Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1908-01-10
COMMERCIAL
Americas Year of Trade.


1907 to have been remarkable in many
respects, the commercial activity Of
the first ten months being In marked
contrast to the depression which fol-
lowed the financial disturbance In
October.
In iron and steel the production for
the first half of the year babe fair to
raise the years figures far above all
previous records, but by Dec. the
weekly output had fallen to the lowest
point since November, 1904, not more
than 33 per cent of the entire capacity
being in operation.
I In dry goods the volume of business
transacted was without precedent, not
withstanding the heavy falling of of
the last two months. The exports of
this line of goods showed marked de.
cline from the previous year, the most
notable being in connection with the
Chinese trade.
A great curtailment of tanning OPP
erations, with the consequent decrease
in the consumption of hides. carried
prices for these latter to the lowest
point reached in a decade, though the
price of leather was not materially at
fected. The boot and shoe trade seems
to have suffered severe check.
Silver bullion after moderate fluctua-
lions closed the year at the lowest quo
tations of the past four years. Not
withstanding the extraordinary de-
mands created by the monetary crisis
Of October, the total imports of gold
were considerably less than in 1906.
In the stock market the general
tendency has been downward, and in
October prices not only dropped to the
lowest level Of the year, but in nearly
avery instance to the lowest figures in
many years and in some cases to quo
:ations below any previous record.
While the commercial failures Of the
year were, on account Of the financial
disturbances, considerably in excess Of
1906 the insolvent liabilities were not
as great as in 1893 and 1896.
Cotton prices and exports ruled high
throughout the. year, with the latest
estimates indicating a yield about 10
per cent below 1906.
The particularly bright spot In the
Industrial situation was the stupendous
increase in the value of agricultural
products, and, while the actual produce
ton was in most lines somewhat be-
low that of the previous year, the
values had increased more that $780,
100000, and the combined values of
cotton meats, dairy products, poultry,
eggs and all other items raised by the
agriculturist are estimated at the sum
of $7,4o0 100000.
Pay as You Enter Rule Fails.
After trial Of one day the plan Of
requiring passengers to pay as they en-
tered the cars was abandoned by the
Pittsburg Railways company owing to
the confusion and opposition of The
public. Crowds fought with the con
dnctors when enforcement Of the rule
was attempted, and much delay result
ed. Passengers did various things to
delay traffic, such as boarding cars In
punches and offering one and two dol
lar bills to be changed. Dozens Of con
ductors reported that they could not
| enforce the rule, and some resigned.
Manitoba Buys Phone System.
The government of Manitoba has pur.
chased the Bell telephone system now
In operation throughout the province
The price paid was $3,3OO.000, with
perhaps 100000 more for equipment
Payment will be made in forty year
per cent bonds. The government will
assume control Jan. Is and will oper,
ate the system by means Of a commits
sion. 1t is expected that the present
officials of the company will be re
| tanned.
Receivers For seaboard Road.
Applications for a receivership fol
the Seaboard railroad were made Oh
Jan. ] to Judge yNaddell at Richmond
This is the road that was organized
recently with Thomas Il. Ryan as the
controlling factor. 1t has not paid 4
dividend and is reported to be in pool
condition.