davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
More Democratic Te.t,mouv.

The Washington Post DEM certifies
to marked business improvement al
ready. 1t says: ut Is an undeniable fact
that there has been a great Improvement
in business since the election" and adds
that the people who expect complete re-
vival of business before the tariff rates
and schedules are settled are "insanely
optimistic" Doubt as to tariff schedules,
it says, ''is always demoralizing to man.
ufacturers." People who are complain
ing that business does not revive as rap
idly as expected since the Inauguration
of Mckinley should remember that a
tariff bill cannot be framed and passed In
a day, or a month. and that nothing 30 I'M
settles the business Of the country as
pending tariff legislation. The peadency
Of measure affecting imports and duties
upon many thousands of articles, must
lead manufacturers to delay prodrction
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
More Testimony from the South.

Augusta people have very little reason
to complain of a lack of prosperity just
at this juncture. The advance agent has
surely been here and left his card. As
we understand prosperity, it Is when there
is sufficient employment to keep every
body making a few dollars in order that
they can purchase the good things of life.
In another month or so there should not
be a workingman in the city out of en-
ployment, providing, Of course, that the
individual does not belong to the "sons
of rest" There is a vast amount Of work
on hand, which must benefit all classes
and conditions of people. When the la
boring man has employment he gets
money to spend and that money circulates
through the different channels of trade
until everybody has been benefited in
some way or other. Treat the advance
agent Hospitality that he may decide to
locate old General Prosperity in this
neighborhood. = Augusta (Ga.) News
DEM.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10

In spite Of the disturbing effects of the
10-cent decision in the Trans-Missouri
Traffic Association case, there are many
encouraging features in the business sit
uation. Business failures are steadily
decreasing In number, while the advices
Of the mercantile agencies disclose no
table increase in the number Of industrial
plants now in active operation. Over
sylvania labor bureau, are at work in
that State to-day than there were six
months ago, and corresponding improve
ment in the demand for labor has I'M
SsubtsSly taken place in New England
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
and dealers to delay their orders until the
new rates are known.



The Department of Agriculture Is re-
ceiving very gratifying reports from the
farming community. The continuation
of high prices for wheat, the unusual
foreign demand for corn and the activity
among farmers in preparing to make an
earnest experiment in the production Of
sugar beets, combine to make the condi-
ton among that class of population I'M
usually healthful and encouraging. "Dol-
lar wheat" for which farmers had scarce
ly dared to hope, was coincident with the
incoming of Mckinley, while the extraor-
binary demand for their corn adds to = n
general encouragement. Coupled 1
this comes the activity and interest relt
in the experiments which are TO be made
in all parts of the country in the produc-
ton of our own sugar, and 1t is apparent
that the farming community Is not only
feeling the return of prosperity, but is
occupying its mind with cheerful
thoughts.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
Tn. silver Pres. Adm,t. IL.

The Kansas City Star says that the
"Bryanite newspapers persist in reiter-
ating the statement that business Is not
improving, and that idleness is increas-
ing" Perhaps the Star means Democratic
newspapers. If 1t does, it makes a mis-
statement when il says that they are re-
iterating the statement that business Is
not improving. They know that business
is improving. 1t always does in the
spring. That is historic. When you hear
an administration organ whining about
the Democratic newspapers pulling back
in the shafts you are listening to a siren
song to distract your attention from con-
ditions. OF course business is improving.
Omaha World Herald (Silver Dem.).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10

The evidences of Improvement in trade
prospects are undeniable, notwithstand-
ing the popular uncertainty as to what
the markets will demand aftsr the tariff
rates have been established The export
trade last week showed an increase Of
nearly half a million dollars over that Of
the previous week.-Times-J1 Herald UndA
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
F.ctorie. and Railroad. Busy.

The news which comes of the reopening
Of factories in different parts of the coun-
try is certain sign of the approach of
better times. 1t is evident that the num-
Der of wage earners is steadily increasing.
Sales Of stocks are growing, and prices
are firmly maintained. At last there Is a
been down to low figures for the past
twelve months, are on the upward turn
Globe-Demosrat Rep.).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
Reports Very Encouraging.

