesale and retail bust
ness is concerned says the West Coast
Trade. Indeed, trade has been excep-
tional, considering the number of OBJ
stacles which have been encountered
by the merchant and consumer, and in
the face of weather conditions which
were extraordinary and the Interrupt
ton of railway transportation, the fact
that there has been a gain over the
corresponding month of last year is
regarded as highly satisfactory evil
dence of the fact that the season will
be one of still further increase in all
branches of merchandising.
There are occasional evidences of
relief in the matter of moving freight
but it can not be said that the cOnd1-
tons are materially improved, or that
there are prospects for betterment III
the immediate future. The Transport
tation companies, through their officials
and in testimony before the interstate
commerce commission, have indicated
that traffic throughout the Pacific
northwest has expanded to degree
that the business can only be handled
by the creation of additional trackage
facilities, through the dOubletracking
of present lines and the construction of
additional transportation systems
though the temporary handicap of inn
paired roadbeds, which has partly
suspended til traffic operations, will
age of fuel, which has been con-
tributory factor in the congestion. The
movement of farm products goes for
ward in somewhat intermittent
fashion.
More Wheat at Tidewater.
A little more wheat is being deliv-
cred at tidewater, but there is a de-
mand for hundreds of cars that can not
be accommodated and the grain trade
continues to suffer seriously in con-
coming forward in sufficient quantity
from the interior within the past week
to relieve the practical famine that
has prevailed, and dealers are once
more able to procure supplies of pota-
toes, apples. etc. though losses occa-
stoned by the recent freeze is respon-
sible for markedly enhanced prices.
Building Goes On.
AS far as manufacturers are con-
cerned. there has been very little i'm
are chock- block with orders, which
it is impossible to fill on account of
lack of cars. 1t is stated that there are
now nearly 1000 cars of timber pro-
ducts at points west of the mountains
awaiting shipment, and that the rail-
way companies have once more re-
fused to accept freightage of this class
for eastern delivery until business has
been cleared up. FIGURING mills are
in a similar position, through the diff
for executing orders for export to the
Orient, being obliged to turn down
profitable business because of this
handicap. though the general pros
poets in both branches of activity are
exceptionally good.
Despite the fact that labor difficult
ties are still in evidence in the build
ing trades. there are excellent pros
poets for an active season in new con-
struction, the year 1907 starting out
well. in the face of bad weather and
other complications, and promising to
be the most active season in history.
There is a good demand for real prop
erty, and steady growth of popula-
ton is in evidence, while financial
operations. as reflected by bank clear
ings. are well maintained.
One of the most notable develop
ments of the week was the practical
assurance that the Chicago, Milwau-
kee & st. Paul would locate it's ex-
tensive car shops in Tacoma. assur-
ing an important acquisition to the
city's complement of industrial enter