davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
Sales Better than I'm 1902.


Very much more conclusive evidence Of
an increased movement Of merchandise
has been obtained for April by 'Dun's
Review" which has secured statements
from 357 business houses representing all
parts of the country east of the Rocky
Mountains, and all lines Of trade. cover
ing their sales in April, 1897, 1896 and
1892. Some houses reported actual fig
ures and others only percentages, but the
groupings OF both give very much the
same results. Assuming these replies to
be Indicative of the business of the coun-
try. the volume of sales last month was
only about 10 per cent less than in April,
1882, year Of more than usual pros
perty, and O per cent greater than in the
same month of 1896 In estimating the
value of this statement the decline in
prices must be considered. Since 1892
Sauerbeck's index figures show that the
decline las been a little under 10 per
cent; "Bradstreet's" index figures, CON
fined to this country, make it nearly IL
per cent In certain lines it has been
much heavier; "Dun's" states the decline
in iron ut 30 per cent, woolens 80, wool
81, and cottons 81 per cent. If the vol
ume of transactions has fallen off only
10 per cent, the actual amount of mer-
chandise handled must have been greater
than in 1S92.-Journal of Commerce
Dem).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
More democratic Testimony.

The Washington Post Dem.) certifies
to a marked business improvement AL
ready. 1t says: 1T is an undeniable fact
that there has been a great improvement
in business since the election" and adds
that the people who expect complete re-
vival Of business before the tariff rates
and schedules are settled are "insanelv
optimistic" Doubt as to tariff schedules.
it says, lis always demoralzing to man
ufacturers." People who are complain
ing that business does not revive as ran
idly as expected since the inauguration
of Mckinley should remember that a
tariff bill cannot be framed and passed In
n day. CT a month. and that nothing so un-
settles the business of the country ms
pending tariff legislation. The tendency
Of measure affecting imports and duties
upon many thousands of articles. must
lead manufacturers to delay production
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
Ipdustr,a, Conditions souna.

The New York Commercial Advertiser,
in its review of the markets, contends
that "the industrial conditions Of the
country are sound" for everywhere pro-
duction Is restricted to an amount COM
mensurate with the demands for consump-
ton, and with few exceptions stocks are
not being increased. On the contrary,
in many cases consumption appears to be
gaining on production. Another favora-
BILE sign is the absence of any great trade
combinations, such, for instance. as those
which until recently honeycombed the iron
and steel trade from top 20 bottom These
have gone, and trusts in other lines must
go out of business under the Supreme
Courts decision in the Trans-Missouri
case, leaving all markets free and open.
The consumer Is getting, and will con-
tinue to get the benefit of cheap iron ore.
cheap transportation and cheap raw ma
terials of all kinds. These changes place
the manufacturer in position to supply
a cheap product and still realize profit.
Minneapolis Tribune RepD.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
The Capital City Feel. II.

A reading of The Stars weekly review
of the real estate situation, printed to-
day, indicates how steadily progressive
is the return of prosperity TO this city.
There has been no sudden and unstable
boom" in values or in building opera
tions and hence what has been accom-
plished has been with greater guaran-
tee of permanence. The shiftings of cap
ital have all been inspired it would seem.
by feeling Of faith in the ultimate re-
coyery Of not only the city but the entire
country from the depression that has been
so marked for nearly four years. In con-
frmation of this view of the general sit
uation it is to be noted that the CONNER
cial agencies are this week reporting bust
ness to be improving all over the country.
Washington Star Qnd),
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
Merchants Ruyiny Goods.

The Tribune, in it's last weeks business
article, gave hint of the improved com
mercial conditions by quoting from New
York paper statement to the effect that
the city was filed with buyers from all
over the country. The summary of Dun's
reports indicates that the buyers were not
there merely to see the sights, but that
they actually bought, which is n good
proof that they had gagged the buying
ability of their respective constituencies
and were satisfied that they were fairly
prosperous. Such facts as these speak
louder than the most elaborate theorizing
ON the part of calamity howlers. Mime
apolis Tribune Rep.).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
More Testimony from the South.

Augusta people have very little reason
to complain of lack of prosperity just
at this juncture. The advance agent has
surely been here and left his card. AS
we understand prosperity, it is when there
Is sufficient employment to keep every
body making few dollars in order that
they can purchase the good things of life.
In another month or so there should not
be workingman in the city out of en-
ployment, providing, of course, that the
individual does not belong to the "sons
of rest" There is vast amount of work
on hand, which must benefit all classes
and conditions of people. When the la
boring man has employment he gets
money to spend and that money circulates
through the different channels of trade
until everybody has been benefited in
some way or other. Treat the advance
agent Hospitality that he may decide to
locate old General Prosperity in this
neighborhood. = Augusta (Ga.) News
Dem.).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
The Western Farmer prosperinr.

