The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1922-06-20
NEW YORK.

New York, June 20.-This city is
full OF buyers making their COM
mitment for fall goods. AS a re-
suit of this activity the mercantile
situation here is brighter than at
any time in nearly two years. This
trend has been furthered by good
weather and fine crop reports
throughout the country. Wholesale
trade in the textile line has been
exceptionally good, but is quieting
down somewhat in response to the
increased prices OF raw staples,
cotton and wool. The tendency.
however, OF dealers at second hand
to take profit in those lines of
goods bought at advantageous
prices has been less in evidence in
the last few days. There is a short
age of unskilled labor reported in
certion sections of this district, and
fancy prices are being paid in some
cities for highly skilled mechanics
and artisans. Canada is competing
with New York for skilled masons
and brickIayers. All building ma
terials are active with a tendency
toward increased prices plainly
marked The automobile trade is
extremely active and the overload
ed condition of the market on used
cars has practically disappeared.
Considerable concern is being ex
perienced over the coal supply
which is dwindling fast in this sec
ton. Production has not kept up
to consumption in the last three
weeks. Decidedly better feeling
prevails in the tobacco and cigar
markets, although collections are
slow. The less expensive musical
instruments are in good demand,
but piano manufacturers have ex-
perienced no increase in the amount
of business on their books. A rec
ord fruit crop is expected in west
ern New York.
ST. PAUL.
St Paul, June 20.-About $21,-
100000 worth of new building CON
struction is under way in Minneap-
oils and $4,000, 900 worth is now
being put up in this city. The Du-
luth iron mines are running at APP
proximately IS per cent of normal
capacity. This is far ahead of last
years production and there is every
prospect that the mines will dou-
BILE their output in the next few
months. The freight rates from
the mines to the Duluth Superior
docks have been reduced 10 per
cent.
Duluth mining operations have
been increased approximately to rs
per cent of normal. This is far in
excess of production last year and
represents nearly a doubling of
iron ore output. Freight equip
ment costing $3,250,00 is being
purchased by the Northern Pacific
railway. These additions consist
of $50 convertible coal cars, 1 900
automobile cars, 250 stock cars
20 passenger cars. A shortage of
farm labor threatens Minnesota and
neighboring districts. State en-
ployment officials announce today
that there fs every prospect of a
rich harvest; however, there is q
small surplus of skilled mechanics
In the Twin-Cities.
PITTSBURGH.
Pittsburgh. June 20. - Railroads
are preparing for a large increase
in tonnage next fall. Cars are be-
ing repaired and put in shape for
much heavier businessman is of
fered at present. Transportation
companies are reaping the benefits
of longer hauls of coal; this has
been necessary to supply iron and
steel mills during the miners
strike. Building operations have
reached a volume where labor
shortage is apparent. Plastering
contractors in this district are pay
ing 80 cents an hour to- hold bod