Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1920-05-03
OUTLOOK FOR LOWER PRICES.

and in speculative channels, with ab-
rupt price reaction In securities ana
In some commodities, and the spirit
of conservatism and cau1ion. prompt
al nv nrospective economic read
iustments, have become more gener-
al. Recent financial and commercial
events in the Far East, moreover
have had some influence here. caus-
ing liquidation and unsettlement IN
silk markets. and domestic monetary
considerations, with continuance Oh
the movement toward credit contrac-
ton. are a factor of increasing po-
tency in future operations.
While pressure from the railroad
strike has abated, yet the deleterious
effects of dsorganized transporta-
ton still appear In embarrassing de-
laws in deliveries of needed raw ma
teriais and other merchandise, cur
failing outputs at various manufac-
turing establishments and limiting
mercantile transactions. and spot
supplies of some goods have COM
goods have commanded premiums
over the prices named on deferred
shipments. Rejecting the Support
impaired by interrupted arrivals OF
foodstuffs and ether articles. Dun's
list of wholesale quotations has late
ly disclosed more advances than re-
cessions, and even higher levels may
conceivably be witnessed In some d.
rections before prices begin to turn
definitely In buyers favor. The fact
| is not obscured, however. that the
former buoyancy Of the general price
situation IL now lacking, and that
consumers resistance to high prices,
at first apparent in isolated instanc-
es, is sprea ding.
| Manifestations OF protest against
prevailing prices have been most
lCOnSplSuOuS III tic SiolNAi6 tioNSS'
but are not wholly confined to that
quarter, and more is being heard of
the exercise OF greater discrimina-
ton in purchasing, and Of lessening
Of extravaganza in personal expendi-
lures. With such phases present,
many merchants are proceeding
carefully In providing for other than
current requirements. and buying for
fall is not Of the same magnitude as
in some previous seasons. Whether
this marks more than a temporary
change in conditions, remains to be
determined: but the growing opposi
ton to extreme prices Is unmistak-
able, and certain retail interests have
announced their intention OF making
reductions on many staple commodi-
ties.
That resistance to high prices is
growing stronger, is evidenced by the
wide protest against present costs OF
clothing, and increasing concern is
felt in dry goods circles as to how
over the counter sales Will be affect
ed when many advanced Wholesale
prices are passed on to retailers.
With the Reorganization In transport
tation. and the backward spring
weather. the results Of the opposi-
ton to extreme prices are not easy
to determine. tho indica tons OF a
curtailed purchasing power are be-
coming more clearly apparent. Thus
far, no large accumulation OF mer-
chandise has been reported: but inn
ports continue sizable. and domestic
production. while still below normal.
is thought to be gaining In compari-
pressure is being manifested In Sow
eral directions In the textile markets,
notably In the checking Of specula-
tive tendencies. and the influence on
conditions here Of the collapse of raw
| silk prices has not been incOnsider-
able. The process Of liquidation in
the silk trade in New York, however.
has been mainly among smaller con-
! cerna that entered the business DIR
ing the war period.