Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-01-03
QUIET TRADE WEEK
NOTED IN REVIEWS
Retailers Reported Prepar-
ing for Special Sales.
Conditions improved.
Special Dispatch to The star.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
NEW YORK, January 3.-Business in
the past week ysas about the quietest of
the year. with inventory taking in prog
ress Oh a wide scale, according to the
reviews of the mercantile agencies. The
principal activity was preparation on
the part of retailers for special sales. ac-
cording to the reviews, which devote
themselves chiefly to discussions Of pos
sibilities in 1881
Bradstreet's says, in part:
There were some rather interesting
features noted, one OF these in the steel
industry, which was down to perhaps
quarter capacity, but which noted in
the Central West a disposition to ad-
vance shipping dates for sheets, bars and
strips. This was attributed to the fact
that some automobile concerns were
calling for supplies against assumptions
made this week or to follow shortly. In
most other industries quiet was the or
der of the day
Lumber on the Pacific Coast noted
the TACT that mills and camps were down
for various periods and only 40 per cent
OF production reported. There was,
however, some pre-inventory business in
lumber being done in the Inland Empire
area, with prices rather firmer. In the
hardwood markets of the Middle Missis-
sippl Valley production was at half
speed. Large stocks of salmon were re-
ported still held on the North Pacific
Coast. with prices of some grades below
cost of production.
Statesmen Going Abroad.
AN item of interest is the report
that more American statesmen will ar
range to go to foreign markets in jan
uary than has been seen in many
years One inference that may be drawn
from this Is that American concerns
either see prospects of better business
IN the year to come in a number of for
eign markets or desire to look these
fields over for possible future results.
Eastern shoe manufacturers were
reported slightly more active as the
year closed and there was q disposition
to take a rather better view of the
leather situation. Jewelry trade reports
were OF Is to 80 per cent smaller sales
In the year just closed than in the
preceding annual period"
Dun's Review says, in part:
Inc business community enters
upon 1891 with conservative expecta-
tons. In its fundamental aspects the
outlook has been bettered and recov-
va 0CAAAlllCly uCNGAOpCQ,
be along wholesome lines. An exact
parallel with the setbacks of some
preceding years cannot be drawn. for
the ramifications of finance, industry
and trade have broadened in marked
degree, and some phases have had no
established precedent. Gradually and
sporadically more encouraging signs
are beginning to appear, but Il is es-
sentisl to stress the time element in
looking toward the future.
Steel Industry.
"The current week has not brought
any particular change in trend of de-
mand, yet this naturally is not a
period during which to expect such q
movement.
"a new year has begun in the steel
industry with promise of an early up
ward turn in the rate of mill opera
tons. That would be a wholly normal
trend, and it Is especially important
now to make allowance for seasonal
conditions in appraising the outlook.
AS was expected, production fell fur
ther in the final week of December,
but January invariably brings a rise,
and there is tangible reason TO expect
such a movement in the present in
stance. Recently actual or prospective
buying has been of a volume to give
encouragement, with stable public and
utility projects nearing the closing
points"