Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, January 4, 1874, Page 1

o VOLUME 27. ~ D OF TRADE ELECTION, NEW PUBLICATIONS. FINANCIAL. EO. ELECTION. ondsTs Jan. 5, from 10 &.m.to 3 p. m. B0ARD OF TRADE TIOKET. For President, A M, WRIGET. Fot Breand Vics President, I, B BENSLEY, For Direotors; ALEXANDER GEDDES, J. B, HOBBS, D. FOSS. ? L8 i, DIEEESOF, For Committes of Asbitration, oI EIEVART, E JACKAAN, 7, KIFKEAD, LA ¥.-Y0UK@, THOS. HERMANS, For Committeo of Appealsy 0 CULVER, H W. ROGERS, JB, £ 7, DAVIS, B. 3L FORD, H 0. BANNEY, NOTICE. ezbers of tho Board of Trado aro horsby requested fo meet 3t tho Asbitration Rooms on Monday, the Sth et 3t8303. 1., to Tatify tho following nominations proficen for the yoar 1874 “For Presidens—IL. C. Ranney, firm of Razney & Inglis. ar Second Vice President—John B. Bensley, fina of Jenuley & Wagoor. Directors—Wilitzm Dickinson, firm of Hugh McLenan 1§00 Grain Dealer; 1l H. Boms, §m of Low Bros. & Co.: J. B. Hobbs, firm of J. B. Etbs & Co.: A S. Buxt, Provision Doaler. Ganittes of Arbitration—A, J. Marble, firm of Rum- Carl 0. Mocller, firm of C. C. Mosller $0s.; Bobert Carmichael, Commission; Ira §. Young- fr, Gz of A. E. Kent & Co.; Chas. E. Chase, Vessel Committe of Appeals—Chas. E. Culver, Retiring president; B. M. Ford, firm of Ford & Co. (High yaes); €. J. Desis, firm of Davis, Popo & Co.; H. W. $rm of H. W. Rogers, Jr., & Bro.; Alex. mlssion, and Agent Allan Line Stesmers. GENERAL NOTICES. ‘ CHICAGO, Jan. 1, 1874, CIEX ATTENTIOIN ! Amst Profitable Tavestment is offered in the fax Certlficates held by the city for the ealo for city lasaof 1972, which Twill sell at epectal and most favor- AMlanwies 10 amounts of from Ono Thousand to One Ecadred Thousznd Dollars. Bayers and holders of thess (MPTROLLERS OFFIGE, TAX-BUYERS! aleand 25 per cent advance, being for the first six athe; 76 per cent from 12 to 18 months; and 100 Untl further potico, delinguent taxpayers may remaia aasold, upon pasmert of the smount of ssloand NOTIOE T0 HERCHANTS m“" i ""‘:j“"s" HAYES, HESSHURGE, CINCIINATI & ST, LOTIS RAILWAY -JNO. C. HARRIS, Gen’l Agt., 88 LiaSalle-st. DISSOLUTION NOTICES. DISSOLUTION. Cmcago, Jan. 1, 167 Copartnership. The undersigned have this d? cgigeg into s co-pém mder_the namo HOLeE S B0t o eomiating the busincas heroiafory damoby Hallock & Wheeler and Geo. P. Hol viz.: 3 Babber Goods, Beltizg end Hose of all kinds, p Rubber Boota and Shoes, Btc.) Etes 8. HALLOCK, GEO. P. HOLMES, W. H. SALISBURY, G F. CLINE. oxxihs from dato of sale; 5O per cent from 6 to 13 pereent from 18 to 24 months. sbtain sach of their cortificztes of the abovo class ns mey 1 \ A i i i 'hcmm. Jan. 1, 1874 it " retiring from the lste firm of Hallock & Whoeler, take Pletints 1n recommnding the now firm of HAZLLOCE, | g Ce tm many rcac, Sl 1 B deges - For {86 prosen foand. a 5 ez, Ko, 10 Randolplrst. 0% WHERLER. DISSOLUTION. The firm of Kellogz & Goodnow explres this day by S it ol s, o S ebtednots X ‘cont ol o] o 2 {iRD OF TRADE 200 Year ; Just Issued: TIE BEAUTIFUL AKD HIGHLY INTERESTING VOLUME' 'CHICAGO - And Its Suburbs, EDITED BY MR. EVERETT CHAMBERLIN, An Author of acknowledgod ability. MESSRS. T. A. HUNGER! . sanonnco (it (N 100k Sepeosed whik a 20w Tinds o for sale. "1t is truly a meriiorious volame, nod will doubt." 53 teko, rank among the STANDARD 'EDITIONS OF. W 1:?'::;‘%;:;:& statistical facts, handsome Ulustra. 68, chul 3 1b] buli ks elc:, vontier it 4n tAvSlusEls, Book of roleneiee,abd Ta " Itspagos rocond overy important, eveat from the 1670 £ 0ho cloas of tho Fear 1615, It 1% Kives tabular statistics and comments oa Real Fstate, Minance, Grain, 'roduce and n‘lflb% with combpleto official records of the DI and CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, at manufactur- trads and commerce, and especially sapplies the noods of cur own business men, Price, Paper Coycr. 81.35; Cloth, 83. Extra copics lubf lied at from 83 to 87. Tor aale at the afico of tho REAL ESTATE AND BUILDING JOURNAL, 91 nd & East Washington-et., 2nd on subrcription. T. A. HUNGERFOBD & C0.. Pablishers. HAIR GOODS. LARGEST STOCK LOWEST PRICES BELL'S, '76 Madison-st., NEXT DOOR TO GUNTHER'S. FIRE INSURANCE. ILLINOIS N IA GAR-& TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK, Cor. Madison and Ma;'ket-sts. Cash Capital, $600,000 THE TRUST DEPARTMENT Will receive deposits and issue cer- tificates bearing interest. Will receive and execute Trusts, and invest money for Individuals, Estates, Corporations, and Socie- ties, for any amount, and on short orlong time, secured by Real