Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1885-11-26
The following paragraphs are q

extract from an able article which
appeared in the Cincinnati Comerclat
Gazette of recent date, and which dis
cusses the business situation OF the
country in q cool and reasonable
manner and at once impresses the
reader that the writer possesses good,
soundjudgment:
1t is dificnlt to satisfy the average
business man, whether merchant or
manufacturer, with a moderate volume
of trade, even if it is fairly remuner-
ative, at least in this country, where
energy is at premium and the" max
ing haste to be rich" is too frequently
the all-absorbing ambition. Nothing
short of boom in the markets to
make a large increase in sales and
percentage of profits is accepted as the
desirable limit of prosperity. But it
should be considered that this cannot
be permanent, for there must be a
limit to an advance in prices, which
always stimulates production and
finally overstocks the markets and
produces reaction and a depression,
which brings stagnation and loss.
The recuperation in trade which is
now in progress has all the indications
of being healthful and permanent. 1t
has not been rapid, and it is not likely
to be overdone. Commodities which
have been selling below the cost OF
production have generally advanced in
price to where they can be produced
without loss, and in most instances at
q fair profit, and yet are cheap enough
to 20 steadily into consumption
Business has been lifted out of the
slough of despond and is now pro-
crossing on its journey, not without
meeting some obstacles, but with
ability to overcome them, pursue its
proper course and take in the legiti-
mate and moderate profits to which it
is entitled. There are some labor
troubles, but they are of limited sig
nifcance. and, for the most part, they
are such as might be avoided if it was
not for few persons whose occupation
would be gone if they did not stir
up trouble and contention between
workmen and their employers. Wa
ges have been higher than they are
now, but it is doubtful whether there
was ever time when the purchasing
value of wages was any larger; all OF
the prime necessities of life and most
of the comforts and lux uries are OBJ
tainable at much lower cost than
when higher wages were paid.
With material evidence of prosper
ity at home, we are sure to make
progress in the recuperation of bus
iness, although our foreign trade is
not wholly satisfactory, and although
prices are likely to remain upon a
comparatively low plane for an
indefinite time. We are happily free
from any entangling foreign com.
plications, and whatever may occur In
Eastern Europe-whether war breaks
out or peace continues between the
large powers or the smaller countries
our home trade cannot be disturbed
This country is large enough, and its
interests and industries are sufficiently
diversified to make an interchange OF
commodities within itself large In
volume, and a source of profit not
only to producers but to all who par
ticipate in the movement, of which
the transportation interest is the most
important. A prosperous condition
of our foreign commerce is greatly to
be desired, but we seem destined to
have good home trade in any event.
and the other will follow in the course
oftime.