Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-11-11
CHICAGO AFTER THE FAIR.
No Violent Reaction in business and
Trades Expected.

1t Is not at all probable, SAYS the (,hica 90
Herald, that there will be a serious COLLAPSE
of business in Chicago after the close of the
fair. There will be a relaxation from the
high nervous activities of the year The
fair was the elimination of three extraor-
dinarily busy years in the building trades
and In general commerce. both wholesale
and retail. Over $4,000 600 was expended
during that period for the purchase of ma
terials and for construction within the fair
grounds. 1t has been estimated that half
as much more money was expended In erect
ing and equipping buildings in the worlds
fair district for hotels, places of amuse-
ment restaurants and other purposes.
This immense expenditure made Chicago
vast hive of industry in every pursuit
which earnest human endeavor follows. The
distribution Of so much money stimulated
every enterprise. 1t was felt in the great
marts and exchanges and in the smallest
Industries. The wholesalers and retailers
In the larger and in the minor stores the
banks, the hotels, the theaters, the restau-
rants, saw active times. The boarding
house industry prospered beyond all prece-
dent The saloons, the barber shops, the
fruit stands, the bootblack stands-all
reaped harvest. The millions of strangers
who have come to Chicago during the sum
mer and autumn to see the fair have swelled
the tide of money circulation and contrib
uted to the immense prosperity of Chicago
as 1t approaches the end of the Columbian
anniversary. AS a consequence the money
panic was felt but little here
1t might be supposed that a reaction would
inevitably follow this period of commercial
and Industrial excitement. Usually a reac-
ton in the forces of nature or in any move
ment Is approximately equal to the previous
superficial activity. The extent of the de-
preston is nearly as great as the extent of
the exaltation which IL follows. But there
will be no such violent reaction in the bus
mess and trades of Chicago. Some effects
will be produced, but they will not be seri-
Gus or lasting.
have received at this great commercial and
Industrial center will prevent a sudden
shock OF stoppage. The momentum will
lessen gradually, but a sudden change from
the rush and push Of affairs to complete or
partial stagnation will not occur. The hurry
burly will be less. The streets will be less
crowded. Sales at the stores will decrease
somewhat. There will not be quietude: but
something like the orderly hurry and WELL
regulated rush OF previous years-greater by
several degrees-will succeed the indescrib-
able whirlwind and tempest of activity
which the months of the fair have witnessed
But Chicago will be Chicago still, In all the
elements of its commercial and municipal
greatness and prosperity.
For time building operations will be less
In extent and cost. The Industries interest
ed in the construction Of business and res
idence buildings will experience a period
of comparative dizziness. The domestic en-
pigments will diminish in number and ex-
tent, and wages will be reduced. All the
lines Of business which prosper from the
patronage of strangers will have an interval
Of depression. Rents in some parts of the
city will be lowered. The boarding houses
and hotels will lose some custom. The
theaters and other places of amusement
will not be visited by such throngs. But all
this will hardly amount to a check on the
prosperity and growth OF Chicago. The gen.
eral revival of business throughout the
country will be felt here the same as else
where. The fruits of the great work OF the
fair win remain, and will not depreciate in
value.