Es- tate or good collaterals as may be desired. Ladies and others unaccustomed to business, desiring advice as to their investment of money for in- terest and the care of it, or any other subject incident to the Trust Department, will receive prompt and courteous attention from Ofl- cers of the Bank. TIE SAVINGS DEPARTMENT Receives Deposits of any amount from flvo cents upwards, and allows interest at rate of aix per cent per annun. Married womemrand children may deposit in their own name. Forelgn Exchange sold at lowest rates. Entrance to Lodies’ Department from Mare Kot-st. L. B. SIDWAY, JOUN B, DRAKE, | Ezecative M. El ommittee. AKSON STAGER, This Bank lins always paid its Depositors in full on demnnd, without requiring any thirty orsixty days’ notice. . FIRE Irace Company " NEW YORE. 23 YEARS' PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE. $1;250,cfio.' LOSSES PAID 105 CLARK-ST, Moilofist Choreh Block. Sux per cent compound intercst on depoyits. Passbooks fcco. Mloney also invested for otbers on Bond and Mort~ age in small sums at 10 per cent iaterest: no chargeto ader for abstract or legal oxxmsl[?ar‘ilnn of llxi,m b O, TLLE, President RzED, Cashic Wt Krrery 'NoTE—During the recent panic, this Bank has paid all doposits on demand, without notice. IF YOU WANT HAIR GO TO THE FAIR. ur Bankrupt Prices scll them 3% oz. Human Hair worth 87; 4-0z, Switches for 81, worth h S12. Our cntirs stock ar. Ladles' Seal and Astrachan Cloth Caps at 50c, worth $1.50. 300 paic Fronch Corsets at 45¢, worth S1.95. Remcmber, THE FAIR. 520 State-st. FURNITURE. NOTICE! THE REMAINING BANKRUPT STOLK FURNITURE! ‘WILL BE SOLD AT AUCTIOIN On THURBDAY and FRIDAY of this week. Sale to commence at 10 a. m. Until then special BARGAINS will be offered. 213 Wabash-av. REAL ESTATE. “Great Bargains REAL ESTATE. We have sveral cbolce acre tracts in the suburbs of the city, and ab Washington Helghts, for pale ot figaro on Whieh large profits can be roalized by subdividing, "Also, sevezal houses and lots on tho avenues, for sale hieap. T Xiso, “four hundred cholco lots for laboring men and mechanics, convenient to tha business portion of the city, at vory great bargains and en long timo. CLARKE, LAYTON & CO., 130 LA SALLE-ST. Property Sacrificed. § In order to mest prossing money engagements, T am au- thorized to soll the following property at & sacrifice: Fivo Houses and Lots in sothern prrt of cits. 60 £t on Ontario-at., botweon St. Clatr and Pino. 96:208 ft on Forty-fifth-st., situate 182 ft east of Drexel BTy on Ellisa i v. S imeain difforent patcels at Morgsn Park and Wash- Inion, Helghta; also, Houses and Lole at Wasbington t “@fifi"fl'&: a1, L::an S SLUUBORONT" | Hela 128 Fasatle sty main Ifmr.. DISSOLUTION. REMOVAL. ks fiom of Charehill & Pope is this day dissolved by =kl canseat. Frank O. Pope will sign in liqaidation. D Geaeral Gommiasion business will bo continted st \s91iaad by CHAS. T. CHURCHILL, & South Wa- —_— SIGCEHOLDERS’ MEETINGS. NOTICE. DMCE 07 y1p ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TELEGRAPH o} e NEw Yorx, Dec. 29, 1673, ezl mesting of stocklioldots of fhbedeld at the offco of the Company, No. 1% Broad- i B Cityof New York, o, Wo 341p. m., for the electiof of Trustees fof the on- s yeur, and three Judgos of Eloctlon to serve st the {dectlon, snd for the considaration of such other o ey be prosenitd. Transfes books will be , and reopencd Jan. By erder of Seaicaics Gommitfons - ALVRED NELSON, Soc. NOTICHE. e amanal moetin s of the tockholders of tho First Egggd of Chitago, for the eloction of Directors, Trensd at tho office of said Bank, fo Chicago, on SHRDAY, Jua. 13, 164, between i iours of 10 5 L246s, Der. m, 1972, * ™ Casilier. DNOTEIOIE. ;:;;mu meeting of the stockhiolders of EAND, Mc- g & CO., for tho election of Dircctors and Officers Kyssing yesr, will bs 1eid st tho cficoof Rand, 3 £Co., 9ond '8l Macason-st., Chicago, on Mon- "1, 1834, at 3 o'clock p. m. S~ . C. HAYNES, Secrofary. .:‘"B?rgfir‘smm: 1 Obi I%?S}.h v0 got csigners, MIS. F. WETMORE, If. OWSEY. £ Stateat. > COILMISSION. B SIONEL OF DEEDS, g x‘fi‘;?l&anné;uxo{m 5, fist floor. SF;E% W. 1o Calld Sistor Compmmiattonae fof this Disther. At Gl Meey Public omtaniones ot 0 R: Court of \_ Bty 152 Oftcen“and [oaurancs Expmioer, ond Depositions taken- fa e REMOVAL. Removall L. MANASSE, OPTICIAI, 'HAS REMOVED TO HIS NEW STORE Tio, 88 East Miafison-st, (Tribung Bulding), A fall stock of Brazilisn Pebble Speotacles and Eyo i;lw‘;s. Bnk Urnmses, Microscopes, Baglo Lanterss, w7 PRINTERS . STATIONERS, &e. Wedding & Invitation PAPER and ENVELOPES, AT WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, CULVER, PAGE, HOTNE & C0, 118 & 120 Morroe-st. BLANK BOOKS! 