Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-06-18
the BUSINESS FIELD.

With indications OF returning activ-
! ity in branches which have expert
enced more or less protracted lull
| the general position of business is
stronger and sentiment has noticeabiy
| improved. The revival in distributive
trade has continued with the more
seasonahle temperatures, and tho not
all reports are favorable, results at
the retail counters are now more uni
formly encouraging. Further progress
in agricultural has also accompanied
the better weather. and the consequent
freer movement OF farm products to
market has in some cases had de-
pressing effect on prices. Yet the main
trend OF wholesale commodity quota
tons is still decisively upward, and
textiles and steel and iron, q s well as
other important articles. are not only
phenomenally high. but are likely to
rise TO even more extraordinary levels.
With the further great rise in raw
material, many cotton mills and their
selling agents have been prompted TO
withdraw quotations and check sales.
Values in all primary markets are ad-
vanc!ng to abnormal levels, and there
is a growing realization that current
retail prices decidedly favor the con-
sumner. Largely because of this, and
also owing TO the higher temperatures.
distributive trade has improved, but
retailers are said 10 be buying compar-
atively little. Reports regarding foot
wear conditions continue the reverse
OF satisfactory. yet considerable bet
terment is expected with the warmer
weather and there is no yielding OF
prices. Instances are noted in leather
of increased operation in regular trade
channels, and enormous quantities OF
this commodity are being taken for
government requirements. General SEN
timent thruout the hide and leather
markets is conspicuously improved, and
there is more firmness in quotations.
Reports from leading centers are:
Boston-Dry goods jobbing trade is
still quiet in all departments, but the
weather on many days has been favor
able for larger retail distribution, and
in consequence there is better feeling
thruout the market.
The feature of the textile situation
in first hands is the enormous business
in military goods, causing full employ
ment Of mills in all centers and assur-
ing activity along this line for some
time to come.
Chicago-More seasonable, altho I'M
settled, weather has toned up the gen.
eral business situation and improved
the agricultural outlook. Some recov-
cry appears in the heretofore hindered
activities in merchandise distribution,
and while the aggregate is short Of ex-
pectation retail lines reflect better alb
sorption and rising trends in summer
needs Average discount rates are
slightly higher but there is no pressure
in commercial borrowing.
ST Paul-Satisfaction Is expressed
over the present business situation by
local jobbers and manufacturers. In
dry goods merchandise shipments
slightly exceed those Of year ago and
there has been a material gain in fu-
ture orders The movement in hardware
continues active and in groceries and
foodstuffs the volume Of sales is slight
~ in excess of that Of year ago A
large business is reported in mems fur
nishings, hats, caps and furs for future
delivery and current sales are classed
as fair Collections are claimed to be
quite satisfactory.