Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1901-03-14
MARVELLOUS INCREASE.
The Great Strides our Country Is Making
IA Matter Of Astonishment Even 10
nurseIVes.

Matter Of Astonishment Even to
Ourselves.
The real growth OF the United State
may to all intents and purposes be in
cluded within a century, but in no par
OF that century has this growth beef
more marvellous than during the gas
ten years. The contrasts OF 1890 ant
1909 are greater in many ways thar
those of 1890 and 1850. Ten years il
but a short time even in the life OF ,
man, and it is but a moment in the life
of great nation, but in that momen
the United States has accomplished
more in adding to the wealth and pow
er OF her people at home and abroad
than is recorded of any other country
in the history OF the world. The gains
in territory and population are not a:
significant as the gains in commerce
and wealth.
Ia 1890 the people of the United
States used about 1900 million dollars
as medium of exchange in their do.
mestic commerce. Last year 2056 mill
ions found active employment in the
same direction. This is a far greater
gain in proportion than the gain in
population, for the per capita circula-
tion OF this country in 1890 was SO 50,
while in 1900 it was $26 94.
The national income used for pur-
poses of government in 1890 was $50
million dollars, and in 1900 it was 1918
millions. The expenses of the govern
ment in 1890 we're were $50 millions,
and 886 millions were needed for 1900.
The increased receipts were from in
ternal revenue, for the customs, owing
TO the comparatively small increase in
importations, yielded no more in 1900
than in 1890, while the internal reven-
lie receipts rose in ten years from 142
million to 295 million dollars.
There has been great deal said OF
late in regard to foreign expansion,
but the domestic expansion for the
past ten years, which has produced
such tremendous results in government
and commercial affairs, is far more i'm
portant TO the people than any foreign
interests which have been acquired.
While the imports have remained
about the same for decade, the exports
have increased from 857 million to 1895
million dollars, yielding balance in
trade in favor OF this country of 545
millions, as against trade balance in
1890 OF 6s millions. The population Of
the country has increased 20 per cent.
in ten years. The Improvisation of
foreign goods about s per cent. The
expectations Of American goods SO per
cent.
The railroad securities of the United
States have risen in value in ten years
from $500 million dollars to ii 500 mill
ion dollars. The earnings OF these
roads in 1890 were 525 millions, and in
1900 they were 1865 millions, notwith-
standing a marked decrease In freight
and passenger rates which has taken
place in recent years.
The mineral output OF the United
States in 1890 was $40 millions, and In
1900 it was 1000 millions. One item OF
this output, that of fuel, rose from 23l
to $50 million dollars in that time.
Instances of this kind might be con-
tinued without end. This increase in
productiyeness is all the more remark
able that it has not been accompani led
by any signs Of over production. This
is an excellent promise for the future
continuance of this rapid ratio of
growth. 1t Is guarantee that the
great increase in population which is
to come in the next quarter OF CEN
tury will find plenty to eat, plenty to
wear, and plenty to do, in the fulfil
ment of the law that man must live by
NAf1