Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-07-16
The BUSINESS FIELD.

by the war are becoming more sharply
defined. and doubts about the read
justments still TO be experienced i'm
pose restraint on business in not few
directions. With price uncertainties
continuing, and with the effects OF the
export embargo yet to be determined.
there is hesitancy and waiting in many
quarters, and in some instances rather
more evidence OF the sea sonai Ia!! than
appeared last year.
To not inconsiderable extent, the
lessening of regular demands in GER
tain leading branches is attribute Bile
10 the d.sinclination or inability Of
producers TO engage themselves fur
ther; but buyers are also disposed TO
proceed with greater caution pending
a clearer insight into the future and
purchasing by consumers is more con-
loss Of confidence and the absence Of
speculative tendencies in trade and in
dustry is wholesome feature while
reason for encouragement Is found in
the improved grain crop prospects.
with indicated yields well above re-
cent estimates and in the comfortable
conditions in money. Signs of halt
ing OF the rise of comm odity quotations
are likewise viewed with satisfaction
tho with diminishing supplies fore
Swallowed, and with production costs
increasing steadily, some articles may
conceivably go still higher.
The chief difficulty experienced by
manufacturers Is not one Of securing
new orders, but Of obtaining sufficient
materials and labor, and complaints OF
restricted operations thru the draw
backs in transportation have continued,
Notwithstanding the efforts Of the rail-
roads and shippers to relieve the con-
gestion. Outputs are also limited by
strikes at scattered points and in some
industries voluntary advances in wages
have been made to prevent employees
from taking up other work. With the
consequent augmentation Of purchas-
ing power retail distribution Is bene-
flied and the movement Of mer-
chandise while less active than pre-
viously bulks large in the aggregate,
especially in staples.
Reports 70 Duun's from leading COM
mercial centers:
Chicago-C!earance sales feature
the activities in leading retail lines and
The absorption Is very good and with
out much sacrifice Of values. Warmer
weather assures q gratifying reduc-
ton Of stocks here and at the country
stores. The jobbtng trade Is we'll sup
piled with mail orders and there Is
larger attendance than usual Of visit
ing buyers Dry goods, millinery, knit
goods, clothing, hats and caps foot
wear and food products for future
shipments have opened up surprisingly
well for this month. Collections con-
tinue prompt. Fewer failures are re-
ported among the small storekeepers.
ST. Lou!s-Vacation goods and mer-
chandise for holiday use were in brisk
demand the past week, demonstrating
the fact that money conditions were
easy, since expenditures for luxurtes
were generous and general among a.!
classes.
Observation-Disclosures in most lines
report business as fully norma! for this
period, tho there has been some GUS
tomary slackness. Collections are good.
Bank deposits continue unusually
lower, now being quoted at 5A to 5h,
with no important demand.
Observation-Disclosures report activity
IL the dry goods, general merchandise,
groceries, hardware, jewelry, hats,
caps. drugs and harness, and manufao-
turers generally have good orders on
hand for immediate and future ship
ment. Collections are wei! up to the
average.
Boston-Dry goods jobbing markets
show the same firm tone and most DE-
partments have been more active.
Trading. however Is cautious. All tex
tile mills are SO well occupied, ana
faw materials priced so high, that
nanufa cturers are Indifferent to ne"
business at present Trading in wool
has been wholly confined to the limit
ed requirements of consumers specu-
lators having entirely withdrawn.
Philadelphia-Whoi report inc
receipt OF liberal orders for fall ana
winter requirements and they look for
ward to a heavy demand for this class
OF goods, expectations for a DISK
autumn trade being general because OF
the activity prevalent in almost every
Industrial line. Manufacturers OF al!
kinds Of wearing apparel state that the
high prices and scarcity Of cotton and
wooden fabrics and other materials are
restrictive factors, and they anticipate
difficulty in obtaining sufficient sup
plies later on.