The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-07-26
BUSINESS MEN ELATED
LEADING INDIANAPOLIS MERCHANTS
BRING GLAD TIDINGS.
George w. Bliss sud Thomas f. Potter
Back from New YOrk-They Tell
of Trade Revival.

George w. Bliss, of Bliss, Swain G. Co..
propretors of the Progress clothing store.
has returned from New York city after a
two weeks stay. Much of his time was
spent in the wholesale districts of the me-
tropolis, chiefly among the clothing job
bers. From his observations and talks had
with dealers from all parts of the country
Mr.. Bliss returned to Indianapolis very
much encouraged as to the business out
look.
Il was greatly surprised" said Mr.. Bliss
to Journal reporter, "at the activity of
business in New York 1t indicates that
times are going to be better there at any
rate. 1 have not seen so many buyers be-
fore for four or five years. The manu-
facturers were themselves surprised at the
increased demand for wooden clothing. and
While the stocks they now have on hands
are being sold at the same figure we were
given to understand that we might expect
an increase in price on future orders.
Whether due to the increased demand, the
tarin or what not, prices will be somewhat
higher"
Some men believe. Mr.. Bliss" suggests ed
the reporter, that the new tariff schedule
VIII cause the price of clothing to go Way
up 40 you anticipate such a result?"
NOT at all; prices will never be so high
as they were, say five or six years ago.
Competition is too active. The advance i'm
price will be in the cloth. Take a wooden
cIoth that Sells for, say, 60 cents a yard.
An advance or 10 cents would mean a great
zeal TO the manufacturers, but would
harqly pe detected by the consumer Three
ydfdS or cloth make a suit. You can see
lot yourself that the selling price would
not be greatly increased. A suit of clothes
that we now sell for $40 might bring $ll,
but It is doubtful"
What impressed you most strongly In
CT g
1t was the large number of buyers.
Manufacturers We're not anxious to sell at
{ {ns ola prices, although they viii do so.
we We're informed that owing to the in
increased demand there would be some de-
lay in filling orders. but they will be filled in
comparatively reasonable time.
/ found manufacturers and business men
generally much encouraged. 1t is believed
mat the increased demand will make
thlngs better all along the line "A small
auVance IN prices means a good deal to the
mill men and their employees, while it is not
1elt TO any great degree. by the consumer.
A Few cents more on the yard increases the
protts OF the mill men and at the same time
enables them to pay their operatives better
wages 1t looks like laborers will be get
ting increased wages before long OF
course, this means better times all along
90 not want TO appear as too sanguine
put L feel satisfied that times will soon be
peter in every direction. Collections are
better everywhere. Here at home our July
business was the best of several years. The
spring business was far ahead of that of a
Thomas f. Potter, a leading hat manu-
Iacturer of Indianapolis returned from New
YORK city Saturday also much elated over
the cuisines soutlook in the East Mr. Pot
ter visits the metropolis two or three times
a year and is closely in touch with the com
mIercial interests of the country. On his
Iast VISIT ne saw unmistakable signs o. a
great business awakening.
L spent a month in New York this last
time said Mr.. Potter, and l am frank to
say L never saw more active indications of
general business revival. 1t can be seen
on all sides and in almost every line With
the bountiful crops we are promised a big
boom in the business world is a certainty
and it is not very far off, either