The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-05-02
Crop Shortage Along Western
Lines Not Feared.
More Than One Failure NeceSs-
airy to Break Prosperity.
EASIER CONDITIONS.
All of the Lines Are Getting
Lots of Cars.
Other Items of Interest to
Railway People.

Easier conditions prevail in the
western traffic situation, as far as the
car supply is concerned Most of the
roads are getting a large number of
cars, which they had ordered some time
ago, and they are now able to handle
freight with considerable freedom
There are, however, very few idle cars
for there is plenty of freight to keep
them all busy, but the tension is not
nearly as great as it was six weeks
or even month ago. Officials expect
to be able to meet the demands Of
shippers with comparative ease from
now on through the summer. There is
a good movement Of practically every
thing. and it is expected that revenues
will be maintained at or above last
years level for an indefinite period 1t
is pointed out that some roads may
show decreased net earnings, the same
as the Baltimore & Ohio did. and due
TO like causes, not because of lack OF
traffic.
Few, if any. officials will admit that
the tide has turned in the prosperous
times. They say that things are ad-
justing themselves to different condi-
lions and when this process has been
completed, less will be heard about
backwardness in railroad and indus
trial circles Some point out that there
are two sides to the question and OPP
timistic as well as pessimistic views
will continually come out on the SUB
ject- Up to the present time leading
reports do not indicate that there has
been much loss of traffic. As the sea-
sons change, a new class of freight
presents itself, some kinds fall of
greatly, while others increase IN the
same proportion This is the case to-
day and il will be tomorrow. for rail-
road officials say that the west IL too
great and the consumpttve power TOO
big for the roads to ever lack .heaNy
tonnage movement, and they DO rot
believe that interior merchants will ex-
pand fast enough within the next five
years to be able to keep their shelves
filled with merchandise for which there
is no call for any length OF Tina Inc
farmer and the middleman of the WeSt
are gradually becoming financially
stronger and their wants are steadily
merchant in the market for additional
goods with which TO take care OF the
increasing demand
1t will take more than one crop fall
ure to break the prosperity OF the west;
in fact, some persons argue that a
short crop would do the country gooq
after the successive good yields ana
large reserves which the farmers have
put away Another big crop Of every
thing would without doubt reduce
prices materially, while snort crop
would help prices. This would help the
farmer and continue the heavy demand
for manufactures. as there are no more
liberal buyers than they when they
are getting good values
The sale and shipment OF dry goods
goes on undated, so to speak, and 1oo-
bers and wholesalers say they are Wei
satisfied with the outlook The move
ment of lumber is heavy, but deliver
les at arge centers where the demand
is great have not been the means OF
lowering values. Wholesale grocers re-
mort heavy consignments during the
week and do not look for lessenlng