For the past several days The Call has
been publishing series of exclusive fruit
crop reports, both from the East and
California. They tell the story. They
show that the home crop will be scanty.
Good prices will follow as a natural re-
suit, and millions of Eastern money will
probably flow into California pockets later
on. And as prices for wheat bid fair to
keep up to a profitable plane 1t is safe TO
say that the California farmer will DO
better this year than for some years back.
When the farmer prospers the rest of the
community Hourishes; hence If present in
dications are realized we ought to enjoy
increased mercantile activity during the
rest of the year.-San Francisco Call
Rep.).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
Railroad Building Significant.

During 1896 the total number of miles
of new tracks laid by railroads in the
United States was but 1,SO2 miles, the
lowest figure known for twenty years.
The record for the year 1895 was practi-
cally the same, bringing to mind the stu
alton in 1875, when the country was just
recovering from great panic. and the
unprecedentedly low figure of LII miles
of new track was the record. Afterward
came a period of expansion. eliminating
in 1887 with the unprecedentedly high
figure of 1883 miles of new track con-
structed during that year, which was one
of great prosperity all over the country,
a prosperity which continued for several
successive years. And now comes the
Railway Age and predicts an immense
increase in railway building in 1897 over
the banner year in the history of railway
construction in this country.-Memphis
Scimitar Dem.)
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
The silver Press Admits II.

The Kansas City Star says that the
"Bryanite newspapers persist in reiter-
ating the statement that business is not
improving, and that idleness is increas-
ing" Perhaps the Star means Democratic
newspapers. If it does, it makes a mis-
statement when 1t says that they are re-
iterating the statement that business is
not improving. They know that business
Is improving. 1t always does in the
spring. That is historic. When you hear
an administration organ whining about
the Democratic newspapers pulling back
In the shafts you are listening to a siren
song to distract your attention from con-
ditions. OF course business is improving.
Omaha World-Herald (Silver Dem.).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
and dealers to delay their orders until the
new rates are known.
ch.erirr News for Farmers.

The Department of Agriculture is re-
ceiving very gratifying reports from the
farming community. The continuation
of high prices for wheat. the unusual
foreign demand for corn and the activity
among farmers in preparing TO make an
earnest experiment in the production OF
sugar beets, combine to make the condi-
ton among that class of population I'M
usually healthful and encouraging. Dol
lar wheat" for which farmers had scarce
ly dared to hope. was coincident with the
incoming of Mckinley, while the extraor-
binary demand for their corn adds TO their
general encouragement. Coupled with
this comes the activity and interest felt
in the experiments which are to be made
in all parts of the country in the produc-
ton of our own sugar, and 1t is apparent
that the farming community is not only
feeling the return of prosperity, but is
occupying its mind with cheerful
thoughts.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
The East Feels II. Too

In spite of the disturbing effects of the
10-cent decision In the Trans Missouri
Traffic Association case, there are many
encouraging features In the business All.
uation. Business failures are steadily
decreasing In number, while the advices
of the mercantile agencies disclose no
table Increase In the number of industrial
plants now in active operation. Over
100000 more men, according to the Penn
sylvania labor bureau, are nj work in
that State to-day than there were six
months ago, and corresponding improve
ment In the demand for labor has un-
doubtedly taken place In New England
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
MReyond AIIOn..tioun

Beyond all question, general business is
improving. We have this week more de-
cided indications Of the progress made.
Yet it is true that one can easily draw
too broad a conclusion from the more
manifest evidences. Buyers, for instance,
are seen to have increased in number in
all our markets. but their purchases still
show great conservatism, supplying only
Immediate wants. Current production in
the dry goods trade is believed TO be fully
absorbed now, but the old accumulations
have not been drawn down much yet
Probably the best trade outlook, andt by
far the most promising conditions, prevail
in the iron industry. Prices of steel and
iron in all their forms are now so low
that they could hardly be expected to 20
lower, while the demand for export of
rails, billets and pig helps the home mar
ket. The Iron Age says that the hope
full feeling in the iron trade is spreading
and in those departments which are close
to the raw material moderate advances
are being recorded. 1t adds that the total
tonnage placed thus far must be heavy
when it is considered that very large or
ders were booked during the halcyon
days Of the billet pool, and that now this
has been swelled by the volume of bust
ness done in track erial."-Financial
Chronicle Qnd).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
Tn. workmen Are co-operatinp.

