The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-01-19
GENUINE OPTIMISM
IN ALL SECTIONS
Ralph NJ. Easily
Wonderful Recuperative
Powers of Business Evil
denced After Depression.
Quick Recovery Should
DiSarm All Feeling of
Nervousness.

NEW YORK, Jan. 1S.-"The re-
operative power OF business which
was evidenced after the financial
depression Of recent months is the
greatest the country has ever expe-
rienced Busire ss is on the mend. In
dustrlal como itions are lettering and
will continue 10 do so. The prosperous
conditions enjoyed before money be
came scarce are at hand again and,
where temporary stringency was IT,
evidence. the most enthusiastic optI-
mism prevails
In these words Ralph N. Easily, chair
man of the executive council OF the
National Civic Federation, described
the general sound conditions Of bust
ness throughout the country. Mr.. Easily
has exceptional opportunities TO feel
the pulse OF the country. receiving as
he does reports OF all meetings CT bust
ness men and labor leaders.
Mr.. 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 depres-
sion due 10 withdrawal OF money from
the banks, he said il was but natural
that the people should quickly right
conditions and discourage unfounded
nervousness. The dispatch with which
business became normal indicates the
splendid condition of nusiness-the
good health that heals quickly.
Labor Contract Renewals.
Mr.. Easily said the renewal of cor
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 lOngshOTemen along
the lakes are comforting with employers
Tor 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
temporary lack Of currency, have been
compelled to run short time these ara
fast coming back TO a normal state.
Wage cuts are rare. ard only such rs
can be expected during the winter sea-
Mr. Easily said that at q meeting OF
the New England Civic Federation.
which was attended by business men
and labor leaders from an parts of the
New England States, q spirit Of opu-
mIsm prevailed. This meeting was held
in Boston last week.
Manufacturers Confident.
The manufacturers expressed conf
dence that the industries peculiar to
the New England States were now or
the mend. and the wheels would be
humming as busily as ever within a
short time
Throughout the South. Mr. Easily
said, conditions are good. The South
did not suffer compared with the East
ern section Of the country, and cOndi-
tons are generally good.
Referring TO the fact that only sixty
DAYS have elapsed since the people were
made nervous by banking conditions
Mr. Easily said the TcCuperallOn was
marvellous, and could mean nothing else
than a complete restoration OF conf
dencc, which IS synonymous with a
condition OF prosperity Golden streams
are pouring into the savings banks
thus attesJing TO individual prosperity
throughout the nation, and while this
lasts confidence cannot be shaken.