The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1913-10-02

ing a steady and strong advance in
prices.
}Fhe pig tin market is stronger ana
prices range higher; lead is quiet but
dlrm and the spelter market is fairly
active and steady.
Taken together, the metals situation
is healthy and both the production
TO normal activity for the season of
the year.
Building operations for. the month
lof August We're somewhat below
August of last year in, the principal
cities. the greatest decline being shown
in New York City where operations
were less, than one-half the total of
August, 1912. Outside of New York
City, building activity for the entire
country has been the same as last
year. This includes 100 of the smaller
cities but in several leading cities, big
gains have been made over last year.
The demand for building materials
continues good and fall prospects are
normal. ..- 49, ~
Our imports for July: were" 1885, 00.-
OoO compared with .149, 000, 900" the
previous July and 1880 900 in July,
1911. Our exports were 161, 600, 900
compared with 149, 000, 900 for July,
1912, and 12S for July, 1911. The
greatest falling off in imports was i n
foodstuffs which also showed the
greatest export gain. A slight gain
was recorded in imports of manufac-
tured articles while exports of the
same articles declined. Exports of
manufactured articles amounted to
$61,00O,00 compared with 81, 600, 600
last year and forty -eight in July, 1911.
For the first seven months of this
calendar year., imports declined $14,-
600, 600 although they were $4,000, 600
greater than for the same period of
1911. For the seven months, exports
increased 79,000,000 compared with
last year and 212, 900, 900 compared
with 1911. Our favorable balance OF
trade SO far for the e has beer
more than $500, 600, 900. This, compar
ed with the fact thataEurope Is buying
some American securities, believing
them a good purchase at present
prices is, expected to bring about gol6
importations. ~
Exports of gold exceeded imports
during July by three-quarters of &
million dollars. Gold exports have ex.
ceeded imports for the year to date
by $4,000, 900 but the trend Is now ii
the opposite direction, money beins
easier. in most European fnancia
centers. g T.. ~ si.I
Principal European banks hav,
about $150,000,00 nor gold than they
held last year at this time. Gold pro.
duction in the Transvaal came. back Ii
normal figures during August and tn,
output for that month was create
than fol, August in any previous Yea
except 1912. For the first eight month.
this year., the Rand mines produced
more than S125, 900, 900 worth Of gold
The production for the first clever
months Of this year promises to ex
coed that of any previous entire yea
except 1912,
The gross earnings of the principa
railroads which have already reports
for August show a gain Of a Fraction
of ! per cent over Augusta last year
You, will remember that these sam
gross earnings for July compared wit
! the previous July. The net earning
showing for both July. and August /
distinctly disappointing. All Of tn
principal eastern roads will present
! petition to the interstate commerce
. commission probably this month ask
!, Ing for permission to increase thei
{ rates on all shipments except grain
coal, etc. The increase asked for ma
be about 5 per cen and would, &
, course, scarcely be felt by the publ
! If the railroads are to continue to pa
!, present wages, to improve the serviC
: and to pay interest on their ~securitie,
some advance in rates seems neces
Z sary. 1t is believed that the reques
g will receive careful consideration {
the hands of the commission.
The number Of idle cars has in
r creased slightly, although only $500
cars are reported as idle and many (
Il these are being rushed to points whei
Z the movement of crops and minera
! I will make them needed shortly.
: Stock sales on the New York Ell
q change for August amounted to 6,086
/ 600 shares compared with 5.124.0,
grade stocks is a traction Of a poil
h higher than three months ago. Bor
q sales totaled $29, 100000 for Augll
compared with $35, 100000 for July al
T $44, 10000 0 for August of 1912. III
! average price Of high grade bonds