The Portland daily press., 1884-07-08

The Business. Outlook in Maine.

At the close of the first half of the year 1884
We find that the people Of this State, in com.
mon with nearly all sections of the country,
express general disappointment at the result of
trade and the general condition of business at
this time. A respondent tone seems to pre-
vail throughout many departments and many
traders and sagaclous business men lose sight
Of the fact that our whole people and common
country are in highly prosperous condition.
Traders in the principal markets of this
State must nearly all admit that the volume of
their business for the past six months has been
as large, and in most cases larger than for the
corresponding period in any previous year,
though sharper competition has doubtless cut
their margins down to nearly proftless bust
ness, in view of the expensive "machinery'
employed in these modern times to drum IN
custom.
Nevertheless. the use and consumption of
almost everything is steadily increasing
throughout the State, and the ability to pay
for Injuries seems to keep pace with the ten
dency to absorb, and when We look abroad over
our state and compare the condition of her
people, even in these "hard times" with the
modest wants and means of our fathers of the
last generation, 1t is not strange that they so
often now accuse their sons OF living like "na-
bobs."
These are things that are well to be remem-
bered by those who are disposed to "croak, ("
In taking retrospective view of the seasons
business, profits have not been as large, nor
money made with SO little effort as in some
former years, but no one has been pinched for
trade, work or employment of any kind to
the extent of "hard times" in this Slate.
Inere never was time in the history of
Maine when tie facilities for moving mer-
chandise were SO extensive and ample as they
oil npr fbo ok A.. =
rior, and all these facilities are in use and are
being steadily increased by the pressure for
more. This is an index of not only the steadi-
~ increasing trade, but the healthy growth of
all the manufactures within our borders, as
well as the agricultural interests OF the State.
which have received encouraging impetus In
the past year or two.
The influx of SO much pleasure travel has
had much to do in turning the attention of
our people to her possibilities as a great centre
for tourists, the good results of which are al
ready apparent in the improved condition of
her farms, the higher grade of stock and great
poultry interest, the latter not only rivaling
bot exceeding the dairy product. The increase
within year or two has been very large and
is growing rapidly. There has also been a
noticeable increase of sheep-raising in Maine,
which is regarded as profitable in many local.
tiles.
The crops are all looking well, including
grain, potatoes and fruits; chat of hay will
tNNSeSAJ
yield of say 100000 tons in the State, but
there is more than 20 per cent. of the old CROP
on hand. The great surplus of grain and low
prices prevailing throughout the year has held
the hay,market in depressed condition not
likely to pevail another year.
The fshing interest is steadily increasing
along our coast though suffering a depression
at times, consequent upon coliapses In other
Interests, and the result of reckless speculs-
tions; yet, carefully and judiciously managed,
1t is profitable and affords employment and
good training to large population.
The shipbuilding interests of the State have
!angulshed in the past two years. In the
future 1t is highly probable that more of our
surplus grain will be wanted by other conn
tries, and the class Of larger vessels and iron
steamships that for the past two or three wears
have been competing for the home carving
trade will be drawn off to their more legiti-
mate employment.
There is an apparent want of a feeling of
common interest among the people of Maine.
One section appears to be arrayed against an
other, in the competition for business, to snch
an extent that often the markets of other
States are sought for supplies, rather than to
try to keep all the trade possible within our
own borders. Rivalry should rise above the
suicidal policy of going to other States to rs--
'A"'e what can be as we'll supplied ar - N