More men are employed about Pittsburg
al present than have been the past year.
Despite the depression in prices, owing
to the dissolution of manufacturers and
jobbers' organizations, each seems to bend
more earnestly to the task of doing its
share to improve conditions. Never in
the history of labor have the workmen
been so reasonable The iron and steel
industry have had their share of pros
perity and gloom. Investors and manu-
facturers are confident that times will i'm
prove.-Pittsburg Gazette Qnd).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
Improved Dem nd in the West,

general survey of the business situa-
ton for the past week affords good
grounds for encouragement. The water
is leaving the Mississippi bottom lands,
and it will be possible, after all, TO raise
crops there. There is an improved de-
mnnd for goods at most of the great West
ern distributing centers, in spite of the
unreasonable GOODNESS of the weather.
There is better call for iron and steel.
but production is still ahead of consump-
tlon.-Boston journal Rep).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
The Testimony of the Press Is Unanimous in
Behalf Of This Fact.
Democratic, Republican, and Independent Pa
pers Testify to Business improvement.
Even the Calamity shriekers Are Compelled to Admit
Better Condition.

The following statements, gathered
from recent issues Of daily and weekly
papers in all parts Of the country, and
representing all political parties, relate
to the business condition in the United
States. They will repay a careful OK.
animation. 1t will be seen that the
editors. who have their hand on the
public pulse through their army Of re-
porters, news gatherers and financial
students, are unanimous. irrespective
OF politics, in the statement that bust
ness has improved and Is improving.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
A Steady Improvement.

The business situation as shown bv
current reports is certainly encouraging.
As an exchange remarks, though circum.
stances were against any decided improve.
ments in general business last week. stil,
there was noticeable continuation of the
slow and steady growth that has been
characteristic of business ever since tbe
November election.-Scranton Pa.) Trib-
une Rep).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
Climbing slowly but rercep.ib,y.

1t is the old story of slowly climbing
n very steep hill. Though steadily in
creasing," says Dun's Review, business
still is much below its volume in former
years Of prosperity" In 1892 we were
upon n pinnacle whence we surveyed the
world and counted the greater part as
tributary to our prosperity. We made
one stupendous blunder, and almost in
stantly fell into a slough of dependency
and adversely. 1t will take time and
labor and favorable circumstance to re-
gain our former position of supremacy.
But we are climbing upward. slowly. it
is true, but nevertheless perceptibly.-
Inter Ocean.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05

vance In the price of cotton, and the re-
sumption of more mills which use cotton
and wool. Additional boot and shoe fac
tories have resumed operations. though
taking orders at very low prices. The
tone of the commercial reports from near
ly every department of business is reas-
surfing. There is need of patience, how
ever, better times are coming. but by easy
marches. = Brooklyn Standardization
Rep.).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
Prosperity Stealing Upon the Country

prosperity stealing Upon the SountrN'
Is it possible that prosperity, has been
stealing upon the country unawares! For
many weeks past the reports of the COM
mercial agencies, though at times hopeful,
have been on the whole pervaded by n
lugubrious tone: but in their last weeks
review Dun & Co. break into the follow
ing Joyous strain: NEARLY all will be as
tonished TO learn that actual sales in
April by leading business houses in the
principal cities east of the Rocky Noun
tains average only about 10 per cent less
than in April, 1892. the year of the larg-
est business hitherto, and were per cent
more than in the same month last year"
This fact, the Review goes on to say, is
especially encouraging in view of the
great fall of prices within the past five
years.-Memphis Tribune (Rep).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
Factories and Railroads Busy.

The news which comes of the reopeninp
of factories in different parts of the coun,
try is certain sign of the approach of
better times. 1t is evident that the num-
per OF wage earners is steadily increasing.
Sales OF stocks are growing, and prices
are hrmiy maintained. At last there is
sign that railroad earnings, which have
been down to low figures for the past
twelve months. are on the upward turn
Globe-Democrat Rep.).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
and other manufacturing communities
New York Commercial Advertiser Rep.).
Return of "McKinrey Times"

The week just closed witnessed a steady
continuance of the favorable trade con-
ditions which were noted last week. The
break in the steel rail pool seems to have
been the sigma! for a general awakening
in all lines of productive activity. The
optimistic feeling in trade is not based on
mere rumors of promised assumptions of
business. but is founded on actual book
ings of large orders.-Times-Herald
Qnd).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
Bu.iness Barometers All Favorable.


The return of prosperity is what every
body is now looking for, and there are
few better indications of this return from
a local standpoint than the appearance
from day to day Of the hotel registers. The
wholesale houses in the larger cities never
send out their commercial travellers until
they are satisfied that the retail dealers
want goods, and in stringent times retail
merchants do not purchase more goods
than they are hopeful of selling. For sew
eral weeks past a member of The Leader
staff who calls at each of the local hotels
daily has noticed perceptble increase
in the arrivals. Hotel registers, while n
good criterion in the matter of business
prosperity, are not the only indications. 1t
is noticeable that railroad travel to Lex
ington is daily increasing. -Lexingto
Ky) Leader.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
Reports Very Epcour.c,n.

