The Washington times., 1922-08-25


put was partly seasonal occurrence,
but was in large measure due to the
greater scarcity in fuel supplies and
TO the difficulties In transportation. "
says a summary issued by the de.
partment. THE shortage Of fuel has
now been felt in many directions and
Industrial operations in the near fu-
ture will have to depend, to a con.
siderable extent, on the supply Of
coal available: as well as upon trans
portation facilities.
"Coincident with the slackening in
industrial output and the increasing
shortage Of many commodities, prices
have risen at an increased rate. The
most noticeable increases in whole.
sale prices in July occurred in coal,
animal products, cotton and sugar.
The wholesale price index rose five
points, largely OH account Of dearer
fuel, and was higher than at any
time since February. 1921, and IL
per cent above the prices Of last
January. Retail prices increased also
but at much slower pace.
Cotton Consumption Declines.
Cotton consumption by textile
mills In July declined to 45S,54S bales,
and the lowest since July, 1921; IL
was, however, largely a seasonal de-
cline to the end Of the crop year. Cot
ton stocks at mills and warehouses
At the end OF the crop year totaled
z,703,000 bales. as against 4,S3+ 900
bales a year ago. Imports and ex-
ports of raw cotton both declined,
largely on account of seasonal con-
ditions. Exports. with one exception,
were the lowest since April, 1921
Consumption of raw silk, as indi-
Gated by: Withdrawals from ware,
houses, declined to 1895 bales.
Stocks Of raw silk in warehouses
again increased and were theShighest
since February.
Prices Of cotton and cotton goods
continued to advance In July. Prices
OF raw wool and worsted yarns de
clined somewhat and raw silk prices
dropped considerably.
The output OF piY iron again in
creased slightly, while steel ilsot
production again made a slight de
crease. Untitled orders of the United
States Steel Corporation increased
slightly. Stocks Of merchant pig iron
declined to the lowest point reached
since September, 1920. Locomotive
output increased slightly, with pref
erence being given to the. needs Of
domestic railroads., untitled orders
from domestic railroads made a large
increase and were the highest re.
corded since November, 1920.
Steel Prices Higher.
prices of iron and steel products
uniformly continued to rise. Prices
of copper and zinc rose, while tin
and lead remained stationary.
Zinc production again ma'ie a
new high record since the close Of
1920. with an output of o3,Sa4 900
pounds. Stocks declined slightly
and we're less than in any month
since June, 1920. Receipts and
shipments at st. Louis declined con
siderably.
Receipts and shipments of lead
at st. Louis declined from the
heavy movement noted in June.
Stocks OF tin increased and were
the largest since September. 1920.
Building contracts let in July
declined about 5000 900 square feet,
being reported as 5f.705 900 square
feet. This is the lowest figure since
last April There was An increa Sc
In the value Of building contracts,
however. due to large public build.
ing awards
Building. costs continued to rise.
The production of lumber and
brick declined, but cement produc-
ton made new high record.
Orders for all classes Of sanitary
ware declined"