Reports of the commercial situation
made up to the close of last week are
very encouraging. "No genuine or lasting
Improvement" says 'Dun's Review"
could come otherwise than slowly and
step by step, after such depression as
the past four years have witnessed, and
the most hopeful feature of the situation
Is that the gain is so nearly devoid of ele.
ments which involve unsoundness and
probable reaction" These reports show
q large increase in sales Of wool, an ad-
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
Good New. from tho "shoe rown..

Oopo A~CWe hTOm INC Shoc AOWnos
Most of the shoe factories are now fair
ly well employed. and manufacturers evil
IDENTITY have confidence that the improve
ment in business is to increase, as they
are buying supplies more freely. The
prices of footwear show little change,
but the advance asked is more cheerfully
paid by the jobbers. The sales of leather
show an increase. and values are main
tanned. The local manufacturers of mo-
rocco report an increased trade, and on
some grades the demand is lively. Shoe
shipments hold up well. The forwardings
from Boston the past week, according to
the footings of the Shoe and Leather Re-
porter, were 79,OS7 cases, against 1924
cases last week, and 65, 127 cases for the
corresponding week last year. Since Jan.
i, the shipments have been S66, 1926 cases,
against 702, 100 last year; an increase of
1874, OPT cases for the business of 1897
Lynn (Mass.) Item Qnd.).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
Improvement slow but Gradual.

From the commercial point of view the
State is evidently working into better
shape. This does not appear so much on
the surface as in the undercurrent. 1t
Is too gradual to be observed by the gen.
eral run of people. But that there is a
real improvement in the situation Is APP
parent to those whose business interests
lead them closest to the center Of trade
activity.-San Francisco Call (Rep).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
The Ca nitaI City Eeela IL.

A reading of The Stars weekly review
of the real estate situation, printed to-
day, indicates how steadily progressive
is the return of prosperity to this city.
There has been no sudden and unstable
boom" in values or in building opera
tons and hence what has been accom-
plished has been with a greater guaran-
tee of permanence. The shiftings of cap
ital have all been inspired, it would seem,
by feeling of faith in the ultimate re-
covery of not only the city but the entire
country from the depression that has been
so marked for nearly four years. In con-
firmation of this view of the general sit
uation it is to be noted that the CONNER
cial agencies are this week reporting bust
ness to be improving all over the country.
Washington Star Qnd).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
Tn. worhmen Arc Cooperating.

Inc WOrKmen MIG NO-operatfnRs
More men are employed about Pittsburg
at present than have been the past year.
Despite the depression in prices, owing
to the dissolution of manufacturers and
jobbers' organizations, each seems to bend
more earnestly to the task of doing its
share to improve conditions. Never in
the history Of labor have the workmen
been so reasonable. The iron and steel
industry have had their share of pros
perity and gloom. Investors and manu-
facturers are confident that times will i'm
prove.-Pittsburg Gazette Qnd.).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10

In spite Of the fact that the tendency
of tariff bill always unsettles trade and
manufacturing, the reports from the vari-
GUS parts of the country are very encour-
aging. Advices from all sections, espe-
cially the Mississippi valley and the East
ern States, show improved business condi-
tons. Reports to Bradstreet's on May i
state that in Seattle ''trade is good and
shows an improvement over April of last
year," in San Francisco "the retail trade
is reported as fairly good;" in Nashville
1.-THE local retail trade is somewhat inn
proved" in Augusta "the retail trade Is
reported good;" in st. Paul trade con-
tinues good in all lines in which the busy
season is not over, and collections are also
good" in Duluth, since the opening of
navigation, there has been some improve
ment in general business" in Milwaukee
''the amount of business transacted is re-
ported of fair proportions, with prospects
better and collections slightly easier" in
st. Louis general trade shows a slight
improvement, and collections are good"
in Louisville "a steady seasonable trade
is reported by jobbers in nearly all lines,
and collections are fairly good;" in Chi
cago general trade situation is improv-
ed slightly" in Baltimore "the outlook for
the fall is encouraging" in Pittsburg
there has been a steady increase in the
volume of business" in Providence, X. L.,
cotton manufacturers who recently re-
duced their output have again started on
full time and capacity"
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
Industrial Conditions Sound.

