Wheat the Exception

Wheat was irregular on the expectation that the U. S. Government report of wheat on the farms, forthcoming March 8, would show an excess of about 30 million bushels over the similar surplus of last year. But with this exception, staple commodities almost all tended toward higher prices, sugar especially showing strength. Already there is talk, which may prove mere rumor, of a merger among some of our leading sugar companies.

The recent Reserve report contained data which gives an excellent perspective upon present business conditions. According to statistics covering the Second Reserve District contained therein, since the " trough " of the recent depression to the pres-ent time production has gained 54%, employment 23%, wholesale trade 31%, retail trade 13% and bank loans 32%. Marked price advances have been seen in pig iron, copper, tin, lead, cotton, print cloth, raw sugar and even corn.