3 d PRINTING furnished promptly and BTATIONERY an R s b7 J. M. W- JONES, 104 AND 106 MADISON-ST. N il fitable to get oor ices OXSUMIRS il e B DR T SESING: o o St Siasionors, Printers, and Blaak ook Manuractorers. 165 Clark-st. -- 70 RENT. ° MONEY TO LOAN On Chicago Real Eatate, in large or small amounts. WRIGHT & TYRRELL, Room 9 Tribuns Building. Toans on Real Estate Vo can make om0 or two loans of £10,00ta $25,000 for a e e K S T R AU s o Tho sl s s % LaSalla-at. Money to Loan On Chicago. Real Estate, in sums of &5,000 to $50,000. The money ia hand. _Apply to + B COLE § €O.. 133 Lasalleast. WATCHES. & We call the attention of Watch buyers to our very large stock of Fine and Low-Priced ‘Watches of both home and for- eign manfacture. ‘We offer a better assortment and make lower prices than any other house in the West. Watch repairing by the most competent and careful men. N, HATSON & (0, State & Monroe-sts. J ‘WOOLEN GOODS. i0 PRI B all_offer our entire stock of FOR- D OMESTIO WOOLEN GOODS, art of Hosiery, Gloves, Mit- We EIGHN Agencies in all the principal cit- ies and towns throughout the United States. JANES B, FLOTD, ACETNT, 168 LA SALLE-ST,, CEICAGO. DENTISTRY. DENTIST, Northwest cor. Dearborn and Madison-sts. Artificial Tooth apper or lover sots, $10. $15, and $20, 3 X HLY PAYME: PROFESSIONAL. CATARRH, CONSUMPTION, DEAFNESS. Befors your case becomes hopolers, apply to DOCTOR 8. W. INGRAHAN, No. 187 South Clark-st., and bo cared. No fces until curcd. Medicines furnished at cost._Ezaminatic and sdrico froe. W, BIGELOW LODGE, No. 438, A. F. de A. DL, Will hold its Regular Annual Com- munication at Lessing Hall, No. 12 North Clinton-st.,on WEDNESDAY, Tan. 7, 1874, 712 oclock p.m, All members are nereby summoned to attend. HOLDRIDGE O. COLLINS, Secretary. Attention, Sir Knights! consisting in A fons, “Moiva Gardigan Jeckels, Snirth and | yCREBSROSTL N A i Drawers, Scarfs, Nubias, !.EWGDIBH Vialting hta conrteonsly lovitad. ' By order of ths Yr?ms&iep X r3 W‘}E"‘;‘%‘i{j Sfi‘é"“%ve’zfiié’i%‘ Em. Com. GEQ. F. SINOLAIR, Recorder. - 250 Hgures to close cash buyers to suit the Masonic. times. Regular mesting of the Chicago Masanic Board of Relief on Monday evening. Jan.5, .n?i o'clock. ia the Parlorof Oriental 1, 122 LaSalle-st., for basiness. It is hoped wvery Lodge will be represented. 3 ) 'EDWARD COOK, Secretary. 117 Franklin-st. Masonic. . ————————== | Regnlar communication of Kilwinniog Lodge, No. 311, FOR SALE. Thursday eveaing, Jazn. 8. i N L e B P. CHATFIELD, W, M. FOR SALE el ) | sl o B 4N S0 O eatio voting, at 15 o'c A DRUG STORE, onone of the most | B'£3 B Degress. ;7 Ao eoes otk ontho o . J. 0. DICKERSON, Secretary. prominent corners on the West Side. Masonic. For sele cheap if applied for socn. o owgler commantcation o Biar Lodge, Ko, 0, A, F. Address Y 78, Tribune office. efé[é,‘;fl;‘,‘ “,‘_}flfll ’:g,mlu 3 ;'E.-h:n'm::“;, %“fidfi o Sioas riaios o_befors 7 PHOTOGRAPHS. B order of the W, H. R MATSOR, Socr SH, TEE LATEST STYL] VN S0y . STUDIO, B &4 West Madison-st. WANTED. Partner Wanted St. George. ‘Regular month!y mecting will be hold on Monday even- ing, Jan. b, at Machanics' Exchange, 8t 7:30 sharp. Ball Committee . 4 C. JBURROUGHS, Secratary. Caledonian Club. ‘The regular moathly meating of the Ciledontan Clabwitl bo bold in theiz new hall, Calegonis Building, northesst corner of WVashington-st. and Fiftb-av., on Tuosday, Jan. §8t8p. m. Tho new bl will bo operiéd bya sociatie on 3 Jan. . . - s P§%r. 0AG, Fourth Obleftata, reports. A TO RENT- The Michigan-av. Hotel. mhmflnu‘lbfl!fl‘lnflbaltmzedkmfl:kold : rticula; juire of 1o tho ity For fartber eyt Handotphat. . 0. B. B. - ~With about $10,000, in a pleasant, safe, and Maurice Ma3 HY'IAGII L O. B. B. nfll“ll!nlz’o( off- TR SR RARE TS, | en SRR e W ANTED Loyal Orange Institution. No. BT will . Ted. Vihite and Blus Layal Orsago Todgo Yo 7 17 A first-class el SROSREY: POk, 185 and 197 Wabash-av." 1d 8 regular -morrow t 8 B e Els 5. 