Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-28
THE STATE OF TRADE
WEEKLY REVIEW BY THE TWO
MERCANTILE AGENCIES.

NEW YORK, December 2S.-R. G. Dun
& Co.'S weekly review of trade says:
Holiday trade was very heavy during
the last few days before Christmas, rails
ing the total for the season above expec-
tations. although comparisons with last
years figures are unfavorable at most
points. A few interior cities report better
results than in 1905, but these are excep-
tiona1 cases.
General business has been as quiet as
Is customary at this time, and manufac-
turing plants have increased the percent
age Of idle machinery. Dry goods joobers
stimulated trade by special clearance
sales. retail traders attending in large
numbers because of slight stocks on hand.
The banks furnished currency more read
lily for pay rolls, but little Improvement
Is recorded in mercantile collections.
More wage-earners are unemployed
than at any previous time this year, yet
many factories and mills announce re-
sumption early in 1908. and consumption
of staple commodities Is not perceptioly
diminished because OF the savings of the
preceding extended period of full occupa-
ton.
1T is interesting to note in comparison
with recent statements Of unprecedented
emigration that immigration for Novem-
Der also establishes a record, 1T. 4I6
aliens arriving in this country, or 22,S5a
more than in the same month last year.
Foreign commerce at this port alone TOT
the latest week shows gain of $3.50. 4sO
in exports anG a loss of $3.50, 76O In I'M
ports. as compared with the same week
in 1906.
Commercial failures this week in the
United States are $50. against $40 last
week. 800 the preceding week. and 1877 the
corresponding week last year. Failures In
Canada number "a. against % last week.
So the preceding week. and II last year.
OF failures this week in the United states
115 were in the east. IS south. So west
and "a in the Pacific states. and 1o1 re-
124 last week. Liabilities of commercial
failures thus far reported for December
are $13. 800, S65, against $10,3S4,2 2S for the
same periodic year ago. .---,.. b.
Bradstreet's View Of Trade.
Bradstereets review of the state Of
trade says:
industry has slackened perceptibly, but
the financial situation has eased, except
where. as In the case OF New York. large
provided for. Previous antfcipations as to
the volume Of holiday trade find con-
frmation In the reports that the distribu-
ton. while fair, was not equal to that Of
1905 or OF some earlier years.
Mild weather Is still complained Of as
affecting retail trade in seasonable goods.
such as clothing, shoes. rubber footwear
and kindred lines. At some cities the usual
January reduction sales were held in
December, in many instances occurring
before Christmas.
"Jobbing trade was quiet till after the
latter date, when the usual clearance sales
of wash and other dress fabrics were
made, arousing fair amount Of interest.
Wholesale business has been quiet, and
both this line and the jobbing trade note
the receipt Of many requests to delay
shipment of goous.
industrial lines are quieter. very gen.
eral shutting down for the holidays being
noted, and the textile trades. especially,
have shown q tendency to further curtail.
One item in this line has been the reported
agreement of nearly 80 per cent Of the
New England cotton spindles to reduce or
curtail production in the next sixty or
ninety days. The iron and steel trade is
rather quieter also, and the first cuts in
finished steel are noted in a reduction of
steel bars to the extent of 81 per ton.
Mild weather restricts demand for BIZ
luminous coal the country over. and coke
production is only about one-third the nor
NAL. Wool is easier for off-grade and
low-priced lots. and buyers of goods show
little interest in heavyweight offerings
for the fall Of 1908.
COLLECTIONS are generally complained Of
as slow, but favorable FEATURES are the
reports that many cities are now prac-
ucally on a currency basis. that the mar
ket for mercantile paper shows more life,
and that special holidays declared in the
time of stress in California have ended