shment of a system of government telegraph.
As yet no appropriation bills have been reported and the Ways and Means
committee has but recently organized into subcommittees and has not
begun the consideration of any subject. There is already business enough
before this Congress to keep it in continuous session for years.

MARKETS.

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. 123-1/4
4's reg., 1907 Q. Apr. 123-1/4
4-1/2's coupon, 1891 Q. Mar. 114-1/8
4-1/2's registered, 1891 Q. Mar. 114-1/8
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.

FLOUR was unchanged, the article not yet feeling the uncertain condition
of the wheat market.

Choice to favorite white winters $5 25@5 50
Fair to good brands of white winters 4 75@5 00
Good to choice red winters 5 00@5 50
Prime to choice springs 4 75@5 00
Good to choice export stock, in sacks, extras 4 25@4 50
Good to choice export stock, double extras 4 50@4 65
Fair to good Minnesota springs 4 50@4 75
Choice to fancy Minnesota springs 5 25@5 75
Patent springs