davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
The Silver Press Adm;tsI.

The Kansas City Star says that tba
"Bryanite newspapers persist in re;ter-
ating the statement that business ;s moi
improving. ard that idleness is incraes-
ing" Perhaps the Star means Democr.+;.
newspapers If it does. it makes q mis-
statement when il says that they are 70
iterating the statement that bus;nass :
not improving They know that hus;ness
is improving 1t always does in tba
spring That IS historic When you hear
an administration organ whining about
the Democratic newspapers pulling hack
in the shafts you are listening 10 a siren
song to distract your attention from con-
diticns- OF course business is improving
Omaha World-Herald tSiiver DEM
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
Railroad Pudding Significant.

During 1896 the total number of miles
Of new tracks laid by railroads in the
United States was but 1.S02 miles. the
lowest figure known for twenty years.
The record for the year 1895 was practi-
cally the same, bringing 10 mind the stu
alton in 1875, when the country was just
recovering from 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.-Menphi
Scimitar Dem.).
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
The Western Farmer Prosnerine

For the past several days The Call has
been publishing series Of exclusive fruit
crop reports, both from the East and
California They tell the story. They
show that the home crop viii 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 a profitable plane it is safe to
say that the California farmer viii do
better this year than for some years back.
When the farmer prospers the rest of the
community fiourishes; hence if present in
dications are realized we ought to enjoy
increased mercantile activity during the
rest of the year.-San Francisco Call
Rep.).
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
Merchants Fuying Goods.

The Tribune, in lis last weeks business
article. gave hint of the improved COM
mercial conditions by quoting from a New
York paper statement TO the effect that
the city was filed with buyers from all
over the country. The summary Of Dun's
reports indicates that the buyers were not
there merely TO see the sights. but that
they actually bought. which is a good
proof that they had gagged the buying
ability Of their respective constituencies
and We're satisfied that they were fairly
prosperous. Such facts as these speak
louder than the most elaborate theorizing
on the part of calamity howlers.-Minne-
apolis Tribune Rep.).
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18

The Washington Post DEM certifies
to a marked business improvement al
ready. 1t says: 1T is an undeniable fact
that there has been great Improvement
in business since the election" and adds
that the people who expect complete re-
viyal of business before the tariff rates
and schedules are settled are sinsaneIy
optimistic" Doubt as TO tariff schedules,
it says, SIS 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
tariff bill cannot be framed and passed in
a day. CT month. and that nothing so I'M
settles the business of the country as
pending tariff legislation The pendency
of measure affecting imports and duties
upon many thousands of articles, must
lead manufacturers to delay production
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
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 clearances Of the eighty-seven
principal commercial cities of the country,
and this comparison showed that the vol
nme of bank clearences 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 clearances of
the fourteen leading commercial cities.
The bank ciearances Of the Southern
cities show decrease in volume Of only
So4S.4O or less than l per cent, from
those of the prosperous year 1892. The
volume of bank clearances of the North
ern cities, however. shows d loss of S252,-
l30.S2l, 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
10 have practically recovered from the
panic.-Florida Times Union Dem.)
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
beyond All Question:

Beyond ali question. general business is
improving. We have this week more de-
cided indications of the progress made.
let 1t 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 vet
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
10 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.).
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
Reports Very Encour.a;n

Reports of the commercial sitnat;
made up TO the close of last waaL 90
very encouraging No genuine ar lss.;.e
Improvement, says tDun's Rar;a-- :
could come otherwise than slowly ana
step by step. after such a depression :.
the past four years have witnessed and
the most hopeful feature of the situat;o.
is that the gain is so nearly devoid of e,a-
ments which involve unsoundneSs ara
probable reaction" These reports show
. large increase in sales Of wool. an sd-
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
Business barometer. 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 tAe hotel registers. The
wholesale honses 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 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 is daily Observation-Disclosures
ky Leader.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18

In spite of the disturbing effects of the
10-cent decision in the Trans issour;
Traffic Association case, there are many
encouraging features in the business Sit
uafion. Business failures are steadily
decreasing in number. while the adyices
of the mercantile agencies disclose no
table increase in the number of industrial,
plants now in active operation Over
100000 more men. according to the Penn
sylrania labor bureau. are at work in
that State to-day than there we're six
months ago. and corresponding improve
doubtedly taken place in New England
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
Climbing slowly but Percentib,v.

