Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-04-23

to proceed cautiously III making HoW
commitments, and efforts to promote
widespread economy among consumers
are beginning to be reflected in more
careful purchasing In retail circles. I'm
til recently, the weather has also mill
tated against an active movement OF
seasonable merchandise, and accumu-
lations of stocks on dealers shelves
are not wholly absent.
The effect of the lessened distribu-
ton Of staples, however, is not yet
seen in prices, for the trend of most
markets continues strongly upward
enteen recessions appear last week in
list Of over 800 wholesale quotations,
Much uncertainty exists regarding
the future of prices. How federal con-
tracing at concessions will ultimately
affect the markets is still to be de-
termined. and producers and con-
sumers alike give more consideration
to the subject Of possible readjust-
ments. The perplexity of buyers is seen
in less active domestic demands in
some departments, yet both materials
and products are about as difficult to
obtain as ever and there is sufficient
competition from private sources to
keep quotations at an extreme level,
or to raise them further. Government
requirements extend to various
branches and new foreign business IS
constantly. developing, Italy and
France taking $4,000 tons Of rails and
Japan 1000 tons Of ship plates, to cite
specific instances. An interesting and
significant feature. brought to light by
The Iron Age, is the fac. that federal
influence is being eXerted to hasten
deliveries to the entene allies. the re-
quest being made that their needs take
precedence over those of the govern
ment itself
excellent business condition prevailing
at important points:
Chioago-With prevailing conditions
calling for greater cooperative effort,
commerce. as a while. exhibits expand
ing trends and in the aggregate is re-
markedly heavy. Weather draw backs
have become less of hndrance and
the rising temperatures and spring
rains turnout the west stimulate ali
pt wi ph
and demands for supplies of materials
and seasonable needs.
St. Louis-The volume Of business
continues very large and IS augmented
TO noticeable degree by the extern
sive orders placed by the government.
Dry goods are stronger. but cold and
rainy weather has retarded spring re-
tail trade temporarily All sections
apparently are we'll stocked with mer-
chandise yet liberal orders continue to
be placed for fall deliveries.
Minneapolis Warm and bright
weather prevailed last week, and bust
ness in nearly all lines, both wholesale
and retail, was little heavier in vol
ume than the week before. Jobbers re-
port sales we'll ahead of the CORE
spending period last year, and a good
amount Of orders on hand for imme-
date and future shipment. Manufac-
turers are running to capacity labor
is we'll employed and prospects for
summer and fall business are favor
able. The war situation has not af-
fected business to any extent, altho in
some quarters uneasinsss is expressed.
Collections continue satisfactory.
st. Observation-Disclosures ding some
what discouraging wheat reports, gem
eral retail trade has been satisfactory,
except that recent intervals OF lower
temperature have tended to retard
early spring business. There is a
marked activity in the distribution of
dry goods, shoes, hats and caps, drug
sundries. etc. Jobbers report that
mail order and house trade Is good,
notably in dry goods and footwear.