The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-01-02


of credits. the large amount of unemploy-
ed capital seeking investment. and the con-
sentative view taken by the business inter-
ests and the conservative public, all tend
to such an improved condition for the com
ing year that there should be no hesta-
ton in one wishing his business friend or
neighbor a prosperous New Year with
some substantial basis TO back it.
o. C. Staples, Capitalist-The general
situation is very much improved. l expect
to see a big business boom. The hotel
business will be especially good owing TO
the tide of people who will be coming
to the city in this coming most important
year. The great success of the Business
Mems Association from the start, its
wonderful growth of membership, shows
most convincingly the general feeling that
a big business revival is at hand. The
Peace Jubilee in March will be a tremen-
dous success, and it will be fine thing
for Washington business.
w. B. Hibbs, Broker-My opinion is un-
changed. | have preached prosperity for
several months. The outlook is for the
best business year the country has ever
had. There is nothing in sight in the
political, diplomatic or financial situation
that can Interfere with the rising of the
tide of good times.
c. T. Havenner Broker-The country is
entering on the greatest era of prosperity
it has ever known, in my opinion. AS for
the outlook for securities | believe the
boom in prices has only just begun, and
that the top is yet away off. The railroads
are earning more money than ever before
in their history. And money is lying idle
in vast amounts. The Western railroads
are themselves sending money East to
loan.
BEDFORD W. Walker, Real Estate-There
is already in Washington an awakening of
business. There have been several very
large sales of real estate this season which
will compare favorably with any other year
in the city's history. And there are buy
ers for smaller properties also, which is a
most encouraging symptom, as the smaller
investors are the last to take advantage of
business chances as n rule. Many people
are coming into the city and they will
many of them make homes here. The ex-
tension of the street railroads into the sub
urbs will be great help to those sections
and to the city generally as we'll. Ecking-
ton and the section through which the
lexington road runs will benefit greatly
from rapid transit. When the Metropolitan
Railroad is extended east from Connecticut
Avenue TO Park Street, in Mount Pleasant
real estate in that locality will become
more valuable and will find eager purchas-
erS.
James W. Whelpley. American Security
and Trust Company-Washington will be
busy during the coming year and people
will make money. There is nothing any
where in sight and hardly anything think
able that can cause any setback in the bus
mess boom. 1t is difficult to lend money
and the capitalist who lends money instead
of investing it, may perhaps be mentioned
as one whose business will not boom. but
he is the only necessary exception to the
rule
W. NJ. Balderston, manager of the Palais
Royal-We have had a most encouraging
holiday season and are most hopeful OF the
coming Spring. Everything in the general
business situation points that way
W. G. Peter, Architect-The activity in
real estate already evident and in pros
pect is a most encouraging suggestion that
building operations will be large In the
coming year. In my opinion there is a
most encouraging outlook. The prospect
for the architects in Washington is an i'm
proving one every year. As soon as the
wealthy people will come to this city to
build homes even more than they do at
present.
John B. Sloan. General Secretary Young
Mems Christian Association-The enthusi-
astic and practical interest manifested in
the work of the Y. NJ. C. A. by citizens of
all classes and creeds bids fair to make
the year 1899 great year in the history of
the association. Practically every one ad-
mits that the city of Washington presents
magnificent possibilities for such an organ
iZation.
Myron NJ. Parker. Real Estate-Real es-
tate prices are generally low and already
capitalists are availing themselves of the
opportunity to buy, feeling assured that the
coming good times will bring higher prices
The smaller investors will purchase later,
but the inquiry from this class of people
is much larger even now. look for a much
better year in 1899 than at any time since
the hard times set in.
r. O. Hoffman, Real Estate-This has
been the best Autumn since the hard times
began. | look for an excellent Spring. 1t is
q fact that bargains in real estate can be
sold now. Two years ago il was impossible
10 make sale, no matter what the induce
ments We're. l have seen months go by
without a sale. Now they are made with
frequency that is most gratifying. even if
| it is not like the business of ten years ago.
William II. Saunders, Real Estate-There
is no doubt about the revival of business
generally. 1t takes longer for prosperity
TO reach real estate than any other branch
of business. but already there are excellent
! indications. Good business is already her
aided in Washington by the several recent
large sales. People are all talking Of bet
ter times.
Percy S Foster, Music Dealer-I believe
We are on the eve of the best business
year the country has ever seen. The year
1898 will be the last of the hard times
years. 1t is said that it takes six years for
the country to recover a business depres-
sion, and 1898 was the sixth from 1892. Al
ready the present year has shown much i'm
provement. In my business this year S
holiday trade has been the best on record
II is my opinion that it will be mans own
| fault if he cannot make money in 1899.
E. L. Everett, Jeweler-The indications
| are all that next year will be very much
better in our business. The jewelry bust
ness suffers most from financial depres-
sions. People buy little beside the neces-
saries of life in hard times. Already, how
ever. there has been a good Improvement,
and greater is to follow next year. Peo-
pie have been buying more expensive goods