The Washington times., 1903-01-01
DUN'S REVIEW SHOWS
GENERAL PROSPERITY
In Nearly Every Industry
Better Conditions Prevail,
TREATISE ON COAL STRIKE
Anthracite Situation the Most Momen-
tous IN the Events of the
Industrial World.

The advance sheets Of Dun's review
for the year viii say in part:
zone event stands out in startling
disUnctiveness IN the Industrial history
Of 1902. Never before was there. and
II is 10 be hoped. never again will there
be such labor controversy as the an
thracite coal strike International trade
has also been badly disarranged by this
factor; finished steel exports and coal
shipments being especially reduced
while imports of pig iron and coal rose
sharply, exceeding all records since the
steel industry became fully established
in this country Instead of the usual
large net exports Of these products
there were imports of over s., O00. 900
worth IN one month.
''The condition Of the iron industry is
still considered a safe barometer of
general business, AID despite the serious
interruption Of fuel scarcity the year
1902 must be considered by far the most
prosperous ever experienced, while the
outlook for 1903 is still brighter.
During the eleven months of 1901 ex-
ports of coal showed a splendid increase
10 $40, sos, 83S in value, as against S19.-
ass, $50 in 1900, but 1902 has brought a
different condition of affairs. exports
declining to $16,705.314 with promise Of
6 still more striking loss for the full
year when official returns are available.
All records OF coke production have
been surpassed
After recent years Of weak OF declin-
ing markets for wool. the splendid ad-
vance and vigorous activity Of the last
year makes most encouraging con
trast,
The falling OF in shoe shipments from
Boston from 1901 clearly demonstrated
the fact that sales of New England
manufacturers were not up TO those Of
1901, but it is estimated that this slight
decrease in the East was made up by an
Increased production in the West.
The rise in values OF most kinds OF
leather during 1901 was followed by con
tinued activity and an era of high
prices during 1902. The leather trade
as a rule last year was satisfactory TO
tanners OF most varieties, although IN
usually high rates for raw material 'serv-
ed TO make profits small
AT leading domestic -four mills all
previous records OF weekly production
have been frequently surpassed during
the year just closed. Home consump-
ton has been large. aud also exports Of
flour, which appear to have attracted
more attention abroad than wheat. the
shipments of the two being equal in
November. a very abnormal state OF az
fairs
Agricultural results for the last year
and general business conditions for the
coming year are both in no small degree
affected by the corn crop Of 1902. Fol
lowing a period OF almost famine scar
city of the maize crop, the country was
blessed by the heaviest yield ever
grown. in part due TO the great expan-
zion OF acreage because Of high prices
Although rates for call loans did not
rise TO the point attained during the
Northern Pacific corner in 1901. yet the
year 1902 VIII always be memorable for
the greater general stringency which ex-
listed. especially during the closing
months.
Rates OF exchange at New York on
London and also Continental exchange
have both been irregular compared with
the previous years fluctuations, and yet
in some respects the situation has &C
tuaIly appeared somewhat more normal
While in many ways the last year
his been most eventfuI, Wall Street did
not witness the volume Of speculation
that made 1901 memorable. nor we're
there any of the violent upheavals that
marked the course Of stock trading in
recent preceding years
Prices Of meats were considered high
in 1891, having risen above all records
since 1888, but the year 1902 carries the
comparison back many years further