The New York Commercial Advertiser,
in it's review of the markets, contends
that 'the industrial conditions of the
country are sound" for everywhere pro-
duction is restricted to an amount COM
mensurate with the demands for consump-
ton, and with few exceptions stocks are
not being increased. On the contrary,
in many cases consumption appears to be
gaining on production. Another favora-
BILE sign is the absence of any great trade
combinations, such, for instance, as those
which until recently honeycombed the iron
and steel trade from top 10 bottom. These
have gone, and trusts in other lines must
60 out Of business under the Supreme
Courts decision in the Trans Missouri
case, leaving all markets free and open.
The consumer is getting, and will con-
tinue to get, the benefit of cheap iron ore,
cheap transportation and cheap raw ma
terials Of all kinds. These changes place
the manufacturer in a position to supply
a cheap product and still realize a profit.
Minneapolis Tribune (Rep).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
Climbing slowly but PerceptibIy.

1t is the old story of slowly climbing
a very steep hill. Though steadily in
creasing," says Dun's Review, business
still is much below its volume in former
years of prosperity" In 1892 we were
upon pinnacle whence we surveyed the
world and counted the greater part as
tributary to our prosperity. We made
one stupendous blunder, and almost in
stantly fell into a slough of dependency
and adversely. 1t will take time and
labor and favorable circumstance to re-
gain our former position of supremacy.
But we are climbing upward, slowly, it
is true, but nevertheless perceptibly.-
Inter Ocean.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
Business. Barometer. All Favorable.

Business BarOmeters All Favorable.
The return of prosperity is what every
body is now looking for, and there are
few better indications of this return from
a local standpoint than the appearance
from day to day of the hotel registers. The
wholesale houses in the larger cities never
send out their commercial travellers until
they are satisfied that the retail dealers
want goods, and In stringent times retail
merchants do not purchase more goods
than they are hopeful of selling. For sew
eral weeks past member Of The Leader
staff who calls at each of the local hotels
daily has noticed a perceptible increase
in the arrivals. Hotel registers, while a
good criterion in the matter Of business
prosperity, are not the only indications. 1t
Is noticeable that railroad travel to Lex
ington IL daily Observation-Disclosures
Ry) Leader.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
Railroad building Significant.

During 1896 the total number of miles
of new tracks laid by railroads in the
United States was but 1902 miles, the
lowest figure known for twenty years.
The record for the year 1895 was practi-
cally the same, bringing to mind the stu
alton in 1875, when the country was just
recovering from a great panic, and the
unprecedentedly low figure of LII miles
of new track was the record. Afterward
came a period of expansion, eliminating
in 1887 with the unprecedentedly high
figure of 1888 miles of new track con-
structed during that year, which was one
of great prosperity all over the country,
a prosperity which continued for several
successive years. And now comes the
Railway Age and predicts an immense
increase in railway building in 1897 over
the banner year in the history of railway
construction in this country.-Memphis
Scimitar Dem.).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
The western Farmer Prospecting.

me Wcstern farmer rrosportnx.
For the past several days The Call has
been publishing a series of exclusive fruit
crop reports, both from the East and
California They tell the story. They
show that the home crop will be scanty.
Good prices will follow as a natural re-
suit, and millions of Eastern money will
probably flow into California pockets later
on. And as prices for wheat bid fair to
keep up to profitable plane it is safe to
say that the California farmer will do
better this year than for some years back.
When the farmer prospers the rest of the
community fourishes; hence If present in
dications are realized we ought to enjoy
increased mercantile activity during the
rest of the year.-San Francisco Call
Rep.).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
FACTS FOR FARMERS.
showings a. to What the Agricultur-
ists Are Receiving and Paying for
What They Raise and consume-
Importations Flood the Country.
Crisp Washington Chat.
Special Washington correspondence:

