Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-08-26
The BUSINESS FIELD.

llaL OF lOWa.
THE BUSINESS FIELD.
Jobbing markets are well attended
by interior buyers and country mer-
chants, who operate with great free
dom considering the financial string
ency which has compelled the post
ponement of much contemplated struc-
tural 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
disposition to increase preparations
for future needs. Retail stocks have
been depleted by the customary bar
gain sales and preparations for fall
and winter trade indicate confidence
in continued activity. At most do
nestle points there is no complaint
regarding collections. but reports from
Canada indicate many requests for re-
newals Leading industrial plants are
well occupied, many mills having OUT
put sold for into 1908, and there is
little serious interruptions by. strikes.
"A sharp rise in grain was the feature
of the commodity markets, but best
prices were not maintained. Railway
earnings in the first half of August
We're rs per cent larger than last
years figures. Official returns of
foreign commerce in. July far sur
passed the same month of any prev
ious year, the gain over 1906 amount
ing to s22,0000O0 in imports and s17,-
100000 in exports.
Much structural steel and pipe is
wanted by municipalities that must
defer improvements because bonds
cannot be sold, and the railways are
similarly prevented from erecting new
bridges, terminals and track. or pur-
chasing rolling stock. In the light Of
these facts, tardy deliveries of the
mills and full operation of most plants
testify to a vast tonnage of orders de-
spite financial stringency.
Conditions continue satisfactory in
the cotton goods industry, some mills
having contracts covering production
thru most Of next year, and manufac-
turers find no difficulty in maintaining
prices at the top Weekly Shipments
of footwear from Boston again ex-
coed similar figures for last year, ac-
cording to statistics compiled by the
Shoe and Leather Reporter, and the
volume of new business has improved
over recent preceding weeks.
Liabilities of commercial failures
thus far reported for August amounted
to s9,O31,246, of which s6,5So,324 were
in manufacturing. $2,411,572 in trading
and $39,35O in other commercial lines.
Failures this week numbered 173 in
the United States against 167 last
year, and Is in Canada compared with
"a year ago.
Chicago. - Visiting buyers from
many states are here in great
er numbers than heretofore and
they operate quite freely for
in the staples and job
bling branches. The demand exceeds
all former experience in dry goods,
millinery, clothing, footwear and food
products. Current shipments have
risen to large aggregates. Weather
conditions proved beneficial to retail
trade, and there is much reduction of
stocks here and turnout
the interior. Chicago railroads report
enormous freight offerings and the
tonnage carried exceeds all former to-
tails.
Minneapolis Unsatisfactory harvest
conditions are reflected in buying or
ders by country merchants in practic-
ally all lines. Dealers in dry goods,
clothing, footwear and furnishings re-
port sales we'll up to former years.
Groceries. drugs and hardware are
very active, while agricultural sup
plies show some falling off. Building
conditions are unprecedented, but de
liveries are not as prompa as desired.
Collections are good
Omaha-Weather is most favorable
for harvesting and business conditions
generally are excellent. In dry goods
liberal orders are being placed for fall
and winter goods Building is more
active than for many years. House
trade with boot and shoe dealers is !