Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-05-30
The Condition Of nusiness.

On Monday the New York Times published
reports on the business outlook of the coun-
try from special correspondents in 81 States,
and representing all the more important cen
tres of trade and manufacture. The general
tenor of these adyices is very encouraging,
and while there is no indication of n return TO
the "nush" times which followed the close of
the war, evidence is abundant that a solid ba-
sis for Legitimate business operations has been
reached, that honest and persovering labor is
sure of its reward, and that there is slight oc-
casion for idleness among men who are will
ing to work.
According to the Timess summary Of. these
reports, New England manufactures appear to
have felt the revival Of business most strongly.
Except in one or two cases in Rhode Island
and Connecticut, factories are running on full
time, with brisk demand for their products.
Lumber mills are busy, but prices are low.
Jobbers report good spring trade. Sales arc
rapid but on small margin of profit. Re
tailers alone complain, being the last TO feel
the evidences of returning prosperity. Bust
ness is transacted on sounder basis. Less
credit is given and asked, and collections are
generally easy. Fewer idle men are to be
seen on the streets, owing to factory resump-
ton and emigration, and skilled labor is in
demand. Wages are lower.
What has been said of New England is true
of the Middle States. New manufactures are
being started in some places, low wages rem
dering possible the running of the works on n
lower scale of profits. One indication of the
=. i 1.
Confidence is expressed everywhere. The
loungers have gone West, and the skilled me
chanics who remain find work enough. As in
New England, the retailers are more cheerful
over prospects than present business.
In the Southern and Southwestern States
the general expression is very cheerful, South
Carolina only reporting trade dull. Virginia
finds great impetus given to tobacco manu-
featuring by the reduction of the tax. West
Virginia grumbles with glass and nail factories
in full blast, because profits are not 100 per
cent. The cotton States report reviving
business based on the promise of the crops.
The other States report good general feeling,
with the exception of Kentucky. In almost
every State building operations are brisk, and
hHhuCtn dIe growing hONuutI, as SHOWN III tne
payment of old debts and less desire for long
credits. New Orleans has some fear of n
quarantine which may embarrass business
Throughout the West the same evidences
of prosperity are shown, but are more self
asserting than in the South. No failures or
rumors of failures in trade collections tasy;
long credits neither offered nor askod--these
are the chief financial indications. All the
manufactures are busy. Those which sup.
ply material and tools for farmers and new
settlers are particularly favored with orders.
The millers of st. Louis only have shut down,
but for local reasons. Jobbers report that
trade has been in some places II per cent.
better than last year The retail trade again,
is the least affected by returning good times.
but the farmers are now hard at work and
have little time to spend in shopping. Build
ing is going on rapidly everywhere. Emf
grafton is very large-some of the more West
ern States even appear to feel crowded,
There is plenty of work everywhere, as one
correspondent says, for muscle and capital.