The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30

We're it not that other circumstances
point to more cheerful prospect, this
revelation Of portion of our most 70
cent commercial history might well be
disheartening. But, Notwithstanding
these depressing figures, it docs not fail
to discriminate in very clear and able
manner between what is discouraging in
their statistics, and what are the indica.
tions OF an improved conditi n OF trade.
The following is M extract:
"Allowing for tue exaggeration with
which the hrst signs Of revival would
naturally DO enlarged upon, it is unde.
niable that in several OF the great sta
pies OF business there is increased &C.
tivity, with IN improvement in values,
sufficient to encourage the hope OF pro.
fit. Consequent upon those.indications,
there is everywhere apparent decided
increase III confidence, and this most es-
scntial element toward the return OF
prosperity is very perceptibly gaining
ground. 1t remains to DO seen whether
the gain i'll confidence is justified by the
extent OF the real aud actual improve.
ment in business, or how much OF the
improved feeling is to DO attributed to
'the wish that is father to tho thought.
sit is, however, very certain that all
the conditions fayor very considerable
movement in those branches OF trade
based upon the necessities OF the people,
aud especially in those articles which
they eat, drink and wear. The stocks OF
these articles in tho hands OF those
nearest tho consumer have been reduced
to,a minimum, not only because OF q
lessened demand aud restricted pur-
chasing power, but because OF such q
steady decline III prices, that to hold
many goods wis the Burest WY to lose
money. Prices had reached point at
which production was protitless, result.
ing III lessened quantities produced.
But the reaction has commenced. Thus,
demand, price aud supply seemed at the
lowest ebb, indicating as complete q re.
vGrsal OF the condition OF things OH tho
first Of September, 1876, as compared
with those Of the same date in 1873, rs
it was possible to Imagine. Tho oscilIa-
ton Of tile pendulum had been COM
pletc, from high prices, large stocks,
over production anl forced demand Oh
tho one verge-to reduced values, the
smallest stocks, diminished production,
aud n consumption limited only by OK.
act wants, on the other"
As to the condition of the commercial
community, the circular goes on to say:
"There is not only good deal to
show we ara nearer prosperous condi.
ton, but there are muuy proofs that the
heightened tlepressi IL has not produced
general exhaustion. The healthy con.
stitntiOn Of tho commercial organization
remains nnimpaired, aud it can well
afford to wait for the fultlllment OF the
better promise that now dawns. We
have suffered, il is true, but not organ.
ically; and therefore, it may be fairly
hoped, that when tho better times al
last arrive, the trade Of the country will
be found in healthy condition, with the
additional advantage OF many lessons
from tho period Of adversely through
which 1t bus passed. The vast majority
OF our merchants aud manufacturers
though they have suffered heavily, have
sustained themsclves'in spite OF the al
tered conditions Of business, and the
general stagnQtion Of trade. This power
OF resisting the continued strain has
been the hopeful feature OF tho past, M
it is now Of the future, when there arc
Indications, DO they ever 10 slight, oil
Improvement. Meantime, notwith
standing the reverses OF those in trade,
tho great bulk Of producers in agricul
tural regions have prospered. This yast
body, upon whose prosperity must be
based that Of all others IN this country,
have been exceptionally favored. Gooj
crops, bringing good prices, CHEAP
freights, reduced cost OF labor, and low
or prices for all supplies. hayo largely
increased their purchasing power, and
placed them in q position comparatively
independent OF tho adverse circum
stances prevailing in other classes"
The circular concludes with a caution
prudent merchants and bankers will mol
BIO slow to appreciate.
"1he Improvement in business
noticeable with IN the past month may
be regarded rs the first feeble intima.
ton Of this change. II would DO unsafe
to rely, however, too implicitly on the
expectation that hard times .aro over,
The" squirt in trade, which some term
the activity OF September, is not likely
10 be followed by o continuous revival