The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1897-09-25

tlons there was no falling on IN the
trade. There was q marked shrinkagel
during the fall owing, probably to
the interest which conferred IN the
presidential election, but there was
sufficient Improvement in the spring
and hummer trade to Offset this.
Through the months beginning with
March to the present time there has
been Is distinct improvement in con-
ditions. and the prospects for q com
Ffinuation OF the excellent fail trade
are promising
There has been a marked attempt
made during the year to evade new
territory with such admirable results
that the business of 1897 will be far
the best on record in this line. This
statement comes from d reliable
source. andmay be given as authentic.
Cape G~irareeau's dry good shouses,
are among the best to be found in the
State, they carry fun lines of every
grade and quality Of goods manufac-
tured. The prices are as low as the
lowest. and in volume of business
done, can compare favorable with
cities of larger size.
CLOTHING.
CAPE GIRARDEAU is beginning
~ to have a little boomin the job
bling and manufacturing OF clothing.
While in former years this has not
been regarded as one of this city's
Industries, it has reached a point
where 1t is not tobe sighted. The con-
sumers are beginning to realize that
clothing can be purchased here that is
manufactured in Cape Girardeau that
compares very fayorably with that of
other cities.
Most all. OF the larger houses have
clothing made expressly for their
trade, and orders are in order months
before goods are required. Clothing
has never in its history been as cheap
as now and no man can be excused
for his shabby appearance, when con-
ditions arc such, that clothing is al
most given away.
BOOTS AND SHOES.
DURING the first half of the year
1897 the boot and shoe trade
made a splendid showing. The burst
ing of the leather imitation bubble,
which lifted shoe prices so high in
1895 was followed by a sever depres-
sion, which forced downward the
price of shoes in 1896. A stiff leather
market forced an issue early this
year and moderate advances were
made necessary. Notwithstanding
the many disadvantages and depress-
ing Influences under which they have
labored, the shoe men have succeeded
beyond expectation in making a rec
ord that will compare with the best
years record,
Cape Girardeau enjoys many adj
rantages as a shoe market, her close
proximity to the centre oil the shoe
trade, and cheap transportation, quick
facility for handling trade, and large
assortments make this a desirable
market.
HATS AND CAPS.
HATS and caps are booming beyond
~ the widest dreams of the most
sanguine. One firm. which may safely
be taken as a standard of estimate,
has an increase OF business thus far
in August of 81 Q cent over the bus
inessu of August. 1855. July's business
was 81 e cent ahead of last wear
June's 30 per cent and Mays was u
rtcoEU-Srcdhef ueing ~ pef CENT
ahead Of the business done in May,
1896. This is a phenomenal showing.
and one that leaves no room for doubt
that prosperity is no longer on the
way: but is already here.
These figures, although they stand
for only one firm, fairly represent the
Increase OF business enjoyed by all
other firms in the city.
Cape Girardeau has considerable
i0bbing trade in shis line and the out
look for acquisition OF new territory
WAS never better.