The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1895-01-16

itself, until the trade adapts itself to the new
conditions, itmay reduce the volume of bus
mess for while, and pr obably has been a
factor in reducing it during the latter part of
the past year, but when confidence is fully
restored it will be one of the improvements
that come from misfortune.
In the matter of collections, we have no
difficulty with the better class of customers,
the richer concerns, but the smaller dealers,
especially those somewhat removed from the
larger cities, are even less responsive than
they were in 1898, but as whole not any
worse than they were in 1894. This is prob
ably due to the fact that the cities were the
first to feel the depression and are again the
first to regain their footing. This of course
is quite natural, as they are the centers of
activity. With the return of the hopeful
outlook and the inspiration that it always
brings, its sympathy will be communicated
very soon to the dealers more remote from
the cities, and the activity thus begotten will
bring responsiveness as its legitimate result" :"
A. c. Williams, proprietor of the
SAD-IRoN WORKS,
one of the best industries of the place, was
opinion of the trend of trade. He said: I"
think the outlook is favorable for a large
volume of business, but one that will be done
on smaller margins. That seems to be the
universal opinion of business and CONNER
cial men with whom 1 have conversed or
otherwise come in contact. The irVn busi-
ness is think a good Indicator. The prices
on this commodity are lower than ever known
before, and the manufacturers in every part
of the country are either operating their
plants or are preparing to do so. In my
| opinion it is permanent step toward Euro
pean values, which are bound to prevail in
this country sooner or later. Manufacturers
must sell their goods for less money and the
| labor wage be correspondingly lessened. AS
| far as our business is concerned we are
making calculations on doing the largest
business in 1895 than we have ever done.
That will be due quite largely, however, to
| the greater variety of goods manufactured.
Collections are up to the average with US,
which means that they are first class. Our
trade, however, is largely with jobbers, and
| collections with them are always better than
| with retail customers even in normal times. u
III. w. Riddle, founder and Senior member
of the well known
RIDDLE COACH AND HEARsE Co,
was equally sanguine for the year. He said
regard the outlook as very much better
than it has been for two years. base my
opinion largely upon the eincreased volume of
mail matter received containing letters of in
quiry. We are receiving larger and earlier
NJ +Lo,, IL,
is disposition to "hurry up' things that is
an unfailing sign of returning prosperity.
Collections are much better than last season.
Money is freer. There is also tendency to
shorten credits, which of course is an i'm
provement. The only drawback I see to a
thorough business revival is the low prices
paid for farm products. But as whole, the
conditions are such that substantial restora-
ton to former commercial activity must nee
essarily ensue." At the
TURNER DYE WORKS
every spindle is busy and the establishment
is taxed to its utmost TO supply the orders
that are accumulating at rapid rate. Mr..
w. B. Luff, Superintendent, said "We
have orders sufficient to keen our wheels
turning uninterruptedly until June 1st, and
every mail adds to the number. Our COM
modify is selling at reduced prices, however,
and this will, 1 apprehend, be a permanent
feature of not only our business but of the
general business of the country. Collections
are slow but improving, and credits about
the same as last year. 1t is a little early in
our business, to determine what is in store
for us in 1895, but that it will be a vast i'm
provement over the past season is gratifying
ly manifest. AS for the country at large, I
regard it as settled beyond any uncertainty
that the year upon which we have just en-
tered will Danish the specter of financial and
industrial uncertainty and that business will
resume its wonted volume and character"