The Washington herald., 1907-08-24

weekly review or trade Tomorrow VIII
say;
"Jobbing markets are we'll attended
by inferior buyers and country merchants,
who operate with great freedom, con
sidering the financial stringency which
has compelled the postpOnement Of much
contemplated work Yet many Western
and Southern cities report building opera
tions far in excess Of last years, and, as
the harvests progress. there is more dis
position to increase preparations for
future needs. Retail stocks have been
depleted by the customary bargain sales.
and preparations for the fall and winter
trade indicate confidence in continued
activity At most domestic points there
is no complaint regarding collections; but
reports from Canada indicate many re-
quests for renewals. Leading industrial
plants are well occupied. many mills hav-
ing outputs sold far into 1905.
There is little serious interruption By
strikes. A sharp rise in grain was the
feature OF the commodity markets, but
best prices were not maintained
Mills Continue Busy.
Inquiry for pig iron has improved,
chiefly for small lots and prompt de-
livery, consumers OF Bessemer iron being
notably urgent for quick shipment. But
scarcely any can be had earlier than
October. In most sections Of the iron and
steel industry conditions are normally
more quiet al this time than any other
nd 10 rr7nGnVn q
decrease in new business Of late has
received more attention than the cir
.cumstances warranted because OF the phe-
nomenally active period preceding.
Conditions continue satisfactory in the
cotton goods industry, some mills having
contracts covering production through
most Of next year, and manufacturers
find no difficulty in maintaining prices at
the top.
There Is no significance in the state
ment that business has been transacted
at second hands somewhat below regular
quotations. because this represents par
tial profits on large purchases made be-
fore the market attained its present high
point. Some plants have been compelled
10 stop machinery until the production Of
gray goods caught up. Otherwise the In
dustry is fully occupied and prices are
readily maintained.
Commercial failures this week In the
United States are I73, against IL last
week, IS3 the preceding week, and 165 the
corresponding week last year. Failures
in Canada number 16 against o last
week, 81 the preceding week, and 81 last
year OF failures this week in the
United States. 20 were in the East. So
South, 80 West, and Il in the Pacific
States. and IS report liabilities Of 5000
or more.
Liabilities Of commercial failures re-
ported for August 10 date, are S9.03I, ,2lf
compared with S60sS.3H a year ago"
Bradstreet's Review.
New York, Aug 2-Bradsreers re
view tomorrow will say:
Buyers excursions have been a feat
ure Of the week, and the leading primary
markets Of the country have been nIed
with country merchants. Is a result
house trade has been stimulated, and or
ders for dry goods. clothing. and shoes
show considerable Improvement Fall
business, except at a few centers. Is said
to equal a year ago at this date. the vol
ume being made up Of numerous orders
rather than by any special interest OF in
terests placing heavy business.
In fact many merchants display a
disposition to go SLOW. fearing that orders
may fall off. not because Of decline in
consumption. but more particularly be-
cause Of the tightness OF money.
Crops are irregular in character, cold
weather in the Northwest and hot
weather in the Southwest having had un-
favorable effects on spring wheat. flax
oats. and cotton. There is a disposition
10 believe. however, that If damage has
been done. 1t is more a matter affecting
quality than quantity
Reports from industrial centers furnish
evidence of increased quiet Pig iron and
metal money is in active demand the
country over, rates are firm. being higher
on the week Banks are not disposed TO
further extend loans. although they are
reported taking care Of the legitimate
wants Of their customers. Collections are
not up to the usual youme At the same
time, there is a more assured tone in
stock market circles. though advances ir
prices are not especially noteworthy. bu.
bonds are still depressed. and some
municipal securities meet with very slow
sale.
Harvesting of spring wheat in the
Northwest is quite general and the irdi-
cations are that yields will not be heavy.
Cutting has begun as far North as Cen
tral and Southern North Dakota.
New crop cotton has appeared in sew
eral primary markets within the week
In the Savannah district cotton has been
damaged 10 to Is per cent by continuous
rains. An average crop Is expected in
Tennessee If frosts are late In IJouisi-
ana crops are good. and in Arkansas cot
ton is improving. In Alabama the crop is
being helped by weather. Good reports
come from Florida regarding cotton. but
short citrus crop is indicated In Texas
the cotton plant is being hurt by lack of
moisture, but thus far there is no great
,ta,,,