The age-herald., 1899-03-28
PROGRESS IN THE SOUTH
From the New York Times.

From the New York Times.
 MT. Emanuel Lehman, head of the we'll known Stock Exchange house of Lehman Brothers, has just returned from an ex- tended trip through the south. MT. Leh- man spent most of his time in New Or leans and in the territory of which Mont gomery, Ala, is the centre, and during his stay was afforded excellent opportunity to look into the condition of business and trade affairs in those sections. Discussing his observations, MT. Lehman talked inter- estingly and most enthusiastically to rep resentative of The Times yesterday
 "Southern manufacturing industries are today enjoying more prosperity than at any period of their history. This is not confined to any particular line, but is everywhere apparent New enterprise is manifest in the south, and along with the consequent natural development comes new energy, born of new ambition and spirit such as has been in past years more noticeable in the north than in the south. The spring activity is this year more mark ed than for several seasons preceding this.
 "The planters with the exception of those identified with the sugar interests, have done fairly well. From cotton, all that could have been expected, considering the low price at which the planters have been compelled to market it, has been real ized. While the sugar tonnage seemed fully up to the average, planters got about 20 per cent less from it than they expected, owing to the severe and freezing rains which have been prevalent in the territory giving the biggest yield
 Nh ct ndinp this general cOnd- tions in the south are all that could be de- sired. I myself have great faith in its fu- ture. Such corresponding development this year as has been witnessed there in the past two years will mean much to it. It has already fallen into line. The one fault I have to find with the south is that it plants too much cotton. If as the saying is the farmers would pay less attention to cotton, live at home, and raise their own meat the south would speedily become one of the most fourishing sections of the country.
 "Some people there are, however, after years of struggling and hardship very we'll off, It is fact that the banks of New Orleans have relatively more money to lend than we have here. This shows stability in business conditions. It is tradition that the proceeds of the sugar crop stay in the south, while the money realized from cotton goes elsewhere.
 "There is a great demand for timber lands in the south, and the lumber market generally Is strong and healthy It Is be- lieved there that the season just opening will be the best the trade mas seen since 1892. Prices are as strong as at any time in the last year of unusually stiff prices. Many of the mills have their output for nearly six months sold ahead, and are therefore not compelled to look for buyers. The advices from the producing districts are that the business doing is only limited by the capacity of the mills to turn out the lumber.
 "The iron and coal interests are flourish ing. The orders now on the books in the iron trade will keep all the furnaces busy for months to come. There is a very good demand for coal All of the output is be- ing readily sold, and there is little or no accumulation. Prices, too. are good
 What the south most fears today is an invasion of yellow fever, but am strong ly of the opinion that its fears are ground less. The fever never starts there. It is always imported. Since this government acquired control of Cuba and introduced up-to-date methods of sanitation, believe the danger of the disease gaining a foot hold in any part of this country has been reduced to a minimum
 Observers need not go away from home to size up the business and financial situ- ation accurately. The present condition of the south is only an example of the pros- perity everywhere prevailing. The condl- tion of the whole country began to grow better right after the election in 1896 and has continued to improve from that time to the present. Prosperity Is based on legiti- mate groundwork. It is destined to con- tinue for long time. Labor is now uni versally employed. and with such employ ment the means are supplied for increased consumption"