11 Boi CIAth At AN mombora o' at the. . tion. ‘earnostly_ ted to be present. ot the Lusiliation sro eAcnteily [PUSPAFNE, Sosrerary. CHICAGO, SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 1874—TWELVE PAGES. BUSINESS IN CHICAGO. Transitory Effect of the Panic. interviews with a Number of Leading Firms. ATl Branches of Business Pros- pering with Hardly an Exception, Where There Was Depression It Hag Generally Passed Away, Sales in 1873 Contrast Favor- ably “with Those in 1872, It Is Universaily Agreed that Business Is in a Healthier Condition than Ever Before. A Targe Trade Confidently Expected in’ the Spring, Coliections Are Good, Especially from the Couniry. During Iast woek a reporter of Tue TRIDUNE was engaged in visiting the leading busiuess firms in various branches of trade in this city, wholesale and retail, in order to learn whether the influence of the panlc of Soptemberbad yeb pastcd away, and, if not, to seo whether it was expected that it would soon do so. The results of his investigation, which are given below, aro of 5 most eatisfactory and encoareging nature, and show that tho trade of Chicago has rallied from the momentary blow which it then re- ceived. and is in 2 moro prosperous and sounder condition than ever before. THE WHOLESALE GROCERY TRADE. Probably a more reliable and intelligent suthority on tho subject of the wholesale gro- cery trade could not be selected than XMr. Fravkiin MacVeagh, tho head of the firm of Franklin MacVesgh & Co., and the subjoined interview will bo read with more than usunl in- terest: Reporter—TxE TRIDUNE, wishing to lay before its xeaders gomo facts as to tho general state of business, would like your views on the subject. For s begioning, is the pauic over, so far as af- fects your trado ? Mr. MacVeagh—Yes—if, indeed, there could be said to have been any panic g0 far a3 our tradeis coucerned. N R.—Tien your business compares favorably with the same monch lagk year, and with the year 1872 throughout? * Mr. MacV.—Our trado is and bas been much better than ever before, and our books show & handsomo increase. R.—TIa that the case with the wholesale gro- cery trade of Chicago throughout ? Mr. MacV.—I believo they bave all prospered exceedingly, though I speak only for our own house. Tako the fact that the prices in several staple articles bave ranged from 25 to 30 per ceat lower, togethor with the fact that the amount of our business, in dollars, is fully as great s last year, and you can see that our trade has greatly increased. Our Decembor trado this year was much better than last. R.—Do you imagine that other Western cities, —Cincinnati and St. Louis, for examplo,—cen show as healthy a state of thiugs eince the panic 2 Mr. MacV.—Itis well known that they can- not. Chicago fairly carried off the honors in the panic. The East was greatly astonished and impressed by tho pluck, nerve, and eonndness ghown by Chicago merchants. Indeed, Ido not know what some of the New York houses would have done for money for o few weeks if it had not been for Chicago. This bas been a very pecaliar year in businces circles. Many weak concerns bave been squeezed out, and It can be truly said of the wholesale grocery trade in Chicago that it is not overdono; and I beliove tho same is true of other departments of trade. R.—Have you experienced difficulty in meking collections at any tume ? Ar. MacV.—2oney was hard to getatfor a fow weeks, but during November and December collections have been good. The corn region has picked up greatly of late, owing to the en- banced price of corn, and, in the city, collections are better than last yesr. Our city trade is larger, and businees is satisfactory in all re- spects. Mr. Georgs H. Wells, of F. D, Cossitt & Qo., in reply to an inquiry a8 to whether the panic' wa% over 80 far as their trade was concerned, said “Yes ; we are not now conscious of its conse- quences,” > Reporter—How does the volume of trade com- pare with lest year? Ar, W.—During the last weeks the demand has been more active than usual at this season. The aggregate of business compares favorably with last year. There hae been a great decrease in values. Tess, for instance, have cheapenod from 25 to 60 per cent, whilc coffees have increased in price about 33 per cent within six months, Sugars Laye also been lower, and the average of values has decreased. Our collec- tions Wwere never better than now. - IEON AND STEEL. Mr. 8. D. Kimbark, of Kimbark Bros. & Co., said: “Ido not consider that we bave had any ponio in our trade. There has never beena time wher we had not perfect confidence in onr custoraers, and when we did net fill their orders without question. Our business has been larger than last year ; we have sold more goods, though {here has bgen an average decline of about 25 per cent in iron. There 13 now a feeling that it has toucbed bottom, and we look for an active trade. There is 'alresdy & brisk inguiry, aod orders are coming in_ plentifully. As | concerns collections, ~ all of our emaller accounts—with merchants and general manufacturers—have at all times been ad with perfect promptness; on the “other fang, our large “accounts—those with mana- facturers conuected with railrond interests—we are still carrying. Weanticipate increased: con- fidence throughiout the country very soon, and wwe expect & eteady improveront in business. 