Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-01-23
Business Circles Nervous.

Vermont has been feeling the effects of
the hard times during the past few months
in some directions. Money has been UNI
usually tight and collections have been
discouragingly slow, although the volume
of trade has been well sustained. The
low price of many farm products; the lack
OF sleighing with the consequent paralysis
of numbering in many parts of the State,
and the uncertainty which prevails
throughout the country have combined to
modify the prosperity which our people
continued to enjoy while many other parts
of the country were in the midst of panic.
so that as a rule the present year has
not opened favoraby for our business
merit 1t Is a characteristic of Vermont
ers however, TO look on the brighter side
and a hopeful tone prevails, the general
opinion being that the years business
will be fully up to the standard, as re-
suit of brisker trade later in the season.
1t is evident though that the business
conditions prevailing in this section are
extremely favorable as compared with
the situation elsewhere. Business in the
large cities is apparently in that sensi-
tive, nervous condition in which the least
jar produces disorder and general APP
prehension. While the prospects of peace
have continued to increase the word comes
from New York that even the statement
of the sailing of England flying squadron
under sealed orders depressed stocks quite
noticeably In addition to this influence
there is apprehension as result of the
attitude of the silver men in the United
States Senate and the uncertainty re-
gardng the outcome of the bond sale.
1t Is true that tho syndicate's dissolution
was accompanied by distinct pledge that
the government would be warmly support
ed in every effort to maintain the national
credit and make the public loan success.
The fact remains that the legitimate
trades as we'll as the speculative markets
are waiting for the contamination of the
sale in state of fear that heavy gold
Withdrawals from the treasury may be
made before the bids are opened with an
increased stringency in the money market
as a result
There are indications of a greatly i'm
proved situation in the near future. how
ever. The success of the public loan seems
to be assured, and with its contamination
Will come the restoration of public con-
fidence to a marked degree, although a
full return cannot be reasonably expected
until the governments income is sufficient
to meet it's current obligations. The be-
lief is expressed that as soon as the silver
senators have made their set speeches
for the benefit of constituents, a marked
Improvement will take place in the situa-
ton in Congress
There is a better export demand for our
produots the railroads are in much bet
ter condition financially than at the be-
ginning of 1896; and there is no doubt
that If an increase in government revenues
is provided for, It will be easier to main
tain the gold reserve and improve the
nations credit at home and abroad. 1t
can be seen that there are a number Of
Ifs involved in the immediate future
Of business, especially when any improve
ment is looked for; but the theory of
probabilities IS almost wholly on the
right side, and that fact alone is often
worth much to business men.