The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-07-31
SIGNS OF BETTER TIMES.

THERE is now an increased conf
dence in the business community,
and a more hopeful outlook than has
been known for some years past. We
are undoubtedly at the turn of the
tide and before many months, the de-
pressing conditions under which the
country has existed since 1898 will
have been overcome and better times
will be with us. The reports from
the Northwest are exceedingly en-
couraging. Splendid crops are as
sured, mortgages have been largely
reduced, and business is waking up
in all directions. The Western rail-
roads show increased earnings and
are already embarrassed for the want
of rolling stock to transport the great
crops of the coming season to the
seaports. One OF the wisest observers
of the times, Comptroller Eckels, in
recent interview says, aad his words
must have weight with all who with
himself study the signs of the times:
IAN investigation will show that
throughout the last five years people
have ceased specializing. have econo-
mized, and through more than living
within their incomes, have been enabled
to pay off many of their debts. In ten
years previous a different rule was OBJ
served. Everywhere it was evident that
extravaganza prevailed and indebted
ness was created. With increased ex-
travagance came increased debt. public
and private. resulting in the inevitable
end-a settling day.
THAT settling day, I hope, has passed.
Our excuses gave us a sort of low finan-
cial fever, with recurring periods of i'm
provement and relapses. 1t was impos-
sible to have got we'll in an instant and
it is equally impossible that there should
be return of complete prosperity in
moment Such thing is beyond the
power CT any law; but with the thor
ough cleansing we have had. there will
come about gradually feeling of safety
on the part of investors making invest
ments."
We are undoubtedly at the begin
ming of new era of business pros
perity. The farmers are said to be
buying freely of the best class of
machinery, indicating that they are
in prosperous condition and look
ing forward hopefully to the future.
They are assured of exceptionally
fine crops and better prices than for
years, and they will soon enjoy about
as favorable conditions as can be i'm
agined. Improved conditions are also
evident in all branches of trade and
business. Now that the tariff is set
tied, manufacturing will go forward
with rapid strides, and with a pros
pect of an early settlement of the
coal strike, the resumption of BUSH
ness would seem to be assured.
In little while the effect of the
improved times will be felt in all our
church relations. Our parishes will
start up in renewed vigor, and min
listers now destitute of employment
will have a call for their services.
We urge upon cur people not to be
backward in following up the signs
of arevival in the business world. Let
the hope and encouragement which
now prevails in business circles be
responded to by those in charge of
our religious interests. Let there be
a revival of church and parish inter
est to accompany the encouraging
aspects of the business world.
-"The Historical Christians" is the
name of a new political party in Hol-