3r. Dane, of the fim of Dauc, Westhake & Govert, did not think that the. panic was over, but considered that the present state of affairs was much better than formerly. -Ho' did not think that the state of the business of his firm was at any one time a fair criterion of -trade in genoral, as thoy dealt in & humber of specialtics, -each of which iad & busy season of .its own. The trade in some of these specialties had uo- ‘doubtedly been decreased by the panic; for example, the firm had not sold more than’ two- thiras of the number of etove-boards which they would Lave done but for the hard times. Opo proof that the panic was pretty well approaching 80 end was the comingin of heavy ordarsfrom the railroads, which are among the firm's best cus- NUMBER 134 :«::lxla:s, Accord}n;; to Mr. Dage, y are very fair, and were dsily improving; altogether, he thonght the aspact of ailairs oy {avorable, and looked forward to & lively opening of trado in tho spring. o A. B. Mesker & Co., dealers in pig-iron, ro- F:{t!d that the panic was almost entirely over ; t business was quiet, as it always is in.holiday #eaeons; that, independent of the fluctuation caused by the holidsys, businees vas perhaps 20 per cent less then Iust year; that country col- lecuenu bad been improving steadily einco the pavic; that tho mills at Joliat and “the ' blast-furnaces on the South Side would probably bo in operation again by tho gx:ldfiggl.l:‘nfilary. o flio eginning of Fobru- Y, i 0 N i wn; iy outlook for the coming year ames P. Dalton & Co., dealersin hardwa and housekooping goods, coneidered the p&n}: over. Business was always dull this time of year, but they were doing as much asat this timo lnst year. The'r collections wers very fair, they huvidg no resson to complain. Imported goods wers higher than some months ago, end the tex on manufactures, if again imposcd E‘Qo;lgi {au:u th:hpricahog g&uds manufactured af , Lut on the whole the outlook i cheerfu! and assuring. g it It was to be expected thatin the domain of articles wholly or in part of au orosmental character, a malerial falling off in buiness would be ‘indicated ; bat tais, it secms, is not :xl:e (imu,-i ?ls‘ will be anurx: by the following sizte- ents of 0 genior partner of it i Mentsof th P f the firm of Giles, “ Business is looking better, and we expect an increase. The holiday trado wes s good as that of any preceding yesr, though it begsn rather later than usual. There has been a gradual elackenivg up for 4 year or more, owing to an economical feeling on the part of con- sumers, and the stocks of country dealers ars now emall. They will now have to farnish up, 2nd present prospects are good. I havo esti- mated that the aggregate jewelry trade in Chi- ggg;} l’oéola'i.:l “Idfl l‘buut £700,000 less than for 12, un eulers sre paying up proti well—as wcllrnys usual.” BETPEER nby Mr. Norton, of N, Matson & Co., gave an ac- count almost identical with the above. - Trade collections gen- was about the same for the year; tho holiday |- trade was au lerge as usuel, 23d_collections had been good during the past montb, though they were slow in October and Novembor. TIE DOOK 7RADE. . An unusually prosperous condition of things is reported with referenco to the wholeszle and retail book trade, which bas reoched mammoth proportions in Chicago, A fow minutes’ chat wes had with Gen, McClurg, of the firm of Jan- son, McClurg & Co., bookseilers. Tho roporter inguired : 7 How has your trade beon afosted by tho pa- ic i Gon. McClarg—Our trads is now very large and prosperons. Of course, it was temporarily reduced by the panic, but the aggregate for the year sliows a handeome progress. R.—Ilow has it been during the past two months ? Gon. McC.—Brisk and stoady—much better than last year, for we had not then fully recov- ered from tho effects of the fire. R.—Do you anticipate an_increaso or & falling off from this timo forward ? Gon. McC.—We have no reason to_expect any falling off. On the contrary, the stocks of coua- try deslers wero naver so small 8 now, and they will all have to stack up. Judging by tho large school-book orders we are receiving since tho Lohday trade cenged, I should say that we might reasonably look for & large January businees. . R.