New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-09-13
COtfOr1s

cotton and semi-finished goods during
the week, but buying inquiry continued
on small scale and any improvement
that may have been expected did not
actually materialize except in future
outlook. Talk Of improvement in the
gray goods market was heard most of
the week and some fair business was
reported, possibly on the strength of
the upturn in the raw market, which
carried October delivery virtually up
to 30 cents a pound Friday before the
reaction Saturday. One of the trade
barometers, 64-60 3S u Inch print cloths,
was reported in better demand toward
the end OF the week, and when prevail
ing bids of IA cents failed to bring out
offerings it was indicated that the spot
price had advanced II cent. Sheetings
were a trifle easier, however, and the
trade indicator showed a decline to %
cents.
Silks
A frmer Yokohama market for raw
silks tended to strengthen local trad
ing here, although actual business was
still at a low ebb. Jobbers Of piece
silks reported slightly increased de-
mand toward the end of the week,
which led to the belief that further
small orders might be expected from
retailers, although it was generally be-
lieved that business throughout the
fall season would be on hand-to-
mouth basis. In the manufacturing
end activity is reported on a small
scale, just about enough to keep bust
ness going. All eyes, of course, are
turned on the raw silk prices, which,
if continual upward for a few weeks,
will serve to bring back some of the
confidence the trade lost in the sharp
depression. Spot trading is affected
almost solely by financial pressure.
Some manufacturers are just arriving
at a. point of forced liquidation, and it
may be that they will keep the local
market unsettled for a time.
Furs
Little change was noticed in the fur
trade last week. Prices have held up
fairly we'll in spite of the forced liqui-
dation of many small jobbers. Larger
dealers report that better prices are
now being realized than at the May
auctions and that losses have been
smaller than at first indicated. The
good demand in the August sales ap-
|
the time, but trade leaders point out
that the demand from manufacturers
Tor goods to be used in trimmings for
winter trade, which has been
strengthening influence in the dull
period, will soon be eliminated What
demand will follow remains to be seen.
The strike of employees of manufac-
turers drifts along with efforts at set
tlement apparently abandoned for the
M trh
out under the circumstances, it is said
to supply present demand.
Woolens
Sentiment had failed to reach q
definite trend at the close of the week,
following the American Wooden Com
pany opening. The fact that worsteds
seemed to be in better demand rather
increased uncertainty in the trade, al
though this stipulation came as no
apprehension was felt by manufacture
ers over the result of the coming sea-
son, for they feared that they would
be unable to turn out suits under the
conditions that would retail lower than
$50, IN spite of assertions by retailers
that top prices for ready-to- wears must
range around $50 in order to assure
business. Some argue that no fabric
above 50 can be used in q $50 suit
and that, therefore, the amount of Of me e.
chandise available of a desirable char
acter is limited. This may force the
use OF more woolens instead of wor-
steds, but mills fear that resumption in
the manufacture of woolens will he
delayed several weeks, possibly months.
Leather
Discussion of existing conditions in
| hide markets has become largely mat
ter Of repetition, so lacking is the situa
ton in new features. Hopes of turn
for the better in business have not
been realized, and it seems unlikely
that any sustained improvement will
develop until buyers and sellers are
more in agreement on the price ques-
ton. The former interests apparently
hold the advantage, but packers are not
! disposed to accept low bids on small
inquiries, and tanners do not now show
any inclination to contract for stable
quantities. Hence, activity in trading
remains absent The recent revival Of
demand for some kinds of leather.
moreover. has been succeeded by re-
turn to quletness, and il is evident that
IN TINS quarter also the matter of prices
is OF foremost Importance Where
transactions have. increased at all, the
gain has usually been at the expense of
prices, and buyers, from the smallest
hnders to the largest shoe manufac-
turers, expect further reductions.
Jewelry
The jewelry industry moves along
without noticeable change as manufac
turers continue work on orders to