davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
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 reveal
tons. 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 a net increase of % per cent in
the number of employees over the number
employed at practically the same time
last year. SO far as the investigations in
st. Paul and Minneapolis have gone, II 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 demand 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 il neces-
sary TO increase the number Of operatives.
st. Paul Pioneer Press (Rep.).
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Most Gratifying Change.

The most gratifying change appearing
in financial circles is the evidence of in
creasing commercial demand for loans.
The bank statement showed an increase
in the loan item of 81 400, 900, and it is be-
lieved chat most of this was made up OF
mercantile discounts, the inquiry for
which last week was reported by the
banks as larger than for several months
previous. This must reflect larger bust
ness, but as yet the new discountng is
done more largely for concerns handling
goods than for manufacturers desiring
to make up new stock. Much of this mer-
camille 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
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Unmistakable Signs.

There are unmistakable signs of re-
turn of prosperity in the iron and steel
manufacturing centers of the country, IN
the opinion of the Cleveland Leader. All
around Pittsburg there has been re-
sumption Of work in most of the mills and
factories, and the same reports come from
the industrial cities of eastern ONO and
western Pennsylvania. There was a re-
vival just after the election in November,
due in the main TO a restoration OF conn
dence, but the people were not fully pre-
pared for n complete return to CONNER
cia and industrial activity. They had
felt the effects of the depression too long
to recover from it suddenly, and it was not
TO be expected that building enterprises,
which are the surest revivers of business,
would be undertaken at the beginning OF
winter. With the opening of spring 1t VIII
be different. however. Big projects which
have been delayed by the panic will now
be pushed as soon as the weather permits
and before the first of April there is GER
tain TO be a distinct improvement in COM
mercial and industrial conditions
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Every Line L. Improving.

One of the commercial agencies calls
attention to the fact that there is 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
increasing 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
Rep).
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Improved Condition of Trade.

There is no doubt of change for the
better: pessimists 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, were
less in number than in any one of the
twenty-one months Immediately preced-
ing 1t; the cash responsibilities of the
firms and persons failing were less than
in any month since September, 1894 The
volume of business-meaning 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 "cheap commodities for
the workmen" to which the Democrats in
vited us to enter, and into which, unfortu-
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
creases perceptibly.-Chi Inter Ocean
Rep.).
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Buds of Promise.

There has been n decide
ment," writes a Washington
ent, sin the financial situaf {
was last in New York. All cit
industrial and commercial wi
couraged over the outlook ano
has replaced the apprehensiSe
become the habitual condition
lie mind for the last three
people you meet in the bankI
and visitors from other parts
try who gossip in the hotel /
tell the story that, while the =
perity has not yet begun. the
approach appear in every d.
most important being an alS
sal confidence that it is almosS
is confidence in the Presiden
that Congress will dispose
bill speedily and that the rate
schedules will be conservati,
for the needs Of the Governn'
reports are encouraging to a {
streets are less pessimistic a
more favorable, and the croI
unusually encouraging.-Grh
Herald Rep.).
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Fresh Evidences Of This Come
from Every Part Of the
Country.
Democratic and Republican Journals Vie with
Each Other in Assurances Of Return
ing Prosperity
A Most Gratifying Collection of Hopeful Expressions
Gathered from Various Reliable
Sources

No publication within the last few
weeks has attracted more attention
than that furnished the readers OF this
paper early last month, showing n
marked Improvement in business con-
ditions throughout the country. This
was evidenced by n collection of state
ments on this subject from scores OF
newspapers of all political parties, and
from all parts of the country. The
evidence of general and widespread i'm
provement was so plainly shown by this
and so much a subject of qualification
that we present herewith another in
stallment of expressions Of this char
acter, gathered from all sections and
from papers of all political shades of
opinion:
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
South Feels the I'm pr.

While the general BUSH
is somewhat hampered by IL
attaching to the tariff bill, 4
wanting signs that a gra(
ment in trade is in progres
that there is no disposition
prising, Tor to put out ne
all uncertainties as to Thea
duties are removed; but, in
there is a fair movement 4
sumption in nearly all bran
try. With a favorable crop 9
is every reason TO expect a :
the entire county tributary
ton, especially as country Il
farmers are already in a fai
condition. The merchants
en- advantage Of the recef
carefully study the problem
hitherto initiated against
is believed that many of tn,
difficulties have been o,
course, some months must
fore the crops are ready fcl
the mere prospect of good Ct
lily sufficient to create conf
the wheels Of commerce in
therefore, confidently belle,
provement in business will
now on.-New Orleans Pid
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Prosperity at II and.

