The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-04-30
From the IN. ~ sam.
SPRING AND THE SPRING BUSINESS.

SPRING AND The SfhlNG bUSINESo.
We are often complaining of the heat Of summer,
the cold of winter the rough winds of March, and the
gloom of November but the beneficent wisdom that
has ordained these changes was never more apparent
than now. A precocious spring IS smiling around
us thick foliage already begins to cover the trees
the grass the public grounds in and about the city
is almost ready for the scythe the opening flowers
the bamy air. the songs OF birds remind that we are
far advanced in the most delightful season of the year
But we have glided into it imperceptbly we have
had no winter ; and we submit it to every reader
whether the enjoyment of the spring is half great
as when it bursts upon with the usual change from
q freezing atmosphere and wintry storms. Every one
will find ready answer in his own experienced sensa-
sations There is much less novelty and pleasure In
looking upon the green fields and flowing streams than
there would be II they had 1or mohths Deen WraPt In
snow and locked in ice.
Business too more even than pleasure, has felt the
want of cold winter. Our merchants have been tor
months prev to indescrbable horrors, because al
though the rivers were open IN al direcuons mere
was nothing doing 1t seemed to them as if the usual
season for business was passing away without any
results Depression and gloom prevailed on every side
A severe winter continuing until the common period
for it to break up would have prevented all this des-
nondency and what is still more important, 1t would
b.ve facilitated the movements of produce in the coun
try and been vastly beneficial to the spring trade In
the city.
However, we are happy to say that business has
now thoroughly awoke, and that too as early as usual
v.nced state of the season Our readers will remem-
her that several weeks ago we endeavored TO drive on
the unreasonable depression that appeared in all
quarters by showing that the trade of New York had
not and could not, come to an end, and that when
the proper time arrived, fair amount OF business
would be DONE Our position is now abundantly sus-
tanned The canals were open last week passengers
and produce Immediately began to pour into the city
from all directions the steamboats, come loaded to
their utmost capacity streets are thronged, our
hotels crowded. lfe activity and cheerfulness pervade
the mercantile community and as we predicted,
thrighter faces" are worn by all our business men
The change wrought within ten days appears almost
like magic.
Rut there was, as we have often remarked, some
oyer-trading year, and the penalty tor 1t must be
n.;d-conseuuently it must not be expected that a
very heavy business will be done this year. IL wil
reach medium extent but nothing more. The goods
hought last year are not all consumed, and what Is
worse they are not all paid for But the demand and
the d;snosition to sell will be somewhat diminished by
these facts.
The number of purchasers in the market IS, we un
derstand. as great as ever; but they generally buy
l;oht stocks with the intention OF repenishlng as
often as their wants may require. lhs Is sale ano
Economical way of doing business. Those who adopt
It will be more likely to sell and pay for all they buy
ana will prevent the accumulation OF unsaleaD goods
in their stores 1t will, however, probably lead to
another result in the city merchants instead OF
driving heavy and hazardous trade for two months,
and then doing nothing for two more, WILL IT most
lkely find themselves engaged IN moderate but
steady and healthy business during the whole summer
Snch il our opinion and that OF the many merchants
with whom we have conversed