davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
Slow but Sure.

A slow but steady gain in business with
an advance in prices. an increase in the
number of hands employed and growth of
new orders. and an increase in the amount
of work done are pointed out by ''Dun's
Review in it's last issue renewed evil
dence that business is improving A study
of the newspaper sentiment of the country
as expressed in the publications of all
sentiments shows concurrence in the
belief TINS expressed that there is a mark
ed and general Improvement in the bust
ness situation.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
Faith I. Looking IN.

According to Dun & Co, the business
conditions are gradually shaping them
selves about the same as they were in
1879 just previous to n remarka BILE ad-
vance in business prosperity. This view
may be of the roseate order, but it is base
on facts and figures which the able re-
porter thinks justify it. 1t seems almost
incredible that the volume of business is
now larger than it was in 1S92-the year
of greatest prosperity-yet such is the
verdict of Dun & Co. But the volume of
profits is much smaller. making the vol
ume of prosperity correspondingiy less.
A very large share of the present volume
of business is the importation of foreign
goods under free trade and low tariff
schedules. This harms rather than helps
American enterprises and the labor there
in employed. or which ought to be therein
employed. We may do a tremendous
business in flooding our markets with
foreign goods to the exclusion of the pro-
ducts of our own labor. but there is no
prosperity TO our country in that kind of
business. Last months record of bust
ness failures is decidedly encoura ging
showing. as it does. a large decrease in
compa rison with previous and correspond
ing months--Detroit Journal Rep.).
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
The Frightening Outlook.

Democrat and anti-protectionist though
he is. Senator German is too good a poll
tician and too shrewd a business man to
maintain hopeless resista nee to the Re-
publican tariff bill. There is new hope in
this for every legitimate branch of bust
ness 1t means that it will not be neces-
sary to wait until autumn to get taste
of better times. 1t means that the new
tariff will have longer period in which
to work out it's results and vindicate itself
before being put to the test of a congress
sional election. This prospect that the
new tariff will go into effect with the fiscal
year is a bad thing for Organism. but it
is good thing for the merchant, the man
ufacturer. the farmer and the wage earn
er.-Boston Journal CRep)-
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
Lumber Men Encour.pe..

In the opinion of the lumber men. their
market is gradually and steadily getting
around to the point where profits can
once more be expected. Sales are increas-
ing at a rate which. though not rapid. is
nevertheless encouraging. Heavy dealers
now see in the situation sufficient TO JUS
tify them in laying in liberal stocks, and
very large transfers to them have recent
" been made at leading mill points To a
purchase of 100000 feet. made in the
latter part of May, large local yard man
added another purchase of 22,OOO, 600
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
Good sigma

That business is getting better is evil
dent from many signs. The financial re-
views and commercial agencies publish
reports from all parts of the country
which indicate this The reports of rail-
roads show increased earnings over those
of the same period last year. Another
significant and hopeful sign is the fact
that the money now in circulation in this
country is $13S. 149. 612 more than the cir
culation one year ago. the total amount
in circulation last Saturday being 81
6o9. I33, S95- The absence of specula tix q
interest is not unmixed evil 1t indi-
ca ties that what improvement is taking
place in business is healthful.-Atlanta
Journal Dem.).
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10

if his friends. through concerted move
ment. were to make point of telling him
every time they met him how sick he look
ed. The magma ton is powerful motor
When every body one meets talks of hard
times. a tinge of melancholy is created
which overspreads the whole community
This cloud can he diSsipated by cheerful
talk and by considering the really faSora-
BILE factors of the n---alinneapolis
Tribune Rep.).
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10

%
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ieHnD
9th
in matters a an the tot bo b
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
Nearly Up to the staud,rd.

The volume of actual transactions is nor
in value a tenth smaller than it was in
the years of the greatest prosperity ever
attained in the United States, aIthoup oh
the volume of payments now represents
a much lower range of prices This de-
crease. whether a little more or less. ia
greatly to be regretted. but it is NOT
paralysis. Whatever else may be with
reason said of the difficulties in the wav
of industrial recovery. it cannot be sa id
that business is paralyzed when the earn
ings of all railroads reported for May ara
only 2-3 per cent smaller than in the Same
month of 1S92.-New York Tribune
(Rep-).
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
Every Man Fee1.It

in Kansas City who does not feel more
cheerful over present conditions and fu-
ture prospects than he has felt for many
years The great majority recognize that
the movement towards better times is well
under way, not by reason of Mr.. McKin-
iey's election or because of the promise of
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10

The gain in business continues not
without fuctuations, and at the best mod
crate, but yet distinct. 1t is still in guam
titles ra ther than prices. although in some
branches an advance in prices appears but
the whole the number of hands en-
plowed. the volume of new orders and
the amount of work done. arc slowly in
creasing. Prospects of good crops of
wheat and corn help: growing demand
from dealers. whose stocks gradually
gaining consumption deplete also helps.
and in the money and exchange ma rke ct
large buying of American securities has
an influence. Money coming hither from
the West even late June 10 with
great crops near at hand. indicates a
healthy condition at the West Indica-
tons of the volume of business are seen
in clearing house exchanges. which for
the week exceed the last years ST per
cent, and in railroad earnings which
amount in the United States alone to
$34. TOS, 9ST on roads reported by Dun's
Review for May. 3-3 per cent larger than
last year. and 3 per cent larger than in
1892. Post Oein-)
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10

itv: and it is helpful TO confidence TO have
official reinsurance that tariff tinkering
is not to be the last of adminiStr: tive ex-
prdients. for the removal of business dis
trust and depression. There are other
grounds for commercial cheerfuIness
business failures are lessening in number
and Importance Commercial loans are
expanding: bank clearin.s are increasing
and the transportation companies are
earning more money. The end of tariff
uncertainty is drawing near: the impor-
tant crops al over the country give prom
Use OF abundant harvestS: productive costs
in the great Industries have hecn crowded
to the apparent minimum: there is less
reason to fear further important price
shrinkages: the storekeepers' shelves. as
a RUE hold no unwieldy accommodations of
stocks and Ia Dor is becoming more gen
orally employed. These are favorable con-
ditlons for a sustained revival of bust
uess-Philadelphia Record Oem).
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
Retter Times in the West.

M F. " Smalley of ST. Paul writes
to <he New York Evening Post the results
OF his observations on recent trip of a
month from Chicago TO Portland. Oregon.
He stopped at various points on the way.
thus gaining opportunities to gather re-
liable informa tion concerning the business
conditions, and his conclusion is that
trade is everywhere improving-not much.
but to an appreciable extent. The rail-
roads, he says. report a net gain in re-
ceipts from freight. but none worth men
tioning as vet from passenger earnings
Bank deposits are increasing and collec-
tons are easier. People are paying a
little on their old debts carried along from
boom times. and there has been n great
deal of liqmida tion from, foreclosure All
the solid Industries are doing fairly we'll
Prices are low and profits small. but the
close economies practiced enable projec-
tors TO come out a little ahead
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
Every Line IL Improving.

One of the commercial agencies calls
attention TO the fact that there is a re-
markable similarity between the course of
prices now and in the earlier months of
1879. when the most wonderful advance
in production and prices ever known in
this or any other country was close at
hand" In that year consumption gradu-
ally gained month by month. until sud-
denly the demand outran the supply The
iron industry is expanding its production
and is getting larger orders. The prices
received are not high. Neither are the
wages which are paid. But there is en-
ployment for men who were idle last year.
The manufacturers of wooden goods have
increa sing orders Reports come from all
parts of the country that the retail dis
tribution of products is unusually large
and increasing. At this moment the vol
ume of business transacted is larger than
in the prosperous year 1892 Before many
weeks have elapsed the volume will be
very much larger--Chicago Tribune
(Rep0-
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
ENCOURAGING Revelations.

The Investigations of the Bureau of La
Dor of this State as to the industrial con-
ditions in the three principal cities have
resulted in some very encouraging revela-
lions. 1t appears that the tide of pros
perity for which every one has been so
long waiting has quietly been rising, in
spite of assertions to the contrary The
investigations of the bureau, complete
only for Duluth. show that in that city
there is net increase of p per cent in
the number of employees over the number
employed at practically the same time
last year So far the investigations in
St. Paul and Minneapolis have gone, it is
stated the percentage of increase will be
fully as great as in Duluth. Such a ma
terial increase is not only encouraging as
showing an increased demand for manu-
featured articles, but it is an indication
of an increased dema nd for products of all
kinds. and more important still. a certain
promise that demand will continue to in
crease Almost every manufacturing in
dustry in the State has found it neces-
sary to increase the number of operatives
st Paul Pioneer Press Rep).
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
Signs of Cheer.

The business sentiment is undoubtedly
stronger. There are many reasons for
hopefulness. Not the least important re-
cent happening has been the assurance of
Secretary Gage that the Federal admins
tration would not forget the mandate of
the people. whose voice in behalf of hon.
est money and sound finance rang out
loud and clear in November last" Cur
rearv Reform is vital ro business secur-
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
Ru~iness Situation Retter.

Thrre is no longer room for question on
the proposition that conditions in the
world of business have improved. While
there may still be found isolated cases
where the return of commercial activity
has not yet broken mp the long spell of
stagnation. snch cases by their rarity are
but the exception TO prove the rnle. Bet
ter. perhaps. than the actual improve
ment. which can be reduced TO figures by
comparison with the past. is the general
belief that business has not only improv-
ed. but that the improvement is hound to
continue. President Mckinley and Sec
rotary Gage touched the keynote of this
sentiment in their recent notable utter
ances. The far-rea ching effect of these
speeches became evident when advices be-
gan pouring in from abroad TO the effect
that American securities were in strong
demand Foreign capital. keenly anxious
for the right moment TO arrive. has seized
the opportunity and in a measure led the
way TO a practical demonst RI ton of reviv-
ed confidence. The enhanced value of all
securities quoted on the Stock Exchange
is but barometrical indication of this
altered condition. Reports as shown by
railroad earnings still bear witness TO the
growing increase of trade. Individual
lines of business. too. almost without ex-
ception. acknowledge THE same state of
affairs Not only is this manifest in the
larger manufacturing industries. such as
clothing hardware and boots and shoes.
but the more limited branches dependent
entirely on the general prosperity of the
commercial world report gratifying in
crease IN the volume of business on which
estimates are asked.-Chicago Post Qnd0
4 Cool Example for the People.
Among the solid facts on which expec-
tations may be based are the fatterinc
crop prospect President Hill of the Great
Northern is quoted as predicting that the
wheat fields contributory to his lines will
furnish aOo0O.OO0 bushels of grain this
season for transportation, and the man
,rers of other lines contribute equally
favorable Information. The jobbers saw
that the supply of manufactured goods
which may be counted among the neces-
ssries Of life is generally exhausted
throu ghout the country. and that the peo-
ME must buy and the mills must resume
oneration to meet the demand which will
hiring into circulation the millions of dol
lars that have been boarded through the
hard times. 1t would be well if all peo-
ME- everywhere, would imitate the cheer
| ful and optimistic tone of the President
| and the members of his administers ton.
/ Let them withdraw their gaze from the
] dark and gloomy aspect upon which it has
dwelt for several years past and hahituate
/ themselves TO looking upon the bright side
of things. 1t is well known that almost
| any man in good health might be made III
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10

a new tariff law. but because the natural
forces which control trade are moving in
that direction. There is everywhere a dis
position to hold on to property in pla ce
of the inclinatio prevalent for several
years past to sell. The shrewdest money
ma kers in the country seeking invest
ments. They are not liquidating. En-
forced sales are at o. end. Here nd there
in spots, business records are ahead of
any previous reports for years past Bank
deposits are increasing because the net
profits of trade and industry are growing
and not because people are pulling idle
money out of hiding places and putting II
in banks.-kansas City Star QndD.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
Revivinx Trade.

The change which has come over the
face of things in the business world is
unmistakab BILE. The confidence for which
everybody has been looking is here. 1t
may lose its sharp edge by some unfore-
seen event, but it is hardly to be expected
that any serious check will now occur.
1t seems to be taken for granted that
there will be a tariff law on the statute
book within a few weeks. Perhaps
month is too short time to give the slow
going legislators of the Senate. The as
surance in regard to the tariff is the most
potent influence in giving more confidence,
but the good effects of Secretary Cages
speeches have by no means worn off, eth
er in the United States or abroad Salts
ia ctory crop reports, increased railroad
earnings and the statement of bank clear
ings. which. considering the fact that
one day of last week was n holiday. is IA
vorable. are among the subsidiary intiu-
ences that are ma king for faith in the fu-
ture.-Buffalo Express.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10

are now being distributed through the
country to those on whose orders they
were originally enga ged.-Naw York Com
mercial Bulletin Oem.)
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10

While the general business situation
is somewhat hampered by the uncertainty
attaching to the tariff bill. there are not
wanting signs that a gradual improve
ment in trade is in progress. 1t is true
that there is disposition to be enter
prising. Eor TO put out new lines. until
all uncertainties to the future tariff
duties are removed: but. in spite of this.
there is fair movement for actual con-
sumption in nearly all branches of indus
try. With favorable crop outlook. there
is every reason to expect a good trade in
the entire county tributary to this sec
ton. especially country merchants and
farmers are already in fairly prosperous
condition. The merchants here have tax
en- advantage of the recent dullness to
carefully study the problems which have
hitherto initiated against trade. and it
is believed that many of the most serious
difficulties have been overcome or
course, some months must yet e.apse be-
fore the crops are ready for market: but
the mere prospect of good crops is ordinar-
ily sufficient TO create confidence and set
the wheels of commerce in motion 1t is
therefore, confidently believed that an inn
proyement in business viii be noted from
now on.-New Orleans Picayune (DemC.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10

The most gratifying change appearing
in financial circles is the evidence of in
creasiny commercial demand for loans.
Tho hank statement showed increase
in the loan item of -. 100000. and it is be-
49, chat most of this was made up of
.,a,tile discounts. the inquiry for
r-h;ch last week was reported by the
hanLs as larger than for several months
ar-;ons This must reflect larger bust
pass but as yet the new discountins is
5one more largely for concerns handling
goods than for manufaetnreers desiring
= mota nm new stock Much of this mer-
cantile demand for money comes from the
country in the shape of notes of business
concerns with the endorsement of interior
banks, and presumably much of this pa
per is made against imported goods which
New York has been carrying. but which
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10

feet Within q few days. Three ofhsr large
transfers. ranging from 10000 900 60 H.
600 900 feet each, have also recently been
completed. Prices are now firm. in strange
contrast to the Decentralization that pre-
vailed q few weeks ago.-Chicago Times
Herald Qnd.).
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
Prosperity at Hand.

The time has come when to carp and
cavil at the slowness with which pros
perity is returning to this country. after
the depression of the past three years,
has lack of truth added to that mean mall
ice which can rejoice in misfortune. Pros
perity is coming. and the slowness of its
approach only means its sureness and its
stability. There signs on every hand
that President Mckinley was right when
he said that the country is going not
backward. but forward. and that the
steady hands and hearts of the American
people are strengthened and encouraged
by the immediate prospect of a revival
of wholesome and profitable activity in
all branches of labor, trade and business
The tannt of Populist Bryan that others
beside himself regret his rejection at the
polls is as untrue as it is unpatriotic.-
New York Mail and Express Rep.).
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
Large HANDLING of Goods.

little over S3G0.U00.000 IN the Chronicles
table. in which one day is estimated. But
the Increase over the corresponding week
of the previous year was no less than IL
per cent, and in compa rison with earlier
and more prosperous years it must be re-
membered that there has been such de-
cline in prices that identical figures would
indicate a very large gain in quantities.
Tie truth is that in volume of merchan-
disc handled the amount of business done
now does not compare unfayorably with
the amount done in good years. but at
these lower prices profits Are small and
sometimes disappear enfirely.-Financial
Chronicle (Dem.l.
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
Improved Condition of Trade.


There is no doubt of change for fine
better: pessSmists may doubt and parti-
sans may swear. but the first wave of the
returning tide of prosperity is seen and
felt The failures during May. 1897 We're
less in lumber than in any of the
twenty-One months Immediately preced-
ing it: the cash responsibilities of the
firms and persons failing were less than
in any month since September. 1894 The
volume of Understanding the weight
IN tons or measurement by yards-of
goods sold In May, 1897. was equal to
that in the phenomenal year 1892. But
the volume in cash was far less: we still
are in the era of ruinously low prices
that paradise of 'scheap commodities for
the workmen' TO which the Democrats in
vIted us to enter. and into which, unfortn-
nately, we did enter. And because the
prices of things that are sold are low the
wages of those that make them are low
But there are not nearly so many idle men
in May, 1897. as in May, 1896. More
mills and factories are in operation now
than then The demand for labor in
ereases Chicago Inter Ocean
(Rep).
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10

There has been decided improve
ment." writes a Washington correspond
ept, lin the financial situation since 1
was last in New York. All classes in the
industrial and commercial world feel
couraged over the outlook and expectancy
has replaced the apprehension that had
become the habitual condition of the pub
he mind for the last three years. The
people you meet in the banks downtown
and visitors from other parts of the coun-
try who gossip in the hotel rotundas all
tell the story that, while the era of pros
perity has not yet begun, the signs of it's
approach appear in every direction, the
most important being an almost univer-
sal confidence that it is almost here There
is confidence in the President, confidence
that Congress will dispose of the tariff
bill speedily and that the rates in the new
schedules will be conservative yet ample
for the needs of the Government" Dun's
reports are encouraging TO degree; Brad
streets less pesSimistic and decidedly
more favorable. and the crop reports are
unusually encoura ging.-Grand Rapids
Herald (Rep).
Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-07-10
Improving Steadily.

Secretary Cages conviction of the i'm
provement in business, expressed to the
Maryland bankers in Cumberland, has
had a good influence. and has strength
ened the growing feeling that a slow but
permanent improvement is spreading over
the country. His repetition at Cumber-
land of his statement the week before in
Cincinnati. that the administration was
determined to secure a comprehensive and
permanent rectifcation of the currency,
and that he had assurances from members
of Congress that at the next session bill
TO that effect would be passed. has had a
very decided influence in improving the
general tone and increasing confidence
New York Journal of Commerce Dem.).