The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-31

doubtless be general advance in prices, but
otherwise, nothing more than gradual growth
from the present solid basis of trade, with
possibly slight improvement in the markets IS
expected during the first few months of the newt
year. In substance, these are the views
of the business men who have been interviewed
by the Journal. With few exceptions. all think
that 1886 will be more prosperous year for In
dianapols than 1885, and the opinion prevails
generally that business now has decidedly an
upward tendency.
A BUSINESS MANS OBSERVATIONS
In speaking of the prospects of the future a
prominent business man, whose views are gen.
orally regarded as very nearly correct says "the
outlook is certainly bright; never, perhaps, has
it been brighter. For eighteen months or two
years there has been depressing dizziness in all
branches of trade, and this depression has cast a
na actual %s Monsy "h Sas s
have been cogged and in many places stopped
entirely. Distrust and doubt have stalked like
grim specters in the busiest marts, driving some
To- 70 srstractlon, some to dsmay, and few to ruin
Inere has been no panic. no crash no collapse
only sort of gloomy shadow, over
hanging heavy lifeless atmosphere, PEN
etratlnc everywhere under which and
In which the heart of business has beat feebly
ana the current OF prosperity has run with less
than its accustomed vigor. The cause which
ssuperinduced and the features which have COM
olned to maintain this state of things are sub
lects over which political economists may pom
DER. It's enough for the business man to know
he has endured as best he could
their influence, and that he now halls in glad
relief the unmistakable indications that the
reign OF depression and dullness is over. The
CONVICTION that the coming year is to be one of
great, ii not one of remarkable, business activ-
lty, has already fully seized those who, by reason
OF their contiguity to the controlling centers
tnose whose long experience and keen penetra
ton enable them to forecast the state Of trade.
These are not the vaporings of oYersanguine
optimists nor the valueless representations of
theorists and visionists. On the contrary it is
the calm conviction of those whose interests,
whose habits and whose instincts lead them
to weigh carefully, discriminate wisely
observatlve on the part of any one to discover in
the condition of things around him that the tide
OF returning prosperity has already set in.
Nv hat do you regard as these favorable con-
ditions?"
1.-THE increasing activity of the centers Of trade,
the influx OF money to its channels, and more
markedly the large preparations which are being
made everywhere in anticipation of the demand
OF the near future. For example, it is manifest
the manufacturing industries are now recover
ing from the stupor into which contracted opera
tons for the last ter years have plunged them.
In the iron interests, an industry that is the
first to feel and the first to respond to COM
mercial stringency, such vigor prevails Ell
ready as has seldom been surpassed Re-
ports from all quarters agree. Blast furnaces,
rolling mills, and all the foundries in the crea-
ton of iron and steel products running at
the highest possible pitch Of their facilities. 1t
is reported that many of the larger Of these mills
are running double the usual number of en-
ployes, and putting in double time. The presi
dent of the largest steel mill in this country is
reported as saying recently, that they have sufi-
cient future orders already booked to require
full years work with a double force of men.
From other mills similar reports are heard.
Closely connected with and partly contingent
to this is another fact Railroad building, which
has been almost at stand still for two years.
has revived largely and vigorously. There
are more railroad lines projecting and
more contracts for building are
vious one. This means that the companies are
extending their lines because there is demand
for enlarged facilities for transportation. 1t
means that there are such immense quantities
Of commodities to be moved in the near future
that even the present enormous moving power
Of railways will be wholly inadequate These
are the large orders and active operations OF the
mills and foundries. There is another thing
There is an immense visible supply of cereals
stored IN the granaries of the country. The last
year has been fruitful one averaging the coun
try over. There is no danger of any scarcity.
All this vast quantity of grain and
produce will soon be moving to
the markets. There is still another
factor. The year 1885 has witnessed large
migration to the'new lands. West and North
west. Thousands of new farms were laid out,
and PREPARATIONS are being made for crops the
coming season from lands that heretofore have
been barren and unproductive. All this means
renewed confidence in the producing classes.
1t means a stirring of business in the stable
and reliable channels"