Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-02-12
THE GENERAL BUSINESS FIELD.

Both in its producing and distribut-
ing branches business moro clearly re-
fleets the retarding influence Of various
existing drawbacks, altho a return TO
more normal conditions is to be ex-
peoted with permanent moderation Of
| the weather. The curtailment Of in
dustr1al and mercantile operations,
however, has already been unusually
extensive and the restriction Of work
thru the holiday observances not only
causes added Inconvenience, but also
tends to reduce the purchasing power
Of many consumers. With the conse-
quent diminution OF retail buying, and
with the delays in shipments resulting
from the transportation congestion.
complaints Of less satisfactory collec-
tons ars rather more common, and in
some cases where deliveries can not be
made with the desired promptness can.
celations of contracts are reported.
But while transactions generally are
smaller in volume, It remains the fact
that in some lines business is only Inn
tied by the inability Of producers to
book more orders. and there are many
indications, notably IN the west and
orally for future requirements. While
some sellers ideas about prices have
undergone revision, and tho the Off
ciA regulation of quotations is
spreading, signs Of yielding in the COM
modify markets continue the exception,
and where supplies are needed with es-
peo!al urgency premiums for quick
oonsignments are still offered Yet
manufacturers have all they can do to
keep machinery running. with the
shortage Of labor and comparatively
little fuel obta,nahle, and the question
Of new demands Is OF secondary i'm
portance to many interests.
Encouraging reports from the larger
markets continue to be received by
Dun's
Minneapolis. Business conditions
generally are favorable. Wholesalers In
most lines have their statesmen on the
road. and orders for merchandise on
spring and summer delivery are sat
isfactor;.
Observation-Disclosures conditions are IA
vorable, with sales reported large and
collection good. Deposits show a grad
ual Increase, with strong demand FOR
loans at s per cent, or better. There
appears 70 be a heavier movement Of
corn than for several weeks past
Kansas C1ty.--W7!le sales for !mme.
date needs are light stocks Of winter
merchandise have been we'll disposed
Of and the demand for spring and sum
mer goods IN many lines exceeds the
available supply. Jobbers are gem
orally obliged 10 cut down orders and
arrange for substitut!ons Shipments
are being made as rapidly as the goods
are available from the manufacturers
but deliveries are already delayed and
improved conditions are not IN sight
Winter wheat iE n better shape than
a this season las. year, but many fields
have failed 70 terminate. OF have win
Ter killed and VIII be plowed UP.
Chicag buEiness, when
reckoned n values, is still ahead % the
large valume II the corresponding TING
last year and merchants are coming
10 the city IN larger numbers and earl
Ter than usual for the seasonal buying.
evidently intent On anticipating future
wants and avoiding, /. possible. c.~!-
culties Of further restricted production
and transportation. Thers are more
buyers than goods "a almost all lines
An Unprecef eu-ed condition exists IN
which by purchasers WHO actually r.
not know what the goods will cogt
when they are delivered.
Philadelphia. Manufacturers ..
mems and boys clothing are veil sold
up for spring. sltto they complain that
tbs prices ot piece goods are almost
prohtbitive and manufacturers OF
dresses report g Substantial increase In
sales during me past week az ten 6ays
The cloak and suit trade. tho still gen
eran quiet has recently been showing
some Improvement, and shirt manu-
facturers are well provided with or
fers.