It is the Old story Of slowly climbing
q 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 a 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.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
Return of MCKINLEY rime..-

The week just closed witnessed steady
continuance of the favorable trade con-
ditions which were noted last week The
break in the steel rail pool seems to have
been the signal for a general awakening
in all lines of productive activity. The
optimistic feeling in trade is not based on
mere rumors of promised assumptions of
business but is founded on actual book
ings of large orders.-Times-He Herald
Qnd9.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18

Every Democratic newspaper IN the
land admits that business is improving.
and rejoices that ii 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 il. let it search
the editorial pages of its Republican con-
tenporaries. beginning about Jan. l. 1898.
and ending promptly on Nov. +. 1896
Omaha World-Herald Bryan DEM.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
Factories ami Railroad. Busy.

The news which comes of the reopening
of factories in different parts of the coun-
fry is a certain sign of the approach of
better times. 1t is evident that the num-
her OF wage earners is steadily increasing.
Sales of stocks are growing, and prices
are firmly maintained AT last there is
sign that railroad earnings, which have
been down TO low figures for the past
twelve months, are on the upward turn
Democrat Rep).
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18

vance in the price of cotton, and the re-
sumption of more mills which use cotton
and wool Additional boot and shoe fac
tories have resumed operations. though
taking orders at very low prices. The
tone OF the commercial reports from near
II every department of business is reas-
surfing. There is need of patience. how
ever. better times are coming, but by easy
marches = Brooklyn Standard Union
Rep.).
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
Sales Better than in 1892.


Very much more conclusive evidence of
an increased movement of merchandise
has been obtained for April by ''Dun's
Review. which has secured statements
from 33l business houses representing all
parts of the country east of the Rocky
Mountains. and all lines of trade cover
ing their sales in April. 1897. 1896 and
1oJ2. Some houses reported actual fig
ures and others only percentages. but the
groupings Of both give very much the
same results. Assuming these replies TO
be Indicative Of the business of the coun-
try. the volume OF sales last month was
only about 10 per cent less than in April
1S92. a year Of more than usual pros
perity, and q per cent greater than in the
same month Of 1896 In estimating the
value OF this statement the decline in
prices must be considered. Since 1892
Sauerbeck's index figures show that the
decline has been a little under 10 per
cent; "Bradstreet' index figures. con-
fined TO this country. make ii nearly Is
per cent In certain lines it has been
much heavier; "Dun's" states the decline
IN IRON AT S3 per cent. woolens 80. wool
81. and cottons II per cent. If The vol
ume OF transactions has fallen off only
10 per cent. the actual amount of mer-
chandise handled must have been greater
than N lS92.-Journal of Commerce
Dem.).
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
The workmen Are co-operatins

More men are employed ABOUT PlttsDurg
al 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
peri:y and gloom. Investors and manu-
facturers are confident that times will i'm
prove.-Pittsburg Gazette Qnd.).
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
The "Heart of Geor .iap Responds.

The figures which we herewith publish
are of the greatest Importance, as shew-
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 q 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 tGa) Tele-
graph DEM.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
Prosperity Stealing Upon the Country.

~ pun Viz -
Is il possible that prosperity. has been
stealing upon the country unawaresE For
many weeks past the reports Of the COM
mercial agencies. though al times hopeful,
have been on the whole pervaded by
lugubrious tone: but in their last week s
review Dun & Co. break into the follow
ing joyous strain: Nearly all viii be as
tonished 10 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 6 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
years.-Memphis Tribune (Rep.).
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
and dealers to delay their orders until the
new rates are known.
Cheering News for Fsrmer.

Nneer1ug News for Farmera
HE Department of Agriculture is re-
ceivlng very gratifying reports from the
farming community. The continuation
OF nigh prices for wheat, the unusual
iofeisn demand for corn and the activity
among farmers in preparing TO make an
earnest experiment in the production of
sugar peets, combine to make the condi-
uon among that class of population un-
usually beautiful and encouraging. DOL
,ar wheat, for which farmers had scarce
!! dared to hope. was coincident with the
incoming Of Mckinley. while the extraor-
urinary demand for their corn adds to their
general encoura cement. Coupled with
TINS comes the activity and interest felt
IL the experiments which are to be made
IN al parts of the country in the produc-
non OF our own sugar, and it is apparent
mat the farming community is not only
Ieeiing the return of prosperity, but is
occupying its mind with cheerful
thoughts
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18

The business situation as shown By
current reports is certainly encouraging
As an exchange remarks, though circum-
stances were against any decided improve
ments in general business last week. still
there was noticeable continuation of the
slow and steady growth that has been
characteristic of business ever since the
November election. Scranton Pa) Trib-
une Reps)-
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
Good News from the "sbo. Town.

