The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-25

Conflicting views are expressed by the merchants of the city as to whether or not present exorbitant sugar rates wifi remain in effect for any length of time; but the consensus of opinion seems to be that quotations have reached the high est stage of advance. Some dealers say that the market has been overbought and now must necessarily seek lower price levels; others state it as their belief that present prices will be maintained for a long time to come. Several merchants re- fused to be quoted stating that they were not well versed in market condi- tons.
 Limit" Reached Friday
 R. p. Orr of Orr & Roberts said: "In my opinion sugar quotations had reached the highest stage or advance Friday morning when the wholesale price in Birmingham was held at sS per hun dred. Later in the day there was de- cline of % cents per hundredweight This decline, I believe, marked the be- ginning of slow but steady decline in prices. I had some sugar in stock before I noted the upward trend of the mar ket. then made several purchases as prices advanced; and so have sugar in stock upon which widely varying prices were paid. I have now ceased to buy. however. having decided to make no fur ther inlays until prices have become much lower than at the present, or my stock has become entirely exhausted. One large wholesaler of Birmingham. I anl told, is now filling all orders at s7.50, fob. this city. In my opinion, this de cline is significant. The market has gone wild and prices had become somewhat inflated. Sugar quotations are now seek ing a much lower level Of course the sugar market will not be normal for sometime to come for the European war situation must continue to exert buoy ant influence. Present wholesale prices, however, can but be regarded as some what artificial; and are. perhaps, in large measure the result of undue spec ulation.'
 Slump in Sixty Days
 Henry w. Fowlkes of Fowlkes x Myatt said: "To the best of my judg- ment present sugar rates will remain in effect for at least 60 days, when there may be a decided falling off in prices; but this is very uncertain, for no one can be certain concerning the market developments when such a war as this unprecedented European affair is in pro- gress. As no one can foretell the period
 
 drawn out, 1t naturally follows that it would be unwise to hazard guess as to future market developments"
 Care for Present Needs
 F. B. Yielding of Yeilding Brothers said: My firm was extremely fortunate in having made large purchases before War conditions had affected the market. It was only yesterday that a solid car load or the commodity, which is at pres ent in such great demand, reached Bir- minsham and it will certainly be stored away with great care. The arrival of this shipment brings our sugar holdings up to a car and a half, as half car re- nained of previous purchase which we had made. l don't pretend to have fore seen the probable magnitude of the pres ent conflict; but the fact remains that our concern is now in a position to take the best of care of its trade. Our o,,o tation is now 121s pounds for $l We do not advise the public, however, to lay in heavy supplies; for no one can say that there will not be a slump in prices in the near future. I believe it to be the best policy for the consumer to con- fine sugar purchases to present needs ana await further developments before deoiding as to supplying future needs perhaps prices now in force are the re- suit of overspeculation"
 IdtlcHt W dltlu8 AuNlSeO
 s. l.. Caldwell, manager for w. s. Brown said: II would prefer not to take a guess as to future developments in the sugar market. For I believe the only persons qualified to speak with author ity on the, present situation is the re- finer. However, I would advise no one to make large purchases at prices now in force, for I believe the patient walt ing policy would apply well to the pres- ent sugar situation. Our firm is we'll prepared to supply the needs of all it's customers, and I believe sur rates to be quite reasonable. We sell a 25-pcund sack of sugar for $1.90 and make price of $l for 13 pounds
 Buy Slow Is Advised
 F. s. Moore, proprietor of the North side market. said: There are numerous rumors in circulation in regard to the Birmingham sugar market I heard Sat rrday that one firm had l5 carloads in l stock and refused to make sales at pres ent prices. It seems that these people ex- pect an upward trend shortly in sugar quotations. But certainly would not risk any capital in buying large auan- ties of sugar at the price which now prevails'