Reports of the commercial situation
made up to the close Of last week are
very encouraging. mo genuine or lasting
improvement" says "Dun's Review"
could come otherwise than slowly and
step by step. after such depression ms
the past four years have witnessed, and
the most hopeful feature of the situation
Is that the gain is so nearly devoid Of ele-
ments which involve unsoundness and
probable reaction" These reports show
a large Increase in sales of wool, an ad-
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
Bradstree,,. Reports Favorable.


In spite of the fact that the pendency
of tariff bill always unsettles trade and
manufacturing, the reports from the vari-
Gus parts Of the country are very encour-,
aging. Advices from all sections, espe-
cially the Mississippi; valley and the East
ern States, show improved business condi-
tons. Reports to Bradstreet's on May l
state that in Seattle trade is good and
shows an improvement over April of last
year." in San Francisco "the retail trade
is reported as fairly goods" in Nashville
'the local retail trade is somewhat I'M
proved" in Augusta "the retail trade Is
reported good" in st. Paul trade con-
tinues good in all lines in which the busy
season is not over, and collections are also
good" in Duluth, since the opening OF
navigation, there has been some improve
ment in general business" in Milwaukee
"the amount of business transacted is re-
ported of fair proportions, with prospects
better and collections slightly easier" in
St. Louis general trade shows slight
improvement, and collections are good;
in Louisville "a steady seasonable trade
is reported by jobbers in nearly all lines,
and collections are fairly good;' in Chi
cago general trade situation is improv-
ed slightly in Baltimore "the outlook for
the fall is encouraging" in Pittsburg
there has been a steady increase in the
volume of business" in Providence. X. l.,
cotton manufacturers who recently re-
duced their output have again started on
full time and capacity"
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
Good News from the "shoe Towns.'

Good News from the "shoe Towns."
Most of the shoe factories are now fair
ly well employed, and manufacturers evil
IDENTIFY have confidence that the improve
ment Ia business is to increase, as they
are buying supplies more freely. The
prices Of footwear show little change.
but the advance asked is more cheerfully
paid by the jobbers. The sales Of leather
show an increase, and values are main
tanned. The local manufacturers of mo-
rocco report an increased trade, and on
some grades the demand Is lively. Shoe
shipments hold up well. The forwardings
from Boston the past week, according to
the footings of the Shoe and Leather Re-
porter, were 79,OS7 cases, against 81, 254
cases last week, and ca, 127 cases for the
corresponding week last year. Since Jan.
l, the shipments have been S66,S26 cases.
against T02, 100 last year; an increase Of
1G4.027 cases for the business of 1897
Lynn (Mass) Item Qnd).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
Busine.. Moves For-.,

The evidences Of improvement in trade
prospects are undeniable, notwithstand.
ing the popular uncertainty as to what
the markets will demand after the tariff
rates have been established. The export
trade last week showed an increase Of
nearly half a million dollars over that of
the previous week.-Times- Herald 0bdl
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
rven rryan,s orean Admit. 1t.

Every Democratic newspaper in the
land admits that business is improving
and rejoices that it is so. Only organs
that support Republican administrations
rejoice when American business is pros
trate. This statement is backed up by the
proof. If the Star doubts it, let it search
the editorial pages of its Republican con-
temporaries, beginning about Jan. l, 1893,
and ending promptly on Nov. 4, 1896
Omaha World Herald bryan Dem).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
Improvement SLOW but Gradual,

From the commercial point Of view the
State is evidently working into better
shape. This does not appear so much on
the surface as in the undercurrent. 1t
is too gradual TO be observed by the gen.
eral run of people. But that there is a
real Improvement in the situation is ap-
parent to those whose business interests
lead them closest to the center of trade
activity.-San Francisco Call Rep.).
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-06-05
The "Heart of Geor-;.o R..pord.

INC 'Heart OF Scor-ia" Responds.
The figures which we herewith publish
are of the greatest Importance, as show
ing the vastly improved conditions in the
heart Of Georgia. We are quite sure that
the southern belt of counties can make
quite as good showing. Mr.. Douglas
does mot care to pose as an optimist,
but" he says, Figures speak for them
selves, and the conditions surrounding
us cannot be denied and should not be
misunderstood" He is free to confess
that we are not in the midst Of business
boom, nor do we want anything of that
kind, "but unless all indications under
my observation are misleading, we are
once more on level with a slow but
steady improvement" Nothing stands so
much in the way of business just now as
the calamity bowling press, and the war
cry of the Senate.-Macon (Ga.) Tele-
graph Dem.).