Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-03-12
THE FIELD OF BUSINESS.

Recent storms and cold hindered eff
| forts to relieve the freight congestion
and overseas. shipments continue diff
cult and uncertain, but domestic move
! ments of raw materials and products
are freer and there is somewhat less
restraint on manufacturing activities
outputs in many directions, however
have appreciaby diminished, and in
| ability TO make adequate progress in
reducing accumulated contracts still
prevents the acceptance Of consider
able new business. Most buyers ad-
here to their conservative policy in en-
ter!ng upon important forward engage
ments yet in branches where demands
have been extraordinary and prices
have risen greatly some pause is to be
expected, and nothing indicates loss of
confidence among leading interests.
Prospective federal requirements in
duCe bankers to grant accommodation
with caution. but financial obligations
promptnesS and the commercial NOR
tally is relatively with the upward
trend of the commodity markets con-
tinuing-this weeks list of over 800
wholesale quotations disclosing sixty
advances and only twenty one recess
sions-bank clearings are naturally in
huenced, and for the week are S5.7 per
cent larger than last year at the prin-
Cipal outside centers. On the other
hand, railroad earnings reflect the i'm
pediments 10 traffic, gross revenues Of
systems thus far reporting for Febru-
AIRY being but 0.3 per cent in excess Of
the same period Of 1915.
owing largely to the extreme living
costs some hesitation appears IN re-
tail dry goods buying, and distribution
is still impeded by transportation diff
culties in domestic and foreign chan
nels, Yet in primary circles print
cloths and convertibles have been &C
tive for both spot and future delivery,
sales being the heaviest OF the year,
and prices are tirmer, The high posi-
ton Of the raw material handicaps the
wool industry. but the demand for
merchandise is full and the largest in
terests are making strong efforts 10 Sc
cure a permanent place in the worlds
markets. Producing costs III nearly
all textile lines are rising, and move
ments TO further reduce working hours
are in progress in certain directions.
Some footwear manufacturers still re-
port business quiet, but there is an OPP
ttm;stic sentiment turnout the trade
and improv ement is expected within
the early future.
Dunns' reports from commercial CEN
tiers of the middle west:
Minneapolis - Wholesale bushes Is
we'll maintained, the distribution being
heavier than at this period a year ago.
There is good trade in local depart
ment and retail stores, and ulanufact-
urers report a large amount Of orders
livery. Factories are running 70 ca
pacity, but in some lines are handicap
ped by inability 10 secure freight cars
for prompt shipment of goods. Heavy
building operations are in progress,
and lumber, hardware and building
material are in strong demand. Col
lections are enerall satisfactory.
Ch.ca go-Retai activity indicates
gratifying opening in the demands for
leading spring needs. Higher temper
atures have favorably stimulated the
absorption Of apparel and there is wide
buying of the principal necessaries,
Wholesale and jobbing dealings in the.
textiles, millinery, footwear, house fur
nishings, food products and other sta
pies equal seasonable expectations.
Road and mail orders come forward
freely and mercantile COLLECTIONS are
prompt.
Omaha-Bank clearings for the week
Of March ! tOtaled approximately *iO.-
900 900, the largest in the history Of To-
cal banks. While business is still III
good volume. there has been some re-
duCtion in grain and live stock ship
ments because OF the car shortage. The
money market Is still very easy, with
little demand. Rates are ) to 5Is per
cent, and deposits are rather abnormal,
owing to large real estate transactions.
Winter wheat lacks moisture, Ind the
croop condition is not altogether salts
factory.