The New York herald., 1922-04-23
TRADE REVIEW AND
BUSINESS OUTLOOK
General Trend Of Primary Tex
tile Markets is Toward
Better Times.
W0RsTED LINES GAINING
Cotton Goods More Active
Silk Sales Large-Knit
Material Dull.

Although developments in last weeks
primary textile markets were in spots,
the general trend was Enthusiastically one
Of Improvement. Chief interest again
centered In the wooden situation and to
lesser degree in the worsted divisions.
Mr.. Wood. president of the American
Woolen Company. issued another opti-
n1istic statement in which he predicted
large overcoating business. an Inn
proved worsted outlook and advanced
prices. Market observers were plainly
sratified by a better worsted business.
Overcoatings continued 70 maintain
their previous sales volume while wool
suitings for mems wear picked up CON
siderably. Prices showed no significant
changes except in certain low end goods
In which slight advances were made.
Primary cotton markets were gener-
ally strong. but finished goods divisions
were not inclined TO follow the trend of
III imary channels. Trade in that quar-
ter was spotty. Staple goods continued
70 hug the low end of demand. while
novelties and fancics in wash fabrics
were sources of lucrative business for
holders. Perhaps the most notable inn
provement in cotton lines was broader
activity in print cloths and sheetings
Prices in many wide cloths reached a
H.
mitments on futures in expectation of
further advances. At the end of the
week il was noted that as prices rose,
more and more buyers were disinclined
10 follow. Sales in Fall River were esti-
mated at 350.000 pieces.
Unusually quiet conditions in the
worsted yarn market gave the trade
time to comment on the tariff. The
consensus OF opinion was unfavorable
TO rates obtaining. Price concessions
we're made by various factors to get
business, and unless some form of ac-
tion develops soon it Is believed that
many mills will be forced to shut down
entirely. Novelty yarns in wonens
trades continued to hold the center III
attraction. Cotton yarns likewise showed
signs of weakness. Considerable sam
pling was reported from manufacturers.
but few actual commitments were made.
Hand to mouth buying at a price will
continue probably for a considerable
time.
SILK Talk BuIIish.
Bullish talk in the silk market con-
tinued to predominate. Sales were gem
orally large and there was evidence OF
manufacturers covering raw material
requirements for fall business. A slight
week. but the trade said that 1t was to
be expected after the markets swift rise.
The hosiery trade bought raw stocks
actively and was the largest individual
buying factor in the market Spot sup
plies were low and consequently caused
much of the frmer tone evidenced In
placing future business Actual trading
by jobbing houses. however, 1t was said.
had hardly crystallized beyond the SEN
timental stage.
Little OF Importance happened in re-
spect to the tariff bill. aside from the
fact that at last 1t was started on its
course through the Senate on Friday,
when the forma, reading of the bill was
accomplished Further adverse COM
ment was heard in the trade on the
rates proposed in textile divisions. The
one important development in the textile
strike situation in the New England
ccnters was the announcement on Thurs
day that mill arrangements had agreed
TO meet representatives of the strikers in
an attempt 20 settle their differences.
Committees of seven were appointed by
strikers at the Acadia and Patchogue
Plymouth mills to represent them in the
conference with their employers. Little
comment. as TO what the conference
might develop In the way or settle
ment was heard in the trade.
An encouraging sign for renewed ac-
tivity in the Rochester clothing market
was yesterdays ratification of the new
wage agreement between the Rochester
Clothiers Exchange and the Amalga-
mated Clothing Workers. The agree
nent becomes effective on May ! and
provides for a 10 per cent. reduction in
week and rlecework wages except such
ae have been reduced. No develop