The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-20
BUSINESS BETTER
 AND STILL GROWING
RALPH M. EASILY OF THE MA TlONAL CIVIC FEDERATION SPEAKS OF THE RENEWAL OF LABOR CONTRACTS.

New York, January 19.-(Special. .)-"The recuperative power of business which was evidenced after the financial de- pression of recent months is the greatest the country has ever experienced Bus mess is on the mend. Industrial con ditions are bettering and will continue to do so. The prosperous conditions en- poyed before money became scarce are at hand again and, where temporary stringency was in evidence, the most enthusiastic optimism prevails"
 In these words Ralph M Easly. chair man of the executive council of the National Civic Federation, described the general sound conditions of business throughout the country. MT. Easly has exceptional opportunities to feel the pulse of the country, receiving as he does reports of all meetings of business men and labor leaders. |.
 Labor Contract Renewals.
 MT. Easily pointed out the fact that in recent years, when depression was encountered, at least a year and some times much longer was required for recovery. Observing the distinction be- tween panic and a peculiar depression due to withdrawal of money from the banks, he said it was but natural that the people should quickly right condi- tions and discourage unfounded nervous ness. The dispatch with which business became normal indicates the splendid condition of business-the good health that heals quickly.
 MT. Easily said the renewal of con- tracts between labor organizations and employers Is the best indication of the restoration of confidence in the pros pect of continued prosperity. The build ing trades, he says, are renewing con tracts in New York. The railroads are doing the same; the longshoremen along the lakes are conferring with employers for a renewal of last years scale. This last is an indication of increased activ- ity in many great industries. principally in the iron mines. the lumber business, and shipment of grain and flour.
 While some industries, because of tenn porary lack of currency, have been com pelled to run short time, these are fast coming back to normal state. Wage cuts are rare, and only such as can be expected during the winter season.
 Mir Easily said that at a meeting of the lNeW EISlduu 0lNlC T rcucldtiOli, WHiCil was attended by business men and labor
 leaders from all parts of the New Eng land states, spirit of optimism pre- vailed. This meeting was held in Bos- ton last week.
 Manufacturers Confident. The manufacturers expressed confidence that the industries peculiar to the New England states were now on the mend. and the wheels would be humming as busily as ever within short time. Throughout the south. MT. Easily said, conditions are good The south did not suffer compared with the eastern sec- l ton of the country, and conditions are generally good.
 | Referring to the fact that only 60 days 1 have elapsed since the people were made nervous by banking conditions, MT. Easily said the recuperation was marvellous. and l could mean nothing else than complete restoration of confidence which Is syn 1 onymous with condition of prosperity. l Golden streams are pouring into the saw | ings banks, thus attesting to individual l prosperity throughout the nation. and while this lasts confidence cannot be l shaken.