IL IL last su m
mary of Finance and
Commerce, issued by
the Treasury De-
partment, contains
statistics and figures
some of which will
prove of much inter-
est to farmers and
I n os Sc connected
with farm pursuits,
1t shows the imports
and exports of farm
products and the
amount Of such COM
modities that are be-
ing brought into the
country. Following
are some of the
things shown in its
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
More Work and More Wages.

The daily announcements of the re-
sumption of operations at mills and fac
tories tell the story of steadily expand
ing volume of trade. The movement is
progressing and more workmen were EN-.
ployed last week and the amount paid out
in wages was larger than at any time
since the election. 1t is undeniable that
the situation is steadily improving and it
is satisfactory to note that the underlying
conditions which must sustain this i'm.
provement give promise of continuing.
One of the main causes of the protracted
prostration we have endured has been
the low price of wheat. In no month of
1894 did the Chicago price exceed 90
cents and during most of the year it sold
around 50 cents; in 1895 the price was a
little better and in 1896 little better still,
but nevertheless wheat has averaged fully
Is cents bushel below the average price
of the FIVE years previous to 1894. Now,
however, we seem entering upon an era
of higher grain Observation-Disclosures In
Quirer Rep).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
The "Hesrt of Geor ria" Rc.pond.

The "Heart of Geor ria" Responds.
The figures which we herewisAcpublish
are Of the greatest Importance, as show
ing the vastly improved conditions in the
heart Of Georgia. We are quite sure that
the southern belt of counties can make
quite as good a showing. Mr.. Douglas
does mot care to pose as an optimist,
but" he says. Figures speak for them
selves, and the conditions surrounding
us cannot be denied and should not be
misunderstood" He is free to confess
that we are not in the midst of business
boom, nor do we want anything Of that
kind, 'but unless all indications under
my observation are misleading, we are
once more on a level with a slow but
steady improvement" Nothing stands SO
much in the way of business just now as
the calamity bowling press, and the war
cry of the Senate.-Macon (Ga) Tele-
graph DEM.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
Even bryan. Organ Admit. 1t.

Every Democratic newspaper in the
land admits that business is improving,
and rejoices that it is so. Only organs
that support Republican administrations
rejoice when American business is pros
trate. This statement is backed up by the
proof. If the Star doubts it, let it search
the editorial pages of its Republican con-
temporaries, beginning about Jan. 1, 1893,
and ending promptly on Nov. 4, 1896
Omaha World-Herald bryan Dem).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10

Prosperity Stealing Upon the Country.
Is it possible that prosperity, has been
stealing upon the country unawares? For
many weeks past the reports of the COM
mercial agencies, though at times hopeful,
have been on the whole pervaded by a
lugubrious tone; but in their last weeks
review Dun & Co. break into the follow
ing joyous strain: NEARLY all will be as
tonished to learn that actual sales in
April by leading business houses in the
principal cities east of the Rocky Noun
tains average only about 10 per cent less
than in April. 1892, the year of the larg-
est business hitherto, and were per cent
more than in the same month last year."
This fact, the Review goes on to say, Is
especially encouraging in view of the
great fall of prices within the past five
Tribune Rep).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10

Southern Democratic Confidence.
Week before last the Times Union made
a comparison, for the preceding week of
1897 and the corresponding week Of 1896,
of the bank clesrances of the eighty-seven
principal commercial cities of the country,
and this comparison showed that the vol
ume of bank clearances of the Southern
cities had increased 40 per cent, while
that of the Northern cities had decreased
20 per cent. Saturdays number of Dun's
Review published the bank c,earances of
the fourteen leading commercial cities.
The bank clearances of the Southern
cities show decrease in volume of only
$54S, 4O7, or less than 1 per cent, from
those of the prosperous year 1892. The
volume Of bank clearances of the North
ern cities, however, shows loss of 1852
100, S21, or more than % per cent. This
is the record of only one week, and only
fourteen cities. 1t is but a straw, but
when all straws point in one direction
they show positively how the wind is
blowing. Every indication shows well for
the South. If we may judge by bank
clearances, the Southern cities referred
to have practically recovered from the
panic.-Florida Times Union Dem.).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
"Beyond All Question:"