—How basit been with your collections 2 Havo you been troubled on account of tardiness ? Gen, McC.—Not to any considerable extent ; at least, not sinco tho first of October. For the first two or three weels after the pauic, when zil the moncy wes tied up in tho banks, we received | little, like evorybody clse, but Eiuco theu our customers Lave becn more prompt than wo could have expected in mecting their bills when dno. Particalar districts, such as the mining rod lumbor regious, are slow. Ouar Lest cus- tomers are tho couniry dealers, who seem to havo been much lees aftected by the panic than were tho city dealers. Tho latter aro czutious, meko small purchases, and report groater difii cully in collcetions. R—\What is the lino of books chiefly in de- maud? Gen. McC.—School-books in our wholesale de- We aro filling largo orders of them ellancons books, however. ara also does Chicego compare with other cities in its book trade? Gen, McC.—This city isnow in the very front rauk ; second only to New Yors, Philadelphia. and Boston, and thereis no reason why, with proper pluck and enterprise, it may not Within 3 Yery few yours become tho great buok-distribut- ing centre of America. Already Lastern pub- lishers are begunning to look for their largest ad- varce orders for new books rcm Chicago, and wo know of some cases where these orders are taken as a criterion of the success of the book. R.—How was the boliday trade this yoar? Gen. McC.—Altbough it commenced late, it was far betier than ever before—and it scems like o siin of tho increase of culturo in the West, that in the midst of depression, and whst aro called hard times, we sold in our retail deparé- ment over 33 per cent moro books than ever be- fora in the ten days before Christmas. NEWSPAPERS, PEBIODICALS, ETC. ‘Wishing to ascertain’ whethor the people had to any extent stopped reading on accouut of tho panic, our reporter dropped in upon Mr.J. R. Walsh, the General Manager of the Western News Company, throagh whose agency the wholo Northwest is supplied with newspapers, periodi- cals, etc. Roporter—Is the panic over, so far as your business is concerned ? Ar. Walsh—The panic never interfered at all with the demand for nen‘spn(y;am Tiagazines, ele. Daring tho. months of ctobor and No- vember our business in stationery showed a fall- ing off, but for December it hs been a8 good as usual. We do not look for any material increase in the statiouery trade foy at least six months, 25 the uniform tendency among buyers is to make small and careful purchases. R.—How bas the panic affected you in the matter of collections ? ) Mr, W.—Wo have had no_trouble at all with country customere, but the city collections were poor for a time. i BOOTS AND SHOES. At the wholesalo boot and shoo house of Il Selz & Co.’ the following convereation occurred, tho roplies being about equally divided botween Mr. Selz and Mr. Jacob Bunn, who i8 a member of the firm: p r o Reporter—I called to ask you a few questions concorning the state of the boot and ehoo trade. Do you find that the financial stringency stul af- fects your business ? & *'8. & Co. (very emphatically)—Notat all. There never was any panic, 80 far as our trade was concerned. ) R.—What is the present state of business, as compared with the same month last year, and, geperally, with the preceding two or tiiree years? S. & Co.—We are doing, perhaps, 25 per cent leas than Inst year at this time, but busiess is in a far healthier and more eatisfactory state. The country i8 not overstocked with goods; merchants have less stock on hand, and, conse- quently, lees indebtednees. Thoy pay more prompdy. Lusiness is more satistactory than ever before, becanse dealers are only buying what they can pay for. e * R.—Do you expect a reasonably immediate in- creaso of trade? A 8. & Co.—We do for the coming year, especial- 1y in the agricultural districts. The farmers are in excellent shape. All that they havo to sell finds o ready market st higher prices than fhey have obtamned for some time. But we do oot Jook for any immediate increase in the lumber- ing sud manufacturing districts, which have suf- fered more than the agricultural regions. Taking everything into account, the prospects are that Chicago's trade for the year 1874 will be much larger than ever beforo. . o In what manner haa the monoy etringency affected your collections from country custom- ors, and has there been any improvewmcnt in this rospect during the past month or two ? S. & Co.