The Washington herald., 1907-02-02

New York, Feb. 1-Bradstreet's to-mor-
row viii say:
Irregular weather conditions make for
numerous cross currents in retail trade.
but there is evidence of enlargement in
some lines of spring business, especially
cotton goods, demand for which is limited
only by capacity Of mills, wholesalers, or
Jobbers TO deliver.
manufacturing lines are actively en-
Gagged, and numerous reports come of a
very large business for midwinter
month, considering the already heavily
seId-ahead condition of so many lines. In
1act, numerous centers report business for
January at wholesale as exceeding Jan
uaFy a year ago, despite Interruptions to
Traffic by heavy SHOWS, rains. and floods
in various sections.
In the iron and steel trade conditions
vary with the material and sections re-
ported so far as future business is con-
cerned For prompt delivery iron and
steel everything is. Of course. sold up. and
finished lines are strong, with advancing
tendencies. more particularly at the West
In crude forms there is an easing of
prices for third-qUarter delivery. but no
diminution Of strength as regards nearby
months.
In the shoe trade conservatism in buy
ing for spring is shown. The receding or
me waters has made for a resumption OF
trade and industrial activities In the Ohio
valley, where much damage was done.
ana where the cieaning-up process is now
in order.
Colder weather and clearance sales
nd
In the Northwest trade. traffic and collec-
tons feel the effects of heavy snowfalIs.
coming on top Of an acute car shortage,
thoush that section appears To be grad
ualIy winning out except in parts of the
liakotas There is little change 20 be
noted in crop reports"
Dun's Review of T .ade.
New York, Feb 1.-R G. Dun & Co.'S
review viii say:
Although the average of the sixty most
active railway securities fell this week to
the lowest point since 1904. there was no
corresponding reaction in commercial
activity, which continued beyond prece-
dent. Reports from leading manufactur-
ing centers indicate that scarcely any idle
machinery can be found, preparations for
future trade evidencing a confidence in
well-maintained consumption. Forward
business is most extensive in the iron and
steel manufacture and the cotton indus
try, but other prompt producers have
liberal contracts on hand also, and the
mercantile outlook is bright Wholesale
houses receive large contracts for spring
delivery. especially in dry goods
Rates for money became easier. but in
stead Of the customary January rise in
the stock market. prices fell 10 an average
or more than So per share below the high
record. established January. 1906, although
railway earnings thus far reported for
last month were 11.2 per cent larger than
year previous. Foreign commerce for
the last week at this port showed gains of
S-5fe,@z In imports and $i9S509 i'm exports.
ats compared with movements a year ago.
Bank exchanges at New York for the last
week We're 2A2 per cent less than IN 1906.
owing 20 smaller sales of securities, but
ia other leading cities there was an aver
age gain OF l3 per cent"
Commercial failures this week in the
United States. as reported by R G. Dun
q Co, are 30 against 2aS last week. 26z
The preceding week, and 26s the CORE
spending week last year. Failures in Can
ada number >, against II last week, p
the preceding week, and y last year