Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-29
BUSINESS
OUTLOOK DEVELOPS
Trade Reviews Report I'M
provement in Wholesale
and Jobbing Fields.
snscial DISPATCH to The Star.


NEW YORK, March 29.-The week
which has practically closed the FIRST
quarter of the year has been marked
by a better business tone in certain
respects, yet without any broad stimu-
lation of activity, according to the
weekly reviews of business; Weather
and trade conditions evidence more
marked irregularity, although the
wholesale and jobbing trade has con-
tinued its relatively gradual gains over
recent weeks.
Response to the change in seasons
lacks a full development and has been
retarded lately by blizzard in the
Central West and low temperatures In
some other sections, but advices from
various sections are becoming more
cheerful as Spring progresses.
Gains More Apparent.
Dun's review of business says:
Actual gains in trade, although not
widespread or emphatic, are now rather
more plainly visible, with textiles, hides
and allied products, and some OF the
metals participating in varying degree
In the improvement. The unSatiSfac-
tory aspects of the three months period
now ending, the SloWness and irregu-
larity of the recovery and the conflict
ing reports of trends have not obScured
the underlying factors pointing to ultl-
mate revival, yet rapid advance is
scarcely to be expected after severe
economic Reorganization. Readjust-
ments which continue uncompleted
naturally impede the process OF re-
cuperation, but some of the more re-
cent movements have indicated that
a stronger basis for subsequent better
ment is being gradually attained.
Comparative sterilization of markets
even at low levels would be helpful, and
buying has shown some tendency TO
enlarge in quarters where the persistent
fall OF prices seems to have been
checked. The disproportion between
supply and demand in some important
channels is being corrected by reStric-
ton of outputs. while the relatively
small stocks of goods in other lines are
a supporting element during the present
time of curtailed purchasing. The sharp
ly increased operations on securities
exchanges have contrasted with an abb
sence of decisive expansion in the
business field, yet the strengthened
sentiment in financial circles has had
a favorable influence, and the main
tenance of dividends by prominent
companies has suggested confidence In
the future"
Better Buying of Cotton Goods.
BradStreet's report on the state OF
trade says:
Better buying of cotton goods by
Southwestern distributors is a cheer
full note from Western centerS. Indus
try, too, shows some unevenneSS IN that
tagging operations in northern woods
have been ended coincident with the
beginning of preparations for big pro-
gram of construction and road improve
ment. which have been retarded In some
sections by the return of Winter. Com
parsons with a year ago naturally SUI
fer because this week year ago saw
pre-Easter buying about at It's PEST,
whereas this years three weeks later
date of this festival naturally acts as
retarding element.
Reports from the country's Leading
labor organization go to confirm Garner
ideas that February saw employment az
about its lowest ebb, whereas a slight
gain has been reported in the first half
Of March. LAUNDERING operations Fave
tended to lessen, and coal production
has been shaded of. In the PACING
Northwest lumber production has been
estimated as considerably below nnr-
NAL and hardwood interests in the mid
die Mississippi Valley report buying
backward Trade and industry continue
generally below year ago.
In the iron and steel trades produc-
ton has shown slight upswing and a
notable happening. foreshadowing flu
ture activity in outdoor lines, Is the
placing of orders for large quantities
of plates to be used in making oil and
gas pipe, building of which, especially
in the Middle West and Southwest, is
expected to be of immense proportions.
A somewhat discordant note in this
trade is the report that steel scrap has
weakened in price and that slight re-
auctions have been made in tank
plates, structural shapes, automobile
body sheets and steel strips"