The time has come when to
cavil at the slowness with W,
perity is returning to this couI
the depression of the past tn
has lack Of truth added to that 4
ice which can rejoice in misfort
perity is coming, and the slow
approach only means its suren,
stability. There are signs on G
that President Mckinley was
he said that the country is
backward, but forward, and
steady hands and hearts of the
people are strengthened and {
by the immediate prospect of
of wholesome and profitable \
all branches of labor, trade AM
The taunt of Populist Bryan 4
beside himself regret his rejecV
polls is as untrue as it is un
New York Mail and Express q
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Slow but Surc-

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 its last issue as a 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 thus expressed that there is a mark
ed and general improvement in the bust
ness situation.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
The Frightening Outlook.

Democrat and anti-protectionist though
he is. Senator German is too good poll
tician and too shrewd a business man TO
maintain a hopeless resistance 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 a longer period in which
to work out its results and yindicate itself
before being put to the test of congress
sional election. This prospect that the
new tariff will go into effect with the fiscal
year is bad thing for Organism, but it
is good thing for the merchant, the man
ufacturer, the farmer and the wage earn
er.-Boston Journal Rep).
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Lumber Men Encnnr.nea-

In the opinion Of the lumber men. their
market is gradually and steadily getting
around to the point whore profits can
once more be expected. Sales are increa :.
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
ly been made ut leading mill points. To a
purchase of 3200o,000 feet, made in the
latter part of May, large local yard man
added another purchase Of 22,O00,O00
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Basis for Confidence.

The general symptoms developer in
Wall street during the past week have
been the most hopeful features witnessed
for many months past. Without any spe-
cial stimulus or speculative effort, there
has been a marked revival of buying oper-
atoms and, with few exceptions, an ad-
vance in prices Also, it is notable
symptom that several persons OF emf
hence and directly in touch with the farm
ing interest and the larger industries have
simultaneously expressed their views on
the business outlook in Unexpectedly hope
full terms. Mr.. Thomson. president of the
Pennsylvania Railroad; Mr.. Gould of the
Missouri Pacific, Mr.. Chauncey Nj. De
pew and Mr.. G. Z. Huntington, who are
among the foremost representatives of the
railroad interest in different sections of
the country, have uniformly expressed
sanguine expectations as to the general
outcome of the harvest and the prospects
of business at large. Similar estimates of
the drift of the crops and of business have
been made by Mr.. Andrew Carnegie, Hon.
Roswell +. Flower and Mr.. Hill, presi-
dent of the Great Northern. Such body
of opinion, coming from men possessing
the best source of knowledge as to condi-
tons and movements, constitute basis
for confidence which cannot be disregard
ed.-Weekly Financial Review.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Nearly UP to the Standard.

The volume of actual transactions is not
in value tenth smaller than it was in
the years of the greatest prosperity ever
attained in the United States, although
the volume of payments now represents
a much lower range of prices This do.
crease, whether a little more or less il
greatly TO be regretted, but il Is NOT
paralysis. Whatever else may be with
reason said of the difficulties in the wav
Of industrial recovery, il cannot be said
that business is paralyzed when the earn.
ings of all railroads reported for Nav arc
only 90 per cent smaller than in the same
month Of 1S92.-New York Tribune
(Rep.).
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Large Handling of
fo 80 xxvoolr

Bank clcarings last week
little over $500, 900, 900 in
table, in which one day is e,
the increase over the CORE
of the previous year was Il
per cent, and in comparisc
and more prosperous yeary
membcred that there has |
cline in prices that identical
indicate a very large gain.
The truth is that in volun
disc handled the amount OF
now does not compare uni
the amount done in good
these lower prices profits
sometimes disappear entir2
Chronicle (Dem.).
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08

The change which has come
face of things in the business
unmistakable. The confidence 1
everybody has been looking is
may lose its sharp edge by som
seen event, but it is hardly TO be
that any serious check will nd
1t seems TO be taken for graz
there will be a tariff law ON th
book within a few weeks. II
month is too short a time to give
going legislators of the Senate.
surance in regard to the tariff is
potent influence in giving more c
but the good effects of Secreta
speeches have by no means worI
er in the United States or abroa
factory crop reports, increased
earnings and the statement of b
ings, which, considering the
one day Of last week was a holi
vorable, are among the subsid'
snces that are making for faith;
ture.-Buffalo Express.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
The prosnect Br;pbteps.

Either because the business men have
taken heart from the comforting assur-
ances of Secretary Gage and the reason
able certainty that new tariff law will
be in force within few weeks, or be-
cause better times had to come in the
natural order of things, there is a definite
and unquestionable improvement in the
business situation. There are so many in
dications of this in so many quarters that
it is idle to deny that a change for the
better is taking place. There are indus
tries which have not revived as yet, but
their turn will come. There are some
which always lag behind in the process
sion.-Chicago Tribune Rep.).
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08

a new tariff law, but because the natural
forces which control trade are moving in
that direction. There is everywhere dis
position to hold on to property in place
of the inclination prevalent for several
years past to sell The shrewdest money
makers in the country are seeking invest
ments. They are not liquidating. En-
forced sales are at an end. Here and 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 it
in banks.-Kansas City Star Qnd).
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08