Beyond all question, general business is
improving. We have this week more de-
cided indications of the progress made.
Yet it is true that one can easily draw
too broad a conclusion from the more
manifest evidences. Buyers, for instance,
are seen to have increased in number in
all our markets, but their purchases still
show great conservatism, supplying only
immediate wants. Current production in
the dry goods trade is believed to be fully
absorbed now, but the old accumulations
have not been drawn down much yet
Probably the best trade outlook, and by
far the most promising conditions, prevail
in the iron industry. Prices of steel and
iron in all their forms are now SO low
that they could hardly be expected to go
lower, while the demand for export of
rails, billets and pig helps the home mar
ket. The Iron Age says that the hope
full feeling in the iron trade is spreading,
and in those departments which are close
to the raw material moderate advances
are being recorded. 1t adds that the total
tonnage placed thus far must be heavy
when it is considered that very large or
ders were booked during the halcyon
days of the billet pool, and that now this
has been swelled by the volume of bust
ness done in track material.
Chronicle Qnd).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10

The south Responds with Good Cheer.
The Chronicles statements bear out
the facts presented to our readers yes
terday in an interview in our local de-
partment with Mr.. w. l.. Douglas, man
ager of Dun's agency in Macon. ''The re-
turn of prosperity" he says, SIS visible
on all sides. Wholesale dealers in nearly
all lines are all reporting an increase Of
business over last year. All
houses dealing direct with the farmer will
tell you that collections were better last
fall than for a long time prior to that.
Right here in Macon business appears
more substantial and in healthier condi-
ton than could seriously have been ex-
pected some months ago."
In view of the deliberate and determin-
ed efforts being made to discourage the
people; and worse, to involve the country
in war with more than one foreign pow
er, these reports, from the highest au-
thorities, are exceedingly hopeful and en-
couraging. = Macon (Ga) Telegraph
Dem.).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10

and other manufacturing communities
New York Commercial Advertiser Rep.).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10

grumbler. If we look below the surface
and study the custom house exhibits We
will see that the balance Of trade has been
in favor of the United States for year,
taking this period as a whole. Under a
proper tariff we would not only enjoy the
profits arising from this large balance,
but those derived from greatly stimulat-
ed internal commerce as well. This fact
is we'll understood by business men, hence
their anxiety for the passage of suitable
tariff bill.-San Francisco Call (Rep).
Hopeful Feeling Among Merchants.
The feeling of optimism is most notice
able in domestic merchandising. 1t is a
fact that the actual sales in April by
leading houses in each line of business in
the principal cities east of the Rocky
Mountains averaged only about 10 per
cent less than in April, 1892, the year of
the largest business in our country's his
tory. Returns of failures for April show
a decrease in number, amount and aver
age of liabilities in almost every branch
of trade and in nearly all branches of
The only clouds on the bus
mess horizon are the dilatory national
Senate and the various State Legisla-
lures that persist in remaining in session
and which operate as serious disturb
ance to trade nterests.-Chicago Times
Herald Qnd).
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-06-10
Improved Demand in tho west.
Sales Better than In 1892.

A general survey of the business situa-
tion for the past week affords good
grounds for encouragement. The water
Is leaving the Mississippi bottom lands,
and it will be possible, after all, to raise
crops there. There is an improved de-
mand for goods at most of the great West
ern distributing centers, in spite of the
unreasonable GOODNESS of the weather.
There Is better call for iron and steel,
but production is still ahead of consump-
tion.-Boston Journal Rep.).