davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17

grumbler. If we look below the surface
and study the custom house exhibits we
will see that the balance of trade has been
IN favor of the United States for year.
taking this period as whole Under a
proper tariff we would not only enjoy the
prohts arising from this large balance
but those derived from greatly stimulat-
ed internal commerce as well. This fact
is well understood by business men, hence
their anxiety for the passage of suitable
tariff bill.-San Francisco Call (Rep.).
Hopeful Feeling Among Merchants.
The feeling of optimism is most notice
able in domestic merchandising. 1t is a
fact that the actual sales in April by
leading houses in each line of business in
the principal cities east of the Rocky
Mountains averaged only about 10 per
cent less than in April, 1892, the year Of
the largest business in our country's his
tory. Returns of failures for April show
a decrease in number, amount and aver
age of liabilities in almost every branch
of trade and in nearly all branches of
manufacture. The only clouds on the bus
mess horizon are the dilatory national
Senate and the various State Legisla-
lures that persist in remaining in session
and which operate as a serious disturb
ance to trade interests.-Chicago Times
Herald Qnd).
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
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 a few dollars in order that
they can purchase the good things of life.
In another month or so there should not
be a 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 Ia
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 islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
REPORTS Very Encouraging.

Reports of the commercial situation
made up to the close of last week are
very encouraging. No genuine or lasting
improvement" says "Dun's Review
could come otherwise than slowly and
step by step, after such depression as
the past four years have witnessed, and
the most hopeful feature Of the situation
i, that the gain is so nearly devoid of ele-
ments which involve unsoundness and
probable reaction" These reports show
q large increase in sales of wool, an adj
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
The "Heart of Geor TIA" Responds.

The "Heart of Geor TIA" Responds.
The figures which we herewith publish
are Of the greatest Importance, as shew-
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 a 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 a 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.
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
Mae pemocratic Test;monv.

Z The Washington Post Dem) certifies
to marked business improvement al
ready. 1t says: ut is an undeniable fact
that there has been great improvement
in business since the election" and adds
that the people who expect complete re-
yiyal of business before the tariff rates
and schedules are settled are "insanely
optimistic" Doubt as to tariff schedules,
it says, s'is always demoralizing to man
ufacturers- People who are complain
ing that business does not revive as rap
idly as expected since the Inauguration
Of Mckinley should remember that a
tariff bill cannot be framed and passed in
a day, or month, and that nothing SO un-
settles the business of the country as
pending tariff legislation. The pendency
of measure affecting imports and duties
upon many thousands of articles, must
lead manufacturers to delay production
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
Business Barometer. All Favorable.

Business 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 member of The Leader.
staff who calls at each of the local hotels
daily has noticed perceptible increase
liz the arrivals. Hotel registers, while
good criterion in the matter of business
prosperity, are not the only indications. 1t
lis noticeable that railroad travel to Lex
ington is daily Observation-Disclosures
(Ky.) Leader.
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17

Il II st su M,
mary of Finance and
Commerce. issued by
the Treasury De-
partment, contains
statistics and figures
some of which will
prove of much inter-
est to farmers and
I b o s e connected
with farm pursuits.
1t shows the imports
and exports of farm
products and the
amount Of such COM
modities that are be-
ing brought into the
country. Following
are some of tho
things shown in its
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
Railroad Euilding Significant.

During 1896 the total number of miles
OF new tracks laid by railroads in the
United States was but 1902 miles, the
lowest figure known for twenty years.
The record for the year 1895 was practi-
eally the same, bringing to mind the stu
alton in 1876, when the country was just
recovering from a great panic, and the
unprecedentedly low figure of I'LL miles
of new track was the record. Afterward
came period of expansion, eliminating
in. 1887 with the unprecedentedly high
figure of 1888 miles of new track con-
structed during that year, which was one
of great prosperity all over the country,
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.-Meplphis
Scimitar Oem.).
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
Southern Democratic Confidence.

Southern Democratic Confidence.
Week before last the Times Union made
a comparison, for the preceding week of
1897 and the corresponding week of 1896,
of the bank clearances Of the eighty-seven
principal commercial cities of the country,
and this comparison showed that the vol
ume of bank clearances of the Southern
cities had increased 40 per cent, while
that of the Northern cities had decreased
30 per cent Saturdays number of Dun's
Review published the bank clearances of
the fourteen leading commercial cities.
The bank clearances of the Southern
cities show a decrease in volume of only
$54S, 4O7, or less than l per cent, from
those of the prosperous year 1892. The
volume Of bank clearances of the North
ern cities, however, shows loss of $685.
$50, S21, or more than % per cent. This
is the record of only one week, and only
fourteen cities. 1t is but straw, but
when all straws point in one direction
they show positively how the wind is
blowing. Every indication shows well for
the South. If we may judge by bank
clearances, the Southern cities referred
to have practically recovered from the
panic.-Florida Times Union (Dem.).
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
and dealers to delay their orders until the
new rates are known.
Cheering News for Farmers.

