The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-01-26
WORKS EACH way
Cold Weather Stimulates the
Business Of Retailers.
Retards Movement of Freight,
Which Was Improving.
STOCKS ARE REDUCED
Which 1t Was Feared Must Be
Carried Over.
Leading Manufacturers Report
Steady Volume of Orders.

New York, Jan 26.-R. G. Dun &
Co.'S Weekly Review of Trade says:
Low temperature and snow at many
points stimulated retail demand for
seasonable merchandise, but retarded
movement of freight, which was be-
ginning to show noteworthy improve
ment. Distribution of heavy weight
clothing, footwear and other winter
week, reducing stocks that it was fear
ed would be carried over on account
of the mild season. Wholesale and job
bling trade in drygoods for spring de-
livery was also liberal, many cities re-
porting forward business excess of all
previous records. Much damage has
been done by foods destroying prop
erty and restricting business, but these
drawbacks had only local significance
and did not prevent a substantial net
gain for the week in all commercial
channels. Leading manufacturing in
dustries report a steady volume of new
business, assuring full operation of
plants far into the future, and main
tain high prices for all raw materials.
A grating steadiness is noted IN the
iron and steel industry, mills receiv
ing volume of new business that
readily sustains prices, yet there is lit
tie evidence of abnormal activity or
speculative imitation of quotations. No
change has occurred in standard steel
rail prices, although the roads have
merous contracts are under negotia-
ton. 1t will be many months before
delivery can be made on new orders,
not only as to rails, but many other
departments of the industry. Orders
for structural shapes have increased
largely as compared with the market
when the year opened, and as plans
for spring work are completed there is
a steady volume of new business. Spot
iron is under less pressure, which, for
E11N4 -,
of prices, but new business for deliv-
cry in the last half of the year is album
dant.
Strength is readily maintained in pri-
mary markets for cotton goods by
vigorous demand and a scarcity of sup
plies for immediate delivery while in
several lines there have been further
advances in prices. Some buyers still
reaction, but thus far have received
little encoura gement except the obvious
fact that the upward movement has ia
ken many qualities above. what is con-
a normal position. The only
effect of higher prices has been the US
ual substitution of cheaper qualities in
cases where the trade would not pay
the difference.
Boston market has decreased, and in
another week the balance will probably
conclude purchases. Supplementary
spring business has continued heavy,
assuring all prominent New England
of several months full
operation of machinery. There is no eff
fort to force concessions in prices, ow
ing to the recent advance of a full
cent in sole leather.
Cereal prices advanced, especially
wheat, the rise starting in a better
speculative demand and finding sup
port in some adverse reports regarding
foreign crop conditions. Movement to
primary markets was restricted by Sc
we're weather, and it was again reported
that winter wheat had insufficient snow
covering.