The Washington times., 1908-12-01

NEW YORK. Dec. Stocks were ac-
tive in spots; in fact, the whole market
was on the spotty order. Moreover, 1t
was a rather mysterious market, with
out positive trend either way and ready
TO 20 up or down. without making
known its intentions by the usual signs
Of an ordinary, respectable stock mar
ket
Spurts were not unknown; in fact
there were a number OF them during
the session, breaking out in unexpected
spots. existing more or less precariousiy
for a time and then going back to nor
NAL conditions. only to break out again
in some other part OF the list, with
neither rhyme nor reason
There were the usual number of pre-
diCtions. the usual number Of rumors'
and an unusually small number OF lndl-
cations from which 10 make deductions
Not a Popular Market.
Il was Just such a market as even
professional traders do not like, and the
man who is willing TO stay cut occasion
ally, when indications are uncertain,
welcomed it as a good market 10 let
alone.
Rock Island preferred surprised the
Street by touching new record II
short order, after the opening 55f4' an
advance of 2Ia points from the opening
figure Manipulation was responsible
for this rise.
St. Louis and san Francisco, another
minor stock, rOse a point Missouri Fac!-
nc came strong with an advance TO BOZ
after "A break of 3 OF a point. sugar
gained a point. These were the strong
points with Louisville and Nashville
which rose IA TO l22A
There We're only trihiug changes IT
the leaders with some irregularities fol-
lowing a rather firm opening.
Not interested in Message.
Wall Street has as YET given no in
dication of being Interested in the final
message Of President Roosevelt 10 Con-
gress-that is, the hnal message at the
opening of the session, as he may send
extra messages galore before the end
Of the short session.
Hartman shares were rather quiet
the larger operators appearing con
tented TO exercise their energies in the
minor securities, stocks that are usually
given secondary positions TO the Pa
Cifcs, St Paul. Great Northern, Read
ing, etc.
After the opening the market became
heavy with declines of fractions in the
cId-time leaders. Reading going to 1885
OF 4 OF, but recovered all hut Z Of tbs
loss. Nipper was dull but steady New
York Central started firmly, but lost a
q gain. Great Northern lost 5 net with
s.. Paul and Union Pacific steady tC
fractions OF.
Specialties Rather Slow.
Speclalties were only fairly active
with trifing changes.
Among the railroad companies 20 make
reports Of earnings for October was the
Pennsylvania system, which showed q
decrease in gross Of S2,567,1S0 reduced to
a decrease in net Of only S375, 200. The
Reading system showed a decrease in
gross OF Sl2l,l59 and decrease in sur
plus of S2lU,O42
The Missouri. Kansas and Texas re-
ported q gross Increase of S253,2lS and q
surplus increase OF SIS, 937.
In London American securities were
irregular, showing strength in the early
trading but selling or on prOht taking
In the Industrial list, Smelter was tht
leader II activity. Predictions OF high
ct prices were numerous, but the stock
had hard work 10 hold its own. II
opened at 1914, sold to 92&. rose tC
g. and fell back TO yesterdays close
951a. Consolidated Gas was q higher