Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1909-01-18
BUSINESS AT LEADING POINTS.
Expected Progress Shown in Trade and
Manufacturing.

Expected Progress Shown in Trade and
Manufacturing.
New York, Jan. 1S.-Trade during
the first half of January shows ex-
pected progress. New undertakings are
encouraged by the more settled policy
regarding large financial and Industrial
affairs and ample funds are available
Leading Industries gradually increase
working forces and output, and while
in most lines both continue below nor
NAL, the gains established in the clos
Ing months of last year are fully MAIN
tanned. Estimates under consideration
on new and important railroad work at
many points promise a larger tonnage
during the year, especially in iron and
steel. but new business is light. For
eign trade continues below preceding
years. but in large measure the de-
| crease in exports is in grain and cot
| ton; for the latest week, exports at this
| port were $2,030,309 less than in the
active year 1907, and imports decreased
S3,O94,02S, loss of fully one-fifth. Rail-
way earnings in the first week in jan
uary were S.8 per cent smaller than in
1907
SIICdSO-SoeNeTe weather
| outside construction and crop market
ings, but gives stimulus to the demand
for winter apparel, food supplies and
fuel. The leading industries move for
ward steadily altho slowly, new de-
mands for raw materials and finished
products still showing conservatism.
Distribution of commodities shows
gratifying recovery. the absorption
being much strengthened by
improved purchasing power. The mar
kets are conspicuously clear of bur-
densome stocks and in some respects
the carry over from last year is re-
markedly small Wholesale trade in
staple lines is very satisfactory In both
house dealings and mail orders and
visiting merchants show large increase
in numbers. Dry goods houses have
added to sale forces and advices from
travelling men reflect better demand for
forward deliveries. Demand for foot
wear. clothing. woolens, carpets and
furniture has notably expanded, and
there is broader activity in mems fur
nishings. groceries and hardware. High
prices are sustained for farm products
and live stock, financial conditions en-
courage new enterprises and mercantile
collections make good exhibition.
Portland Me.-General business is
holding up we'll for the season. Rain
and melting snow has helped the water
powers and most of the large manu-
featuring plants are running on regular
time. Large lumber operators are
working to get out about an average
winters cut. but estimate that the total
amount will be somewhat short owing
to reduced output on the part of the
small individual sam-mill owners. Ice
fields on the rivers are in the best
condition for several years. and there
| is a prospect that good harvest is
likely to be made. Collections on the
whole are very fair.
Philadelphia-Th wool market has
shown some activity, stocks in all
grades being greatly reduced for this
season of the year. The principal de-
| mand has been for lower grade fleeces.
quarter and three eighths being readily
taken by the worsted spinners. Terri
| tory woods have also sold freely, while
pulled woods, both secured and in the
grease, moved readily until prices
| were advanced. Textile conditions gen
orally show improvement and many
Hills, OOtu WOESlcu anu WOoieIl, udNC
| secured duplicate orders at satisfactory
prices, and some have contracted their
Ioutput for several months ahead. The
wholesale movement of dry goods has
increased somewhat but cloak, suot
and shirtwaist manufacturers report
business quiet. The demand for mems
and boys clothing shows some inn
provement.
/ ~
| Minneapolis - Jobbers In practically
| all lines report increased sales and or
ders received are running considerably
ahead of last year. Dealers, apparently
anticipating an increased trade in sta
! pies. are buying literally in those lines
and the outlook is regarded as en-
couraging Prices are we'll maintained
and collections are reported satisfac-
| tory. Banks have large reserves and
money is easy at comparatively low
rate, on>good security Lumber ship
ments for the week were 2,752,000' feet,
which was nearly two million feet more
than was shipped during the corre-
spending week of last year.
| Pittsburg-Trade conditions in varf-
Gus lines are fairly active. Whole
| sale stocks are pretty well cleaned out.
and a good spring trade is anticipated
for dry goods. wearing apparel and
shoes Industrial conditions are gradu-
| ally improving and retail trade has
begun to experience a stimulus,
| brought about by larger pay rolls and
/ steadier employment. The year 1908
showed a falling off in building opera
| lions, which was also reflected in the
builders supply, lumber and hardware
lines, but there are some good contracts
under way at present.
St Louis-Retail trade is fairly ac-
tive, many stores having clearance
sales In wholesale lines business is
/ picking up, and the mail orders for
future delivery are increasing. Manu-
! featuring establishments are running
/ from half to three Quarters capacity.
| with fair orders ahead. Collections are
good. The grain market is active
Wheat is 1 cent lower, corn one-haff
(, cent and oats three-fourths cents
| Flour is in fair demand.
More Surprise Vet.
(Everybodys)
The infant mind has much to learn
in order to comprehend the English