~ Al the SnOG Towns"
Most of the shoe factories are now fair
~ well employed. and manufacturers evil
oentiy 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.
out the advance asked is more cheerfully
PAID by the jobbers. The sales of leather
snow an increase, and values are main
famed 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
rom Boston the past week, according to
the footings Of the Shoe and Leather Re
porter. were T9.0S7 cases, against s., 25a
cases last week. and s., 127 cases for the
corresponding week last year. Since Jan.
L, the shipments have been S66. 500 cases
against 1O2, 799 last year: an increase of
lo4O2I eases for the business of 1897
Lynn (Mass.) Item Qnd1.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18

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 a year,
taking this period as whole. Under a
proper tariff we would not only enjoy the
profits arising from this large balance.
but those derived from a greatly stimulat-
ed internal commerce as well. This fact
is well understood by business men. hence
their anxiety for the passage of a suitable
tariff bil.-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
decrease in number. amount and aver
age of liabilities in almost every branch
of trade and in nearly all branches Of
manufacture. 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 10 trade interests.-Chicago Times
Herald Qnd.).
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
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 ap-
parent to those whose business interests
lead them closest 10 the center of trade
actiyity.-San Francisco Call Rep).
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
The South Responds with Good Cheer

The south Responds with Good Cheer
The Chronicles statements bear out
the facts presented 10 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 TIE re-
turn of prosperity" be says, is visible
ON al 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 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 DOW
er, these reports. from the highest an
thorities. are exceedingly hopeful and en-
eouraging. = Macon lGa) Telegraph
Dem-).
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
Improved Demand in the Wesf

A general survey OF the business situa-
ton for the past week affords good
grounds for encouragement The water
is leaving the Mississippi bottom lands.
and il 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.).
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18

spite Of the occasional sheer of Pop
- philosophers thar the dawn of
f-st7'.'E is being strangely de.syed. it
i - .e denied that the trade situation
- -1'enlng and that business is better
r. Il 1896 The exports of produce
8 ne nited States thus far this year
g.. ID Increase of S144.O0O. COO over the
h. period IN 1896, which is gain
-"ngh TO satisfy the most exacting
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18

and other manufacturing communities
New York Commercial Advertiser Rep. }.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18

-e reDort made by r. G. Dun & Co.'S
re re7iew. showing an activity in le-
mate business transactions during the
-. month. little short of that during
~ iSs2. the year of the largest bust
- enphasizes the cheerfulness of the
tT>~l' business outlook and points 10 the
- u that the good times which have
- Predicted through many weary
u waiting are al least IN sight
7l-il-s Scimltar tDem.3.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
The Testimony of the Press Is Unanimous in
Behalf of This Fact.
Democratic, Republican, and Independent Pa
pers Testify to Business Improvement
Even the Calamity shriekers Are Compelled to Admit
Better Condition

The following statements. gathered
from recent issues of daily and weekly
papers in all parts of the country. and
representing all political parties. relate
10 the business condition in the United
States. They will repay a careful cx-
animation. Ii will be seen that the
editors. who have their hand on the
public pulse through their army of re-
porers. news gatherers and financial
students. are unanimous. irrespective
of politics. in the statement that bust
ness has improved and is improving.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1897-06-18
Great Activity in Railway Building.

If the disposition of railroads to extend
their mileage be an Indication of a re-
turn 10 prosperity. and If the statements
made by the Railway Age. the generally
accepted authority in regard TO railroad
matters. be at all accurate. this desidera-
tum may already be distinctly discerned
on the country's horizon.
The Age. in a recent issue. gives in tab
ulated form statistics of new mileage
either already in process of construction.
or expected 10 be constructed during the
year 1891 The grand total represented
in this table suggests a genuine boom in
railroad building all over the country.
The total thus given reaches the startling
figure of 1850 miles of new track as the
probable record for the present year
Memphis Scimitar Dem).