The Washington herald., 1908-01-25

New York. Jan. 24-R. 6. Dun & Cos
weekly review Of trade tomorrow will
say:
More manufacturing plants have Te-
sumed and money is abundant at easy
terms, but business feels the weakened
purchasing power Of the thousands stin
unemployed. As it becomes possible to
make commercial loans at per cent
there is a disposition TO extend operations
in mills now producing for distribution
next fall and winter Retail trade IN
seasonable heavyweight wearing ap-
parel has been retarded by mild weather,
and stocks are reduced by bargain sales
that return little profit.
Buyers have arrived in large numbers
in the local Jobbing dry goods market,
placing fair orders at the lower prices
named on some descriptions, and this
forward business was also liberal at other
large Centers. Mercantile collections con
tinue TO improve. although still back
ward at many points. Industrial news
is slightly more encouraging on the
whole but there is much idle machinery.
and the coal output has been curtaied
on that account together with the tardi-
ness Of winter.
Demand for Iron and steel.
A little better demand is noted for
products Of iron and steel, and more
plants have resumed, until it IS probable
that cne-half the capacity is in operation.
Results thus far have been accomplished
without material concessions in prices.
it is rumored that some pig iron
was moved at about a dollar per ton
below regular quotations.
'Irregularity In textile fabrics was
caused by the reduction Of certain prices
by leading houses, stimulating the move
ment Of merchandise at second hand.
Many descriptions were not affected. and
the position Of the mills remained uu-
Buyers appeared in the local
market without operating 10 any extent,
many announcing that nothing can he
done until the future is more definitely
understood
Commercial failures this week in the
United States are fl6 against 4l6 last
week. jo2 the preceding week. and zSS ths
week last year Failures
week, 4 the preceding week, and Il last
year. OF failures this week in the United
States. li2 were in the East, l37 South.
q West, and 20 in the Pacific States. and
ia report liabilities OF $500 or more.
against IA last week Liabilities OF COM
mercial failures thus far reported for
January are $lS454640, against 2SJ02678
for the same period the preceding year"
BTadsreets review will say.
Trade and industry are stiII quiet,
commodity prices have quite generally
moved downward. collections are back
ward, an increased quantity of railroad
equipment is reported idle. less satisi5c-
tory reports as TO demand come from the
iron and steel and coal industries. and
an increased disposition is noted TO dis
cuss wage reductions as an offset 10 re-
stricting production The markets for
securities have shown a tired feeling. de-
spite the continued easing OF money. in-
creased eagerness OF banks 10 place loans.
and further proof that financial affairs
are down to the normal
Wholesale trade as a whole IS slow 20
open, though heavy cuts in cotton goods
by Western jobbers. equaled or expected
by Eastern houses. have aroused interest
and attracted buying In these and kindred
lines. Opinion is divided as yet as 20
the efficacy of these cuts IN arOusing de-
mand. which. aside from the Incidents
noted. shows a tendency 70 proceed along
lines Travellers on the road
report buying 10 be of q filling-in, merely
10 replace broken stocks and a slow and
late opening Of spring trade is locked for.
Until nearly the close OF the week
there was general complaint that weather
conditions were against the fullest deyel-
Opment Of retail trade. and reduction
sales We're needed TO arouse interest in
clothing and other season
able goods. Reports as C. collections in
dicate slowuess in meeting engagements.
and mention is made OF numerous eNteH-
sions being asked and granted. The back
ward movement Of cotton 10 market is
still said to be a bar 10 Southern trade
and collection, though a rather freer
is reported at some Texas
pajutg