The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1898-09-02

II Is true tnat Inc mum Der OF pusi-
ness failures during the last has been
smaller than for the same months in
any year since 1893, but the number
10 larger than for the first six months
In any other year since 1879. We grant
that in four OF the years included
the mount of liabilities was larger
But the number of business concerns
falling is much surer test of condi-
tions than the amount. That is TO say
the failure of 100 small business men
for $4,000 each. making $1,000 900 in
the aggregate. would speak worse for
general conditions than the failure OF
two men for $1,000. 900 each. making
5000 900 in all. The best business con-
dition is not always that which repre-
sents the greatest aggregate. but that
which enables the greatest number OF
individuals 10 do business safely and
with fair and reasonable return for
their time and the capital invested
The manner in which wealth and bust
ness are distributed count for much
more than mere totals. because the
latter may represent the operations
OF the accumulations Of only very
few individuals.
But the point to which we especially
wish TO direct attention is this: In
order 10 make coed showing for bust
ness conditions. comparisons are in
stituted between 1898 and the very
worst years we have ever had. at least
since the pc nic of 1857. During the
years 1s93-4-5-6. and the first half Of
1897. the condition OF general business
was simply appalling and the suffering
among the poor was Utmost without
precedent. Asa matter of course 1897
shows up fairly well. when compared
with such years The wonder is that
the showing is not better. for there
have been many elements at work
which have operated strongly in our
favor. First was the extraordinary
shortage OF food products in Europe
and the countries that are generally
our greatest competitors As a conse-
quence we have probably sold from
si00. 100000 to $50, 900. 900 more bread
stuffs than we otherwise would. This
itself Is a IRENE ndous item. Then.
the war has cert ainly been to our adj
vantage. The direct disbursements Of
the govern ment on the army and navy
OF have been less than SIS. O00. 900
another immense item. Henry
Clews. In a recent circular. says that
by reason OF the war this summer
American travellers will probably
spend abroad $50. 100000 less than
usual-another tolerably good-sized
sum for use al home. Turning TO the
other side OF the account II is difficult
20 see where the war has made a ma
terial cut into single important in
duStry. Excepting with Spain. which
is small matter. our commerce has
been wholly uninterrupted, and bush
ness has gone on jus, as il nothing had
occurred out OF the ordinary. In
deed. many eminent fnanciers con-
slider that the war has been a positive
advanta Under such circumstances
the existing conditions are most as
suredly less favorable than they should
be. The question naturally presents
Itself: What would they have been
with norma crops in other countries.
no war expenditures. and with the
usual amount Of American money car
ried abroad? II Is perfectly safe to
make answer that without these I'M
usual adjuncts business would have
been AT its lowest ebb
These observations have not be~n
made in spirit OF pessimis,ic croak-
Ing. We have no desire to bclit;le any
real prosperity that the people may be
enjoying. Our purpose Is merely 70
call attention TO the fact that the
great victory for Sound money" in
800 has not caused the whole land to
flow with milk and honey. II is not
possible 10 point out single improve
ment that can be fairly or even hon
ss'ly ascribed to the triumph OF the