The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1909-06-23
THE CATTLE SITUATION.

1u0 near panic WnlC0 spread over
the country in 1907 was much more
severe on the people of the Eastern
states than on those of the West.
Since then. and because also of the
business uncertainty attending the re-
vision of the tariff by Congress, man
ufactsrers throughout the East. where
the bulk of meat consumers are locat-
ed. have been running their mills on
basis of minimum output till the gen.
eral financial situation should become
cleared and tariff revision be practic-
ally settled. Meantime their EN-
ployes have been forced to live on
wages for part time only. and the
necessary economy in living expenses
which followed has for over a year
past caused comparatively weak de-
mand for beef from those densely pop
ulated portions Of the United States
which constitute the main outlet for
cattle and beef raised in the West.
Here lies the main explanation of
the cry for cheaper