Cheering 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 un-
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 it is apparent
that the farming community is not only
feeling the return of prosperity, but is
occupying its mind with cheerful
thoughts.
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17

Good News from the "Shoe Towns"
Most of the shoe factories are now fair
ly well employed, and manufacturers evil
IDENTITY have confidence that the improve
ment in 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 83 ,254
cases last veek. and 65, 127 cases for the
corresponding week last year. Since Jan.
l, the shipments have been see, 1876 cases,
against TOP, 799 last year; an increase of
164,O27 cases for the business of 1897
Lynn (Mass) Item Qnd.).
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
FACTS FOR FARMERS.
WHAT UNCLE SAM IS DOING IN
THEIR BEHALF.
showings a. to What the Agricnltur-
ists Are Receiving and Paying for
What They Raise and Consume-e
1mportations Flood the Country.

Crisp Washington Chat.
Special Washington correspondence:
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
Prosperity Stealing Upon the Country

Prosperity Stealing Upon the Country.
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 a
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 6 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 islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
The silver Press Admits It.

The Kansas City Star says that the
.Bryanite newspapers persist in reiter-
ating the statement that business is not
;mnroying. and that idleness is increas-
ing" Perhaps the Star means Democratic
newspapers. If it does, it makes mis-
statement when it says that they are re-
;terating 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 islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
Improved Demand in the West.

4 general survey of the business situa-
ton for the past week affords good
grounds for encouragement The water
Is leaving the Mississippi bottom lands,
aud it will be possible, after all, to raise
Tols there. There is an improved de-
naDd for goods at most of the great West
Tn distributing centers, in spite of the
m>eaSonable GOODNESS of the weather.
There IS better call for iron and steel,
bat production is still ahead of consump-
uon,-BoSton Journal Rep).
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
"Reyoud All Question"

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, and 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 go
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 busi-
ness done in track material. Financial
Chronicle Qnd).
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
The East Feels It, Too.

In spite of the disturbing effects of the
iO-cent decision in the Trans Missouri
Traffic Association case, there are many
encouraging features in the business sit
uation. Business failures are steadily
decreasing in number. while the adyices
of the mercantile agencies disclose mo-
table increase in the number of Industrial
plants now in active operation. Over
100 600 more men, according to the Penn
sylvania labor bureau, are at work in
that State to-day than there were six
months ago, and a corresponding improve
ment in the demand for labor has un-
doubleday taken place in New England
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
The South Respond. with Good Cheer.

The South Responds with Good Cheer
The Chronicles statements bear out
the facts presented to our readers yes
terday in an interview in our local de-
partment with Mr.. W. L. Douglas. man
ager of Dun's agency in Macon ''Tke re-
turn of prosperity" he says, SIS visible
on all sides. Wholesale dealers in nearly
all lines are all reporting an increase of
business over last year. All
houses dealing direct with the farmer will
tell you that collections were better last
fall than for long time prior to that.
Right here in Macon business appears
more substantial and in healthier condi-
ton thap could seriously have been ex-
pected some months ago."
In view of the deliberate and determine
ed efforts being made to discourage the
people; and worse, to involve the country
in war with more than one foreign pow
er. these reports. from the highest au-
thorities, are exceedingly hopeful and en-
couraging. Macon (Ga.) Telegraph
DEM.
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17

-rvrrz.x,. xrs,y rs<,Brznr DKID6Es,
Commissioner Of Public Lands.
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
Great Activity in Railway Building.

treat Activity in Railway Building.
If the disposition of railroads to extend
Their mileage he an indication of a re-
urn to prosperity, and if the statements
made by the Railway Age. the generally
accepted authority in regard to railroad
matters. be at all accurate, this desidera-
um may already be distinctly discerned
on the country's horizon.
lie Age. in recent issue, gives in tab
Elated form statistics of new mileage
either rready in process of construction.
or expected to be constructed during the
year 1897. The grand total represented
TINS table suggests a genuine boom i'll
mi'road building all over the country.
Inc total thus given reaches the startling
lsufe OF Ii. 500 miles of new track as the
MooahIe record for the present year.
memphis Scimitar tDem).
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
BUSINESS is IMPROVING.
Cheering Reports from Every Section
-o> ofthe Country.
TIE 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 islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17

