New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-04-28
MAINTAINED.
Business, However, Hats, Pend
ina Tariff Revision.

Commercial agencies, in their reviews
for the week, tell the story of a rather
favorable tone in sentiment, especially IN
the West and South, regarding the future.
but contain reports OF a disposition, in
the East especially, TO delay business
operations until after tariff matters have
been clarified. "Duns Review" has the
following:
Notwithstanding the recent moderate
reduction in trade and industrial activity,
il is significant that confidence still pre-
walls: and in the West and South Il spirit
of optimism is manifest as to the future
largely based upon the flne crop outlook
for both cotton and wheat-which con-
trasts with the more conservative feeling
that exists in Eastern centres. The work
of recovery from the effects OF the mid
Western floods Is progressing. and TINS
gives increasing relief to business. Inc
tariff readjustment continues to inspire
caution IN the trade circles more inmedi-
ately affected. hut the end of uncertainty
is now not far distant. Weather condl-
tons are distinctly better, and THIS gives
an impetus, not only TO building opera
tons but also TO retail trade ana real
estate transfers. Money conditions are
easier, both at home and abroad. ana
while there il some renewal OF anxiety
regarding the Balkan situation, lnterna-
tional conditions, as whole, are much
less disturbing. Pig iron Is somewhat
more active. but at lower prices. Inc
iron and steel mills while no longer eX-
perencing the pressure from ne" orders
that has been the feature Of the trade. re-
port business as fully up TO normal, with
ample confidence in the future, based III
part on the expectation OF large crops.
Textile lines show some abatement III
activity, but as retail stocks are every
where light this branch Is really In
strong position. The shoe trade Is quiet,
but warmer weather VIII stimulate new
business. Leather IS also quiet ana NOES
are somewhat easier. Lumber is more
active Trade in anthracite coal Is larger
Electrical and hardware supplies are IN
excellent request. Reports from the lead
ing Western and Northwestern cities are
very cheerful in tone and the advent or
more settled weather has resulted In
larger retail activity. Interest and diVl-
dend disbursements In May VIII exceed
sl06 900, 0op-a considerable increase over
last year. Bank clearings this week
showed loss OF 81 per cent. as compared
with 1912. but gain OF 400 per cent AS
compared with 1911. Railroad earnings In
the first two weeks of April were IL per
cent under a year ago, which Is an ERECT
of the floods. Foreign trade at New York
amounted during the latest week to s5i-
SOTO. against Si2.13s,Il In 1917 and w.
953.1sj In 1911. The falling off was IN itn-
ports which amounted to sl6.Ol9,S $40,
against S2ilil.17i last year.
"Bradstreet's" comments as follows:
trasts in that a line of demarcation has
10 be drawn between immediate and
future orders. ON the one hand, business
for current or nearby delivery Is So0d 10
active all depending on the section OF the
country considered. the stimulating infu-
oucc being furnished by greatly improved
weather conditions. Against this develop
ment must be- cited the fact that there IL
a general disposition, except In the North
west and parts OF the Southwest, 10 walt
anticipating future requirements. Win
conservatism manifested on that account,
the controlling idea the country over
seems To he for the scaling down OF
stocks. Under the circumstances there rs
a marked tendency TO shop frequently
and to buy IN small lots. However
weather conditions have superlnduced
better demand for seasOnablc lines. and
as result iobbcrs have been benefited
through the receipt of orders 10 replenl5h
stocks. NJ the same time II ~ evident
that country trade Is restricted. TINS beins
due to the fact that farmers are busiy
engaged with their spring work. But aside
from the effects OF tariff matters on
future delivery. II IS quite patent that the
weeks developments have been rathcr
more favorable than otherwise. Tho
weather has become more seasonablo, dis
tribution for current uses has Increased,
the condition Of the winter wheat crop Is
most excellent. and farm WORK, save IN q
few places has made considerable head
way. with prospects indicating an en-
largcd cotton acreage. while money has
turned little easier. and I'm some re
spects collections appear tc have I'M
proved. though. Of course. credit extern
siOns are still being asked by central
Western food afflicted districts. Best re-
ports come from the Northwest and from
the tone Of these one would infer that
business is not only active. but that there
Is an evident desire to buy for future
shipment Southwestern adVices are
favorable. thanks TO seasonable weather,
and they range in tenor from fair TO eX-
cellent. Reports from the South are quite
irregular, though some points heretofore
very backward show signs OF revivins.
In the Far West there IS some activity,
but returns from oregon indicate That
merchants are conservative.