The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-31
THE YEARS BUSINESS.
The Present Condition and the Outlook for
the Future.

The Present Condition and the Outlook for
the Future.
In the interviews with business men which
were published by the Journal year ago it was
generally predicted, from the indications at that
time that there would be an improvement in
trade during 1885. Some were more hopeful
than others, just as the outlook in some lines g,
trade was more encouraging than in others; but
no one supposed that the change for the better
would come like volcanic outbreak and moth
ing like what is called "boom" was expected
1t was generally agreed that there would be an
improvement for the reason that the rock bot
tom Of business had been reached, and if there
was any change it would be upward instead of
downward. The condition of business at the
close of the year is about what was
predicted, as will be shown by
the reports given by those engaged
in the different branches of trade. Some have
had an unusually prosperous year, and others
have very satisfactorily increased balance,
while few have not realized their expectations
The disappointment, however, is due more to
oversanguine expectations than to any fault in
the volume of business done. An average shows
that there has been a slight growth, while there
is very marked improvement in the present
condition of business The volume of trade has
been larger than it was in 1884 but the profits
have beer proportionately smaller The growth
has been of the most healthful kind--slow and
steady, with firm basis such as a continuously
active trade must be founded Upon A sudden
imitation is followed by sudden collapse, but a
steady growth, such as has been in progress in
Indianapolis during the last three years, gives
assurance that the future development of trade
may be relied upon
The depression in values has not affected
the general prosperity of the city to any
appreciate extent. Groceries and dry goods
are sold cheaper than ever before. On the whole
the cost of living has been reduced at least 10
per cent, but the wages paid to mechanics and
laborers are as high as they were three and four
years ago. There are more manufactures and
employment is given to many more persons. In
1884 there were BAT establishments in the city,
and there are now 49, an increase of 120, includ-
ing all kinds, within year. Employment was
given in 1884 to 10, 1l2 persons, male and female,
who were paid in wages the sum Of S.. 207, 900.
During 1885 there have been H. 1856 persons en-
ployed in the manufactures, and they
have been paid S., 8O8,O80 in wages.
There has been less idleness and
less suffering among the working classes,
and the depression in prices for the necessities
of life has contributed largely to their prosperity
being clear gain TO them of so much, because
they have not suffered corresponding reduction
in wages. large increase in the number and
membership of building and savings associations
gives further substantial proof of the general
prosperity of this class. The aggregate amount
expended in building improvements during the
year was not so large as in 1884, but there were
more dwelling houses erected, the number of
building permits issued by the city clerk show
ing an increase of more than 16O over the previ
Gus year. There is probably no city in the coun-
try where larger per cent of the mechanics
and laborers for small wages own homes than in
Indianapolis, which is one of the most reliable
evidences of the general prosperity of city.
There have been no disastrous failures during
the year, no manufacturing establishments have
suspended work, and. SO far as known, there
have been no heavy losses The cty's reputa-
ton has suffered from the bank failures in pre-
vious years, but the effect locally is rapidly dis
appearing, and more confidence is manifested
now than for many years. The greatest him
drance to a rapid revival it is claimed, is the
high value maintained on real estate by persons
who bought during the initiation period
and are unwilling to sell for less
than the greatly appreciated prices which
they then paid. 1t is claimed,
however that there is marked improvement in
the real-est market and there is now more Of
disposition to make investments of this char
acter than there has been for several years The
information gathered by the Journal, which is as
accurate as care and industry could make it, in
dicates that the condition of business in Indianap
oils is sound and healthful. The rock bottom
as business men call it, has been reached. and
trade generally is on firm basis. The deprecia
ton in values is low that there is danger of
loss on the present supply of stocks; the country
is full of agricultural products the movement of
which is sure to draw money into the
channels of trade there is little
fuctuation in the markets, which are
governed more by supply and demand than by
speculation. A revival in the manufacturing in
terests throughout the country indicates an i'm
proved tendency in prices. These are the con-
ditions which promise an improvement in bust
ness. The only thing feared is unwise legisla
ton by Congress. If there should be war in
Europe. there seams likely TO he there will