Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1874-11-25
Business Prospects.

single event, though it were of the
very remarkable character of the cleo
tons, would Immediately change the
aspects of business and beget sud
den revival. The operations Of trade
it need not be observed, are conduct
ed upon no impulsive basis, but are
slow and steady, and to be studied for
the most part in their tendencies.
The situation could not be reasonably
expected to change in day or month,
there are too many conditions and
circumstances to be allowed which
involve time as an essential factor in
the problem. Yet a striking event
like a complete change in the popular
sentiment on the administration of
public affairs ought to produce its
visible effect on the business commu-
nifty, and particularly at the great bust
ness centres to which it is in the habit
Of looking for financial suggestions,
if not for guidance. And the favor
able citations which have been made
in our financial columns from the
journals which speak with accuracy
and authority for these centres OF
business, certify to the influence al
ready manifested there and soon to be
felt in all parts of the country. The
chief point is the restoration Of conf
dence, and on that point there APP
pears to be no dispute. Men of all
parties are agreed that change is
at hand in the management of the
public finances and the restoration of
peace throughout the country. 1t is
this feeling that gives fresh start TO
the general confidence, and trade re-
wives gradually under its effect as
surely as the grass starts under the
shining of the Spring sun. People
believe that som ething is at last go
ing to be done for bringing back
hard-money currency, and for restor-
ing the South to the North as its most,
profitable customer.
The latter consideration is hardly
less important than any other. In so
extended a country. of such varied
productions and interests, it is impos-
sible that one section should prosper
while the other is PROSTATE. Nature
has so intermarried our very necessi-
ties that even if we were under separ-
ate governments it would be essential
to the stability Of any that peace
should be maintained for the sake Of
profitable trade intercourse. It's now
believed that carpet-bag tyranny will
come to an end and the South be per-
mitted to regain its position by that
experience which no outside govern
ment can provide. This is great
point gained for the future, and the
common hope rivives in consequence
of it. When to this is added the con.
viction that in the next House of Rep
resentatives must set itself at work to
frame system Of financial reform, in
Guiding q thorough modification of
the tariff, the reduction of public ex-
penditures, and the shaping Of plan
for the restoration of specie payments
there is every good reason for cherish
ing hope for the future, and therefore
for better feeling in the business
community to-day. Perhaps nothing
will be done at the approaching short
session of Congress-certainly moth
ing that can aspire to be called a sys-
tenn but the reasons are many and
strong for believing that the inaugur-
alton of sound reform legislation by
the House Of Representatives cannot
be successfully thawarted by an Ad-
ministration Senate or a hostile Ex-
ecutive, both being supposed to be
still sensitive in greater or less de-
gree to the honest judgement of the
country. The good done to business
by the result of the elections is in the
clearing Of the atmosphere, the dis
placement of incapable and corrupt
men in Congress, and especially in
the revival of faith in the good old
Democratic doctrine of hard money.
1t is because business men begin to
see the red rock on which prosperity
is based-a sound currency-that
they sound the watchwords of hope
and confidence again Boston Semi
Weekly Post.
The OLD & New for December