Omaha daily bee., 1896-10-25
CONDITION OF OMAHA'S TRADE
Demand for Some Lines Of Merchandise
Shows Improvement,
COLLECTIONS GENERALLY VERY SLOW
Merchants DO Not Expect Much Trade
UntiI Aftcr Election Excitement
f. Ovcr-Dnnk Reports
show Decreases.
COLLECTIONS GENERALLY VERY SLOW

There is no denying the fact that some
1obbers have been moving more energetic
ally during the past week than for some
time past at the same time the general
business situation is one OF waiting until
the election is over with. IL Is quite
plain that such changes as have
taken place in the condition OF
business recently have been on the
side Of Improvement, but as yet too
much Importance should not be attached
TO this for the reason that business is
spasmodic There are days when the situa-
ton looks very bright while at other times
the prospect is quite the reverse.
AS the season advances there is naturally
an increasing demand for season goods
and trade from that source can hardly be
ascribed TO a better feeling In the country
or to any Improvement in general condi-
lions. The harvesting of the corn crop, the
repair OF buildings designed to shelter stock
during the cold weather and the many
other operations on the farm incident 10
the season are bringing In "A flood OF small
orders for certain lines, which swell the
total volume of business In a jObbing way
TO quite respectable proportions.
AS will be inferred from the above, the
demand is largely for goods TO supply cur
rent wants only and orders are mostly very
small There is no inclination to anticipate
wants or lay in stocks with the expectation
that there will be call for the goods a few
weeks later on. The retail dealers of the
state seem TO feel that II is the better
policy to walt until the goods are wanted
and then order them.
The advances on some lines of farm
products have created a much better feel
ing In the country, as evidenced by letters
from members OF the retail trade through
out the state. There is feeling that after
all the farmers will get enough out Of
their crops TO pay up a good many old ac-
counts and have considerable left with
In No.
sections of the state collections are re-
ported as showing Improvement due TO
the money returning 20 farmers hands from
the sale OF grain and live stock. The job
bers Of the city. however do not see much
Improvement in this respect and are gem
crazy reporting collections as very back
ward.
The greatest disturbing element with
winch business has to contend is the DO
lluCal contest now so nearly ended When
this doubt is removed there ought TO he
nothing TO check confidence and business in
al lines ought to show steady improve
ment. People Of all classes have been
forced TO practice economy in so many
ways and dealers have been so extra cnu-
tous IN keeping stocks down to the lowest
possible unit that any signs Of a reaction
can hardly fail to cause an extraordinary
demand for all kinds OF merchandise. Man
their share OF the benefit and factories
their products.
BANK STATEMENTS.
A.S NuHpiIcileT OF the currency has Is
sued report showing the condition of the
national banks In Omaha ia October in
which the following items are enumerated:
RESOURCES. October 1896
Loans and discounts. ........... q ~, OH
Due from other national banks not re-
serve agents. ................... s-a 900
Due from state banks md bankers. 37q a.;
Due from approved reserve ngants...... qt4JOf
Lawful money reserve In banks.......... ?sss $50
Total resources. $40 s5s l7a
LIABILITIES, October. 1896
Capital { z IN an
Surplus fund ........,...... ~ s59 ,og
~ i"e. Pu.s, .'............,.. 70,T3
Due 10 other national banks............ . OSI esT
{ Que to state banks and bankers .....,. l7lgOl2
i''P'Si'S S. Ia 5S
Compare the above with the following. which
was the statement Of the conlI-ion ~ m
Omaha National banks October 1900:
RESOURCES. October. 1890
Loans ana discounts OIL 96 40
oNeruratts g. iaS Il
bonds ........................... 1880. 900 ca
Warrants. bonds ard mortgages 80. Is q92 n
Real estate furniture and nNtures.. $40 49, 50
Premiums on L, S. bonds.............. 1a7 SIS g.
Current expenses and taxes pnld..... as 734 M
oesh on 1882 l73 y
Redemption fund with u ;. treasur las %
Totals SOS 55i $40 4G
LIABILITIES. october. 1850
taptal 1900 0C0 O.
Surplus fund. 52S 600 On
Undivided PSI $50 o.
National bank notes outstanding. 3Ss 800 ~
deposits 1882 623 40
Totals sea s5i $40 a.
The banks ability to do business is based