—We wera somewhat aifcctad in this ‘matter early in October, but it was only becausa merchants could not get their money out of the banks, and could not procure exchanze. They were all right, however, Collections mocth are better than they were last year. *"At tho establishment of C. M. Hendersop & Ce.” the senior partner gave a most encouragiog sccomat of the condition of trade, saying that the effects of tho panic had wholly disappeared. Teporter—How docs your Luuimess compare with that of the last t®o or three years at s cor- respondiag time? Mr.- Henderson—It is daller than last year, but ‘mainly owing to tho weather. December is always governed Ly tkis. The season has ‘been remarkably mild, and there has besn 8 lighter demand for winter goods, such a8 heavy boots, arctics, &c., but other goods are the same 88 usual. Colder weather would make trade mere brisk. Just now, merchants are keeping tpl:_‘acx: :tonks reduced, in the expectation of lower R.—What are the prospects for the futare? Mr. B.—Wa lock for o good spring trade. Country merchants were never ia 5o good & con- dition 28 now. Indeed, there has been no panic 40 far 88 our country trado is concerned. R.—How has it been with yenr collections ? Mr. IL.—T do not think collections thave been affected, excopt through tho derangeton of tho banks for a few days imumediately succeeding tho panic. Otherwize, colleciions were never be}tzler.l % 3 .—Is there a diminution of trade J with 18722 Aseompanyl _Mr. H.—We havo done more business t1an we did in 1573, and Lavo fewer ontstauding accourts th}\‘n w‘uvxfim ote year 480, .—What i3 the feeling an - aiy ¢ amoug country mer: Ar. H.—fhey skow a disposition to buy less, on account of au expected reduction in prices, This I -onsider s healthy sign, They do nol oversi.., s they used to do. In taat respeci the pamic hzs been attended with beneficial effects. The country merchants are in a beties condition than thoy wore before the panic, and prospects are excellent. ,—Are {ou manufucturing goods a8 usuat? Mr. B.—No ; not as usual, for manufscturing generally ceases about the 1st of Novewber, but this year, on the Ist of Decomber, we made au arraugement whereby the Crispin scalo of prices was reduced, and tho men kept on at work, pre- ferring lower wages to idleuess for an entire o Me. Titls, of ‘rom Mr. Hills, of the firm of Doggett, Baa- sett & Iills, an sccount almost pxccifigly similar tothe above was reccived, showing that tho leading boot and shos_Louses are all enjoying a full dogree of prosperity. Ar. Hills stated that the trade of 1573 showed rather an increaso over that of 1672 ; that no troublo had been experi- enced in making collections ; that business was on u healthier pasis than before the panic, and that the prospec:s were excelleut. £EWING MACHINES. The Wheeler & Wiisou Sewing Machine Com« pooy wss interviewod, in tho person of Mr. J. L. lannery, C"fl Idapager, who said the panic was not over for their trade, and would not be unti} January or Februsry, when persons who owed money on machines would resumo the paymont of installments. These machines were in the hands of mechanics and sowing wonen, who biad all they could do now to pay rent and supply houschold wants. Thoy Lad from twenty-five ta Stty applications a day for oxtonsion of time which was generally granted. ‘Trade was dull compared_with last year, and probably wonld continue dull until Februdry. Outeide the city thelr trade wes abont as usual at this time of year. The Singer Sewing Machino Company's agent said the panic was over, g0 far =y they were concorned, except in the city. It still af- fected their eales there. Business had been nbout the s2mo 28 last year, taking into consid- eration that the open weather and heavy roads prevented canvasing to tho same extest ea ig former years. Their country trade was about the same, and their country collections were good, and had beon improving for a few weeks, BILLIARD TADLES. Few people have a correct idea of the magni- tudc of the business douein the manufacture aad eale of billiard tables in Chicago, which, with the exception of Ciucinnati, has abeolutely no compatiter in this class of trade. A large amount of capital is invested in the business. and about 200 men are emploged in the various manufactories. Alr. Canuel Brunsick, of E. Brunswick & Co., contributes the following in- {;flmmfimn a4 to the branch of trade representod y him : Reporter—To what extent G your business at- feeted by tho September panic ? Mr. Brunswick—Wae do not fecl the panic now to any extent worth wmentioning. R.