FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL.
Office of The Prairie Farmer,
Chicago. Jan 15, 1884.
There is an increased financial activity over last week. Bankers, on Monday, felt quite certain of a brisk week and were correspondingly cheerful. Interest rates are unchanged, being 6 and 7 per cent.
Eastern exchange sold between banks at 60@70c per $1,000 premium, and closed firm.
There is no change in Government securities.
The New York stock market was weak, and it is reported that the New York millionaires such as Gould, Vanderbilt, Sage, etc., have suffered to the extent of several millions each by the late general shrinkage in the value of stocks. Nevertheless, it is in such times as these that the Vanderbilts of the country reap their richest harvests. They have money to buy depressed stock with, and when the wheel turns their investments again add to their wealth. The little fellows have to sacrifice all their cash and then go to the wall.
Government securities are as follows:
| 4's coupons, 1907 | Q. Apr. | 123¼ |
| 4's reg., 1907 | Q. Apr. | 123¼ |
| 4½'s coupon, 1891 | Q. Mar. | 1141/8 |
| 4½'s registered, 1891 | Q. Mar. | 1141/8 |
| 3's registered | Q. Mar. | 100 |
GRAIN AND PROVISIONS.
There was more of a speculative feeling in the Chicago grain and provision markets yesterday than for some time. There was something of a recovery from the panicky feeling of Saturday, when the bulls had complete charge of the prices, but there was no advance.