New-York tribune., 1908-06-03
PR0SPERLTY BOOMERS.

Taking dispafches at face value, the news
nanpr reader will have observed that Missouri
aud her neighbors are compelling prosperity by
resolutions and jolIifcation meetings In 81
Louis there is Prosperity Association whose
purpose in life is the lengthening of drummers
order lists hv the dissemina ton of sunshine
This optimistic organization appears 10 have
accomplished something. Late reports say that
lis members and friends celebrated the 1st of
lime not with fireworks and lemonade but
with grand display of will power. Some small
part of this mental effort was spent in con-
vincing the public near and far that a great
industrial revival throughout the Whole country
might be induced by little good cheer; but
the greater portion used in re-employins
1900 men $50 the story goes in manufactur-
ing plants and mercantile houses. one news
purveyor saws that the business men particl-
pating in this celebration gave orders for more
than S5.o0ooOo worth of various goods, with a
view 10 making machinery hum from ocean to
ocean, And, Just to heap proof upon proof in
demonstrating the measureess possibilities OF
adding n cubit of dollars to a bank account by
taking thought, the association asserts that lC
has already accomplished far more than even
the most sanguine members had hoped for
Business throughout the country has greatly I'M
proved since the executive committee began
mailing circulars some weeks ago, and conn
dpnce is already so lar restoFeu thai loot 'u
trmn's woes have faded into painless memo
ries
Far be il from our thoughts TO make l'sht OF
these exercises in will power. We cannot agree
with the hard headed men who compare Mis-
souris attempt at mending the economic order
with legislatures amendment Of the mulupl-
cation table. There surely are times When lne
orthodox doctors of economy can prontahy call
in the mental healer for consultation. indeed
oven among the orthodox faith is being more
and more exalted as factor in business, for
credit itself which is the cornerstone OF the
modern economic order. is nothing but 1alth
Nevertheless. this is hardly enough to prove that
the present indubitable revival of business Is
chiefly due TO the pamphlets, exhortation ana
c.od cheer emanating from the Missouri Give
Ts-a- Rest q nd Sunshine League Faith may
sometimes move mountains, but it surely can
NOT do 50 if there are no mountains 70 move.
4 community of Esquimaus could not make
strawberry matches thrive IN Greenland by or
ganizing cIee club. Neither can our own Opt
mistic westerDers bring on sudden rush OF
prosperity unless the country itself is potentially
prosperous The reported success of the boom
ers is of course fruitful tribute to their own
wholesome sturdiness and energy: but 1t is sun
| more a revelation of the countryS wealth ana
| resources The United States is still the land
| of boundless possibilities. and no financial dis
| turbance can long check their realization. Fac
tories are opening. laborers being relnstated
wages being maintained. and millions OF dollars
| worth of equipment being ordered, not, in TRUTH
az q dpsDerate means of restoring confidence,
but rather because profits are in plain sight