Charlevoix county herald., 1908-05-23
GOOD TIMES AHEAD
RETURN OF GREAT PROSPERITY
is ASSURED.
Country's Progress Upward from Re-
cent Financial Depression Assured
Confidence and Hope for Flu
ture Seen on All Sides.

In country of such extent and such
varied interests and conditions as
must always exist in the United
States it is futile to hope for uniform
progress upward from the depression
following a business crisis. There
will necessarily be mixed and contra
dictory reports. especially during the
early stages of recovery from panic
conditions. 1t is necessary to take
the general average, the weight of evil
dence, the margin on the right side
after balancing adverse against ia
vorable news.
II the commercial, industrial and
financial situation is studied in this
manner the weight of evidence will
be found hopeful and encouraging.
There are great and far-reaching rea-
sons why the progress of business will
surely go on until it regains the full
measure of activity.
Farm work is we'll advanced for the
season. The weather conditions are
favorable, as a rule. Winter wheat
promises fine yield. Fruit is in good
condition in the main. There is moth
ing to indicate that the vast agri-
cultural interests of the country will
fare ill or fail to enjoy an unusually
good year in 1908.
Building operations gain ground
steadily in the largest centers of poDu-
lation. There are encouraging re-
ports from New York of very remark
able activity in that line. Investments
are being made for other than imme-
diate needs. Money is going into real
estate improvements with the back
ing of far-reaching confidence in the
future.
Railroad earnings are holding up
better than the pessimists have be-
lieved that they could. Some of the
largest systems are planning costly
improvements and extensions and
making ready for the rush of traffic
which their officers and principal own
ers believe to be assured before many
months.
Other great industries and CONNER
cial interests tell similar stories of
more confidence, more hope of the flu
ture, far and near, more planning and
preparing for very active trade and
for the return of booming times.
Meanwhile the accumulation of gold
goes on steadily. The exports of the
last few days are trifling compared
with the production of the metal in
the United States in the months since
the great importation OF specie from
Europe to meet the panic emergency
last fall. The surplus reserves of the
banks in the financial centers of the
country are mounting higher and
higher. Money market conditions are
more favorable for large undertakings
than they have been for long time.
The balance of trade continues to
be heavily on the side Of the United
States. The foreign markets for Amer
lean products are wider and more prof
liable than ever before. The Ameri-
can people are saving, gaining capital,
making ready for the tremendous
business which cannot be far ahead
And the government is entirely
safe and sound and in a very COM
Portable condition. The treasury sur
plus is 80 immense that there can be
no more question of adequate means
to meet all demands than there is of
the stability of the currency system
of the United States. The coming
national campaign is not going to up
set trade and industry. 1t can not
shake the financial position OF the
federal government. 1t will not re-
verse or imperil any great economic
policies.
The American republic is lettering
its position steadily 1t is moving on
and up faster than many of its own
citizens realize.