Alpans Tabules: one gives relief,
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17

IT %htening On the Pacific Coast.
= spite Of the occasional sheer of Pop
.1uc Philosophers that the dawn of
SspeFlty is being strangely delayed. it
' "a. be denied that the trade situation
shlening and that business is better
ku II 1896. The exports of produce
- The United States thus far this year
-" al Increase of $144,000. 900 over the
s.-e period IN 1896, which is gain
Rough TO satisfy the most exscting
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17

Eipans Tabules: pleasant laxative.
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17
Good Crop Prospects and Good Prices.

wood Crop Prospects and Good Prices.
HE prospect is highly encouraging TO
he Northwest. OF course, the crop is not
Ee' harvested, and will be subject to the
usual contingencies which sometimes blast
ue hopes of the husbandman; but the
Tact remains that crop well started. with
la'orab,e soil and climatic conditions. al
rroSt invariably turns out well. The
'"hWest this year faces the pleasing
ilooability of good crop and good prices;
IF II is hardly possible that even phe-
-uienaI Weld of spring wheat in this
seton can force prices down to the old
N Plane. with available supplies so near
exhausted and the probability of less
ISn average crop in the rest of the
'OFld. Minneapolis Tribune (Rep).
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17

Co, recommended Chamberiain's Fam
The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-06-17

Bettsr Times at east in Sight
ne report made by r. G. Dun & Co. s
que review, showing an activity in le-
'0hate business transactions during the
.t.>t month. little short of that during
]pFA' is''2. the year of the largest bust
10Y emphasizes the cheerfulness of the
resent business outlook and points to the
slcluSl N that the good times which have
~ sa predicted through many weary
gIsI'A> of waiting are al least in sight
sllph!S Scimtar tDem1.
The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1897-01-20

zero, if protected by foot OF water
and ice. When grown in tubs they
should be wintered in the cellar.
My friend fills tub half full of
very rich soil and plants the root,
then fills to the top with water, and
as fast as the water evapOrates fills 1T
up. This she sets in a sunny place
they must have plenty of sunshine
and watches for the leaves to make
their appearance, which will be in
about two weeks. They bloom con-
tinually from July to October, and
such blooms! The flowers on hers are
a bright pink, measuring from eight
to ten inches across. These are borne
on stems two or three feet long. The
leaves are magnificent. When we'll
grown they are from twenty to thir-
ty inches across.
My friend is fond of growing a To-
tus in large tub, bordering with
water hyacinth. She also grows the
water poppy. This has small oval
leaves and large, snowy flowers of a
bright lemon color.-How to Grow
Flowers.
The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1897-01-20

moisture and protection for their per-
feet termination in early spring,
when each seed puts up pair of
bright crimson leaves. These increase
in size and number each year, not
blooming until the fourth year, and
then give little indication of their ulti-
mate size or color.
If well cultivated and enriched each
fall with heavy mulch from the sta-
bic, they improve each year until the
best doubles are one-half spheres of
eight inches diameter, being both in
solid colOrs, or a mixture, some with
spots or streaks, and six of those inn
mense flowers to each stalk. The
best, in fact, that we have ever seen
were of those chance seedlings.
When the buds have formed in
spring, the central stalks should be
staked in an upright position and the
others supported to prevent their
dropping to the ground when filled
with rain.-How to Grow Flowers.
The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1897-01-20
CATARRH CANNOT BE CURED

with Local Applications, as they can
not reach the seat of the disease. Ca
tarrh is a blood or constitu tional dis
ease, and in order to cure ut you must
take internal remedies. HALLS Ca
tarrh Cure is not quack medicine. 1t
was prescribed by one of the best
physicians i'm this country for years,
and is a regular prescription. 1t is
composed of the best tonics known,
combined with the best blood prri-
fers, acting directly on the mucous
surfaces. The perfect combination of
the two ingredients is what produces
such wonderful results in curing Ca
tarrh. Send for testimonials, free.
Toledo, o.
F. J CHENEY & CO., Props,
Sold by all druggists, price 75c.
Halls Family Pills are the best.
The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1897-01-20

Violet beds and borders should be
in sunny places and well drained
Near the sitting room, parlor and din
ing room windows the permanent vio-
let beds will delight the senses of the
family by voluntary offerings of
sweet incense. No perfume can be
more exquisite than that of freshly
blown violets on the pure invigorat-
ing air of a wintry day, moderately
warmed by the bright sunshine from
cloudless sky.-Ex.