New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-01-02

Il can be seen from the above that
prices rapidly decreased, so that the
margin of profit decreased, while there
was a material shrinkage in the sales.
The largest weekly total was for the
week ended October 26, when it is esti-
mated that about 100000 pieces were
sold. Taken as whole, October
showed large sales, and it seemed at
that time that business would ma
terially increase. prices would soar
and profits would be larger. Prices
were stable, although in a few In
stances the more common makes
showed a decline. April, June, July,
August and November we're quiet
months, although there were weeks
when business was Of fair proportion.
For the week of October 26, when $780,
900 pieces were sold, prices showed
slight advance over the same period q
month previous, and manufacturers
were in q position TO insist TO rea-
sonable degree upon full asking prices.
The call was almost entirely confined
20 wide and medium wide goods, and
mills in a position 10 manufacture
these cloths came in for much bust
ness. From the latter part of October
through the remainder of the year
business in textiles was rather quiet.
There was little demand for mill
stocks during the year, because few
mills offered any incentive to buyers;
there are a few mills whose stock
would be readily taken up if any we're
offered for sale. Taken as a whole, the
shares of the Fall River mills are sell
ing at low figures, and were any one
in a position to buy these shares and
hold them for two years, he could pick
up some bargains which would mean
much to him later. There are probably
ten mills which have not paid their
full dividend rate this year, while some
have not only maintained their accus-
toned dividend rates, but have dis
bursed extra dividends TO their stock
holders. The annual statements OF
mills which were made during the year
disclosed the fact that some have been
running close to the wind and have eX-
pended only limited sums in the way
of new equipment and repairs, and
some showed that losses occurred,
while only a few mills showed any sd-
dition 10 their surplus account. The
distribution Of dividends for the year
is not large, and the average will hard
ly reach per cent.
At the outbreak of hostilities in
Europe il was generally conceded that
business would be brisk, il being ar
gued that with the mills of Europe be
ing hampered through lack of help and
the general disturbance, imports would
be almost entirely shut off. About
the only actually substantial business
which mills in New England received
was for bandage cloths, such as 36-incn
1928, and the like, and this came about
October and helped to swell the weekly
totals. Those mills operating on dues
denims and blankets have been dong
large business and some have orders on
their books which will keep their looms
engaged for some time. This cornlct
has taught some Of the biggest buyers
Of foreign made goods that New Eng
la.. mills are in a position TO manu-
facture goods just as good and as cheap
as European mills, and il is credit 70
the mills in this section, because OF the
manner in which foreign samples were
duplicated. While 10 great amount OF
business has developed as yet, 1t is
confidently believed that when condl,
tions become normal New England
mills will be benefited;
The New England mills enter the new
wear under no better conditions than al
the opening Of 1911. Prospects are not
bright. but against this there are ele-
ments underlying business which make
for better trading. It is true that some