The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-11
, Books. Pictures and Pianos in the
Farmers Homes Paid for Out of
His Current Receipts.
GOOD SURPRISES IN THE BANKS
MORTGAGES PAID OFF AND THE
FARMS BETTER WORKED.
Daily Papers Delivered at the Door,
Broadening the General KnowI-
edge of World Affairs.

stan Correspondence OF the Journal.
MINNEAPOLIS, Mimi, Nov. 1O.-Usually
one must go to the great and roomy West
to find out the why of things New York
registers commercial conditions in this
country, but not altogether particular as to
causes. Within the last month there has
been great revival of business confidence
In the commercial metropolis. This came
slight surprise and contrary to con-
/. servative expectation. We are apt to look
to New York for the announcement of
these conditions but 1t should be remem
bered that New York does not make them.
About the 1st of August l furnished in
this correspondence the observations of a
somewhat extended middle Western trip.
IL was taken Immediately after an extend
ed stay in New York. where business was
rushing in a way which amazes the whole
world. At the same time there were signs
of unrest and suspicion. Germany. Eng
land and France were in the thrOes of COM
mercial depression and the "oldest trader
felt that it was only a matter of a short
time until this dull. tired feeling oppressed
the stout-hearted Americans. Imports were
falling off. the stock market was top-heavy
and the rich holders doubted their ability
10 create sufficient interest to get the public
into the market. This represented the sub
stratum of New York feeling. and the re-
porter of conditions encountered it through
out the West. But it should not be for
gotten that apparently business was in
Splendid shape and the wise ones with the
forebodings were really spook fighters.
II was after gaining these impressions in
New York that l took a trip to the middle
West, stopping at Pittsburg Cleveland, In
dianapOlis, Chicago, Kansas City and other
lesser places. As reported then the sub
stantial activity was such that ii seemed
impossible that any untOward influences
could suppress them in a short time. Build
ing on large and small scale apparent
on every hand on large scale II was
most marked at Pittsburg. Few grOwths in
the history of this country have been so
wonderful as that going on there Cleve-
land and Indianapolis reflected the great
prosperity of their contributing sections
and Kansas City seems to be bounding for
ward as new outpost of the West. This
business activity showed in the small shops
and In the large ones; Ii was evenly spread
There was no mistaking il.
INCREASED FOREBODINGS.
Later on in New York / found the feeling
of foreboding increased rather than light
ened. The death of Mckinley added to the
grave distrust. There was a feeling of
uncertainty about Roosevelt. In this brief
backward glance 1T is not necessary to see
more than that two weeks ago this feeling
of uncertainty had entirely disappeared.
Unanimously the retailers reported that
their October and September business was
exceeding that OF year ago, and the vol
ume year ago was a record breaker The
banks reported that money sent TO the
West for the crops was bounding back
as though held by an elastic. The whole
saiers reported enormous increases In or
ders from the West The manufactures
Joined In the refrain. From Washington
came the official report that the United
States government was doing so we'll that
1t would have to add TO its bond purchases
In order 10 get rid OF the rapidly growing
surplus. The specter of fear had vanished.
Later, when Morgan and Vanderbilt had
proved their soothing powers OF witchery
over the angry railroaders, Hill and Harrf-
man ana all was at peace, the rehabilita-
tion Of confidence was complete. Bad times
may come, but now they are out of sight
And so it stands I'm New York. And in
the West II Is easy to see why. Ii is worth
while to see why. There is to be noticed in
the towns OF the great Northwest those
signs OF business activity which impressed
the writer on his visit 10 the middle West
last spring. Nature has not been particu-
larly kind to these Northern States for the
past two years Last season the wheat
crop was bad. and this year it is not good.
Yet despite this there is no complaint and
jobbers say that IL their business was re
duced 25 per cent. the volume remaining
would still be sufficient 10 give a paying
profit. That is a general statement which
has been given me by so many bankers
that feel certain OF its truth
There are not enough carpenters not
: enough blacksmiths, not enough TO do the
digging, and not enough artisans and
workers generally. The railroads are get
ting as much business as they can handle
and even wonder where it is coming from
1t Is not explained by the crops, although
the production OF flax and potatoes has
been extraordinarily large and prices good
which. TO some extent. has made UP for
the loss In the wheat crop Almost every
business man knows that railroad earnings
show an increase. but this hardly tells the
fHa in,
crease come? Like the thousands and mil
lions tiny rills which make the great river
Apparently every man, woman and child in
the Northwest is contributing
Here is the country hotel The cook re-
ceived Ss5 month three years ago. and ne
Is now paid S75-a large increase. Ii seems
quit. The clerk is paid more or he too
would seek further for better employment
The bus man Is having more passengers
from he station. and the forgetfuI
mattresses are getting tips when thev
never before expected them. The liverv-
man, the blacksmith. the merchant the
share OF the strong running current of
money. Here. as elsewhere. the farmer
has paid his mortgages and is leaving his
money IN bank instead OF asking the bank
10 send East for the money OF insurance
companies and lOaning agencies. Even the
doctor II learning from the books OF new
and fashionable diseases and is having
the nerve 10 doctor the simpe-minded peo-
pie for them
MARCH OF CULTURE.
Yes. they now have ills they never
dreamed OF being able 10 afford. and one is
amazed 20 hear them dlrerentiate the
shades OF reurasthenic Affections and then
proceed TO discuss the various merits Of
automatic piano-playing devices They get
their boots shined at the village barber
shop by an Italian who cannot talk the
language, and speculate as TO whether