HARDWOOD RECORD 



53 



(rouble may be that keeps tbe trade In a state of uneiTialnty or even 

 ot apprehension, the cause is not In any way associated with the direct 

 demand for hardwoods, but must bo looked for in another direction. There 

 can be little doubt that the unsettling effect of the tarllT, followed by the 

 currency discussion bear ii;uch, If not all, of the responsibility for the 

 unsatisfactory state ot afTairs. With leading bankers making very pessi- 

 mistic predictions in ease the currency bill becomes a law, and with the 

 power of the government to impose its will upon Congress so plainly mani- 

 fested In the tariff act. it is not surprising that hardwood men, along 

 with all others in business, should hold back. 



Notwithstanding all these drawbacks, the Inherent strength of the hard- 

 w^oods cannot be entirely overshadowed. It shows itself in the continu- 

 ance of a good movement at price levels that encourage the millmen espec- 

 ially. The producers state that they have been able to lay aside smaller 

 stocks than usual against the deflclency of the winter, and they are 

 not in the least disturbed over the prevailing state of affairs. In the 

 main the quotations are acceptable, and while Items here and there show 

 a measure of recession, no real slump is to be noted in any direction. 

 The interest In stocks shown especially by buyers in the North keeps 

 up, and a very considerable cumber of orders has been taken. It does 

 not appear that the aggregate of the movement Is smaller than that for 

 the earlier portion of the year, and at least in point ot quantity hard- 

 woods make a good showing. Oak has eased off in some of the grades, 

 with chestnut a little lower, while gum and basswood are among the 

 relatively active sellers. The export situation Is still affected by the 

 high ocean freight rates, which exceed the advance the foreign buyers are 

 willing to make on stocks, so that the e-xportcrs are still handicapped. 

 Meanwhile, however, stocks on the other side are being reduced, which 

 is desirable and promises well for the future. In the main the tone of the 

 export trade is improved. 



=-< COLUMBUS >• 



The hardwood trade in Columbus and central Ohio has been fairly 

 active during the past fortnight despite the approach of the semi-annual 

 inventory period. Both factories and yardmen are buying and the volume 

 of business is pretty evenly divided between the two. Prices generally 

 are well maintained and the outlook for the future is not considered bad 

 at all. 



One of the worst features of the trade is the increasing car shortage, 

 which is delaying shipments somewhat, especially on some of the southern 

 roads. Even worse than the car shortage, however, is the lack of motive 

 power and terminal fatuities which is delaying the movement of tbe 

 equipment on hand. The effect of the car shortage is to maintain prices 

 where other conditions might tend to decrease them. 



Factories engaged in manufacturing furniture, Implements and vehicles 

 arc the best buyers of hardwoods. Automobile concerns are buying the 

 wide sizes of poplar faster now. Dry stocks In the hands ot mill owners 

 are light which tends to maintain prices. Retailers' stocks are also light 

 and the policy of yardmen Is to buy only what is desired for immediate 

 needs. 



Oak, both quartered and plain, Is strong and the volume of trade Is 

 satisfactory. Both red and white oak are selling readily. Chestnut is also 

 strong, especially sound wormy. There is a better demand for poplar, 

 especially the lower grades. Basswood and ash are in good demand and 

 other hardwoods are unchanged. 



-< INDIANAPOLIS >• 



There has been a fairly active demand for hardwoods during the last 

 two weeks, the only discouraging feature being the fact that automobile 

 concerns have not been buying to any extent. Automobile companies 

 throughout the city and state are suffering from lack; of working capital, 

 due to credit limitations placed by banks. Four automobile companies 

 now are in the hands of receivers. 



Furniture and vehicle manufacturers report an excellent business, equal 

 to. If not better, than that of this time last year. Hardwood prices are 

 holding their own in this locality and while there has been some incon- 

 venience from car shortage, this has not affectf-d the trade seriously. 



=•< MEMPHIS >.= 



The hardwood market continues steady but the volume ot business Is a 

 little disappointing. The demand In some lines Is active but general 

 buying is not aggressive and lumber is not moving as freely as was antici- 

 pated. There is a free movement In the lower grades of Cottonwood and 

 gum. The box factories continue to do a large business and their needs 

 are quite full, with the result that prices arc well maintained. There 

 is likewise a good call for the lower grades of oak which are also bring- 

 ing relatively good prices. Offerings are not heavy. The upper grades 

 of oak have not eased much as to prices but the demand is only fairly 

 active and the movement is but moderate. Sap gum Is moving well and 

 prices arc held Arm. Red gum shows a better tone but no actual advance 

 has followed the recent conference held here. However, the disclosures 

 made at this conference regarding the comparatively small stocks on 

 sticks have caused holders to go a little more slowly in offering their 

 red gum. Much interest attaches to the adjourned meeting of red gum 

 manufacturers to be held here Nov. 15, at which time a permanent organi- 

 zation will be effected and it is expected that steps will be begun at that 

 time looking to a decidedly broader market for this wood. 



Ash is selling well In all grades. Cypress Is going all right In shops 



Mahogany and 

 Circassian 



Lumber & Veneers 



^ The largest assortment of finest figured 

 Mahogany Logs, Lumber and Veneers in 

 the country can be found at the Chicago 

 plant of C. L. Willey. 



^ We are just in receipt of fifteen cars of 

 remarkably superior Circassian Walnut 

 Logs, large size, well-figured and of good 

 color, which are now being cut into 

 Veneers. 



^ A visit or correspondence from discrim- 

 inating buyers of all varieties of fine Im- 

 ported and Domestic Cabinet Woods in 

 Lumber and Veneer is solicited. 



^ You will not only find the Willey ware- 

 houses well stocked with a superb collec- 

 tion of Circassian, Mahogany, Vermilion, 

 Black Walnut and other fancy foreign 

 and domestic lumber and veneers, but 

 buyers are assured of prompt and pains- 

 taking service, and a quality of product 

 not usually obtainable. 



^ To visit the plant take Blue Island Ave. 

 car at the postoffice to Robey Street. 



C. L. WILLEY, Chicago 



Largest Fancy Wood Veneer 

 and Lumber producing plant in the world 



