The evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1907-1908, 1907-12-03
MILLS RESUME
CLOSED BANKS ARE RE-
OPENING THEIR DOORS.
Thousands Returning to Work-wholc-
sale Houses Receiving Big Orders.
Retail Business Good.

CHICAGO, Iii, Dec. 3.-That business
confidence is returning with substantial
emphasis throughout the country. though
conservatism naturally still Is much In evil
dence, is attested by reports from all Sec
lions of the United States which have been
received here.
Throughout the territory extending from
the far West to the extreme East these
advices Indicate that industry is reviving
from the depression incident to the recent
financial disturbance.
Financial authorities here. basing their
statements on accurate reports privately
obtained, assert that convincing evidence
of substantial returning confidence is
found In the number of mills and factories
which have resumed operation. More
closed banks have reopened their doors.
Bank note circulation has expanded under
special facilities offered. s
One of the best features is held to be
the practical elimination of a premium
on currency. Wholesale houses in many
centres are receiving orders of usual size
from country merchants. Retail trade is
more active and sales of holiday goods are
effectively su%pplementing the usual deal
ings in staple merchandise.
Railroads which laid off thousands of
workmen are now calling for great num-
bers Of men and resuming Improvements
and other work which had been deferred
under financial stress. Building projects
nave assumed new headway.
More than 1000 Western banks lave pc
titioned Chicago banks for a resumption
of currency payments. 1t is predicted IN
well informed quarters that this request
may be acceded to during the ensuing
week. or at least within ten days. With
regard to this matter, however, the local
banks are lending close attention to New
York and Wall Street.
Added confidence that this step is at
hand is afforded by the statement of
Comptroller of the Currency Ridgely, who
has been a visitor here. He has asserted
that the Middle West rapidly Is approach
ing the normal and that. with the excep-
ton Of q few small institutions west of
Illinois. the banks practically are ready
to resume full currency payments,
From the Chicago viewpoint, one OF the
foremost tangible proofs of the return to
better times is found in the resumption OF
construction work elong the line of the
Hartman railroads. Thousands of work
men are being reemployed and work was
begun today from end to end Of the big
system. Western newspapers bear adver-
tisements calling for thousands OF men.
This step on the Hartman system has
had a reassuring effect. Similar railroads
have felt the stimulus, and, with conff--
dence restored by this initiative, are TAX
ing steps to reemploy men In construction
and similar work. 1t Is confidently pref
dicted here that the Eastern trunk lines.
which dropped thousands of men some
weeks ago, will take a similar course.
The effect of this unemployment of
laborers, it is asserted, will prove a great
sustaining force that will be felt through
the merchants stores to the mills and
factories.
- - 81 Y ..s. -. 4h,k 4ta
Terminal Railroad Association, which had
postponed enlargement of its terminals
there. has decided to continue to work
and TO expend ut least 100000 in im-
provements within the lex few months.
Operations will be regulated in part by
the enactment of certain Legislation from
the municipal assembly. But extension
work will continue without interruption,
and approved plans cover Improvements
which will aggregate a cost of $l2, 600, 900.
Financial s%tringency has not affected the
industrial plants of that city.
San Antonio, Texas, reports that Mex
lean lines are engaging all the men they
can get in the United States and that
probably a thousand or more already have
crossed the boundary to work there. The
Missouri & North Arkansas continues eN-
tension to Joplin, Mo-, and Helena, Ark.
The Illinois Traction system is reported
as having begun a $4,000 bridge at St z
Louis and as preparing to expend 100000
for terminals there.
Heavy orders for equipment have been
by many railroads. The Union Pa
clhc has placed orders for 1,500 pressed
steel cars. as well as for twenty-five new
locomotives from the Baldwin works.
Nearly $1,000 900 worth of railroad ties are
being assembled at Kansas City and
for double tracking work that is
to be performed. Orders for special Pull
and for improved steel passenger
coaches also have been given.