Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-02
CROPS MAINLY FLOURISH
Grain and Grasses Do Wei, Though Wet
Weather Retards Labor.
NATIONAL FINANCES SHOW GOOD BALANCE
Receipts Exceed Expenditures for
Past Nine Month by S33,s20, 223,
Though Many Departments
Cost More Than Before.

WASHINGTON, April 1.-The Agricul-
tural departments monthly crop bulletin is
as follows:
March weather conditions were generally
favorable for the growth Of grains and
grasses in AL districts east of the Rockies,
but outside OF New England and portions
OF the middle Atlantic regions shipping
work has been retarded by excessive rains
and consequent wet soil. On the Pacific
coast the weather conditions we're gener-
ally favorable, although It was. too cool aud
the season is two to three weeks late in
Washington.
Reports from all sections indicate that
winter wheat is in promising condition
generally. The crop has wintered well and
is making vigorous growth in all sections.
A rank growth IS reported from limited
areas in Kentucky and some damage by
water on low lands in Maryland and the
lower Ohio and central Mississippi valleys.
In California winter wheat is in excellent
condition, with heavy yields indicated from
a large acreage. Some reseeding is being
done'in isolated portions of oregon and re-
ports Of slight damage by frost are received
from Washington, otherwise in these states
the crop is considered in good condition,
although not especially thrifty in Wash
ington.
Some spring wheat has been sown in
Washington, but no seeding has been done
in the principal spring wheat states, the
soil being too wet for preparatory work.
The seeding of spring oats has begun as
far north as Michigan, but this work has
been retarded to a considerable extent by
wet ground. Fall SOW oats are making
vigorous growth in the southern states,
with excellent results, although seriously
damaged by lice in some portions of South
Carolina.
But little corn has been planted north of
the gulf states, where the early planted is
up to standard and fair to good.
Cotton planting is in progress in southern
Georgia and eastern South Carolina. A
little has been planted in Alabama and
Florida. Preparations are general for this
work in Louisiana and Mississippi, except
In the flooded districts. In Texas the crop
is being planted In the central and southern
portions and some is coming up.
Serious injury to the peach crop by frost
is reported from nearly all sections east OF
the Mississippi and from Oklahoma and
northern Texas. other fruits are more
promising, although the abnormally high
temperatures in the lake region have forced
buds to such an extent that frosts at this
time would do much damage.
Public Debt shows Increase.
The monthly statement of the public debt
shows that at the close of business on
March 81 the total debt, less cash in the
treasury, amounted to 1888, sos, s19, an in
crease for the month Of 81, 631, O21. This in
crease is accounted for by a corresponding
decrease in amount of cash on hand.
The debt is recapitulated as follows: IN
terest bearing debt, S914. 451, $40; debt on
which interest has ceased since maturity,
81, $50, 100; debt bearing no interest, $780,
1854, 437; total, 81 1912, SIS, 9G7. This amount
however, does not include $500, 007. 069 in
certificates and treasury notes outstanding.
which are Offset by an equal amount OF
coin on hand held for their redemption.
The cash in the treasury IS classified as
follows: Reserve fund, $3.50, 900, 900; trust
funds. $500, 007, 069; general fund, s165, 217,-
767; in national bank repositories, $3.50, $780,
4Ss; total, 1885, 1916, 1926, against which
there are demand liabilities outstanding
amounting to $685.. 45S, 1886, leaving a cash
balance on hand of 1912, 921, 9SS.
The comparative statement of receipts
and expenditures show that the total re-
| ceipts were $45, ABS, 4S4, and the disburse-
ment s44, 9S7, 1887, leaving a surplus for the
month Of $447, S74.
The receipts from the several sources of
revenue are given as follows. Customs,
s23, 7O9, 1858, increase, 81. 900, 900; internal rev.
enue, SIS, 1923, 751. decrease 3d. 900. 900; mis-
eellaneous, $2,9 0 715, increase, $4,000.
The expenditures on account of the War
department were $12, 27S, 91S, increase $9,-
900, 900; navy, $7,374,S44, increase 81. 200, 900,
For the last nine months the receipts ex-
ceeded the expenditures by $33, 1929, 223.