—Is your Decomber businesa as lorge as for the corraspondiug month in 1872, and how does the business of this year corpare with that of 1872 2 ‘Alr. B.—To both questions I can znuwer that ‘business is every bit as good—that is 10 say, we have made and sold &8 many tables ; but the ‘prices realized have been lower than lest year. R.—Hes tho cost of producing decreased cor- reapondingly ? Mr. B.—lt has not; there has been no no- ticeable reduction in_ the cost of labor and ma- terial. Compstition has brought prices very low, and the manufacturer must do busincoz upon a cereful basis who can show wmuch profit now. _R.—Have you reduced your working force this winter 2 AMr. B.—Not at cll. We are working from thirty-five to thirty-eight mon, who are paid partly by the weck sud partly by te piece, and Who make from 315 to 322 each per weok. The only difference is that ti:ey are now working bué eight hours a day, as they cannot work to advan- tage by gaslight. Tt.—It wonid seem as though tho market fo) billiard tables must bo completely supplied by this tume. Alr. B.—So I used to think. Ten years ago ] calculated that the West would be filied up witk billiard tables by this time ; but. slthough the production has more thau quadrupled sincs then, the demand continues. So long as billiards cco- tinues to bo popular &8 & means of recreation go long will there be n demand for buliaré tables. i R.—What has been your experience in refer- ence to collections daring tho past two or thres months ? Mr. B.—Mopey comes in bettornow than it did & year ago; we have no troublo atall. Just atfer the panic, for moro than s month, it wai next toimpossible to collect money in the city. The banit embsrzo wasa perfect god-sondis - some of the billiard-room men who owed pay ments on their tables. They could not pay, they said, because their money was lecked up,—men who never had a bank-account in their lives But thereis s better feeling now, except tha! thero1s o certain class of men who never pay their dobts #0 lowe as they can avoid it, R.—How do you_tsgard the outlook 1891: B.—1 consider ta prospect excellent for 7 AUCTION AND COMDZ4ION. The opinions of Col. Elison, uf tho suctiow and comumesion Grm of Elison, Pomeroy & Co., being deemed of value, the Teporter cailed cp him %o ascertain what ho thought about matters at the present time. Ho gave his views very wli:lingly, and tho following conversation tooh . ce : The Reporter—How has the panic affected your branch of business ? Col. Elison—During the first few days of the, financial excitement we, in common with others,, felt its efects, but since that time we have beor doing a rushing busincss. We would not know' that there as any striogency in the money market bat for the pewspapers. When tho panié firet appeared, our houso tools the procaution tc; raise gome money on boads, in case it might ba needed, bnt we nover usod it, and have got along? first-rate ever since. Really, I can not ce why tho people should gramble about hard times. R.—1Is your business as large and profitable ag it was this time last year ? 3 Col, E.—It is much larger and more profitas ble, and & groat deal moro satisfactory in & gous eral way. , B.—Can you recall sny year that was betict than the present ? : Col, E.—Noj at least, our firm canaot do — Your business ouzlt to ba a good i tor of the financial etanding of tho community Col. E.—There could not be a better one, 2 pooplo who want Lo faiso money gonerally go ta the auctioncer or the pawnbroler, if they do not - succeed in getting sccommodacions elsowhare. One of the best nigns of the timesis that wa bavo not Lind o stock to sell this season for per &ons Who were really hard up. B.—Your experiénce theu plenty 2 s Col.:E.~—So far as my judgment goes, there iz more 6f itin circniation pow than for many yestr_a;nn you find any difficulty in making col= ions ? lections? ot the eligutest. Our billa aro promptly pald on preseutatios, in both city and try. mfi‘.‘——(\'}ut do gmall country dt:ala;fl say of the ondition of things in the country O O oy foport Laat times were meer botter, no scarcity of money being noticeabia among the farmors siuce their products bekat t< move to market. E R.—Do you rely on their reports ? Col E.21 cannot help myself. They alwaye ‘bave plenty of money when they come and sod me, and L{wy are not_at all & of it. know of two instances Tocontly where country doslars paid bills of £1,500 aad €2,100 in Coah wiron they might bave bad long time. R.—You tell & good deal of real estate; is is that money i ch iv the market oow ? there much ic the waa Al withe _ Col. E.—Beal estate, of course,