ity;' and 1t is helpful TO confidence to have
official reinsurance that tariff tinkering
is not to be the last of administrative ex-
pedients, for the removal of business dis
trust and depression. There are other
grounds for commercial cheerfulness.
Business failures are lessening in number
and importance. Commercial loans are
expanding; bank clearings are increasing,
and the transportation companies are
earning more money. The end Of tariff
uncertainty is drawing near; the impor-
tant crops all over the country give prom
Use OF abundant harvests; productive costs
IN the great industries have been crowded
to the apparent minimum; there is less
reason to fear further important price
shrinkages; the storekeepers' shelves, as
rule, hold no unwieldy accumulat ions of
stocks, and labor is becoming more gen.
orally employed. These are favorable con-
oltlons for n sustained revival of bust
Record Dem.).
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08

if his friends. through a concerted move
ment, were to make point of telling him
every time they met him how sick he look
ed. The imagination is powerful motor.
When everybody one meets talks of hard
times, tinge of melancholy is created
which overspreads the whole community.
This cloud can be dissipated by cheerful
talk and by considering the really favora-
bic factors of the Observation-Disclosures
Tribune Rep)
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Good Signs.

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 ST.
$50, 733, 500. The absence of speculative
interest is not an unmixed evil. 1t indi-
Gates that what improvement is taking
place in business is ealthful.-Atlanta
Journal (Dem).
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Improvement viii Surely Continue.

Some stress is laid on Former Post
master General John Wanamaker's state
ment that "the country is not prosperous,
and that "since the outset of the last pres
idential campaign the party press and po-
litical leaders generally fixed the Novem-
Der election of 1896 as the date of the be-
ginning of good times" And the state
ment follows that thus far but one of the
important issues Of the campaign is near
ing settlement and hardly any improve
ment of the wretched times is manifest"
Mr.. Wanamaker draws erroneous conclu-
sions. No man in the country who was
at all conversant with the trend of bust
ness affairs thought for n moment that
good times could be made to come instant
aneously. But what did take place inn
mediately on the election of Mr.. McKin-
ley was the immediate restoration of con-
idence and the return of vast numbers of
workingmen to the avenues of labor and
trade. Gradually. but surely. business
has been growing better, and the country
only awaits the passage Of the tariff bill to
settle down TO a development of the manu-
featuring resources Of the country, which
will stimulate other business.-Buffalo
News Hnd).
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Prosperity Is at II

Everything that is appare
a rapid revival of prosperity !
are promised abundant harve
ter prices than for many VI
farmers get good prices fol
it will make a demand upo
facturers for their products.
of industry will revolve once
will be work for the unempl
shall have that satisfactory
which we have yearned so i
not pessimists. We are exec
full of the future. The spe
dent Mckinley at the bane
day night was worthy she ms
casion. Prosperity is at ha,
phia Inquirer (Rep.).
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
business Situation Better.

There 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 up the long spell of
stagnation, such cases by their rarity are
but the exception TO prove the rule. 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 improy-
ed, but that the Improvement is bound to
continue. President Mckinley and Sec
rotary Gage touched the keynote of this
sentiment in their recent notable utter
ances The far-reaching effect of these
speeches became evident when adyiees 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 practical demonstration of reviv-
ed confidence. The enhanced value Of all
securities quoted on the Stock Exchange
is but a 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 a gratifying in
crease in the volume of business on which
estimates are asked.-Chicago Post Qnd.)
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Better Times in the West.


Mr. +. V. Smaley of st. Paul writes
TO the New York Evening Post the results
OF his observations on recent trip of
month from Chicago to Portland, Oregon.
lie stopped at various points on the way,
thus gaining opportunities to gather re-
liable information concerning the business
conditions, and his conclusion is that
trade is everywhere improving-not much,
but to an appreciate extent. The rail-
roads, he says, report net gain in re-
ceipts from freight, but none worth men
tioning as yet from passenger earnings.
Bank deposits are increasing and collec-
tons are easier. People are paying
little on their old debts carried along from
boom times, and there has been great
deal of liquidation from foreclosure. All
the solid industries are doing fairly well.
Prices are low and profits small but the
close economies practiced enable projec-
tors to come out little ahead.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08

The business sentiment is undoubtedly
stronger. There are many reasons for
hopefuness. 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.sv Cur
repcy Reform is vital to business secur-
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
Improving Steadii.

Secretary Cages convictions
provement in business, expret
Maryland bankers in Cumbe
had a good influence. and ha
ened the growing feeling that
permanent Improvement is spr.i
the country. His repetition
land of his statement the wee
Cincinnati. that the adminisF
determined to secure a compreI
permanent rectification of tn 7
and that he had assurances fro
of Congress that at the next 81,
to that effect would be passed
very decided influence in i'm
general tone and increasing al
New York Journal of Commit
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-07-08
EVERY Mnn Feels IL.

There is not a progressive business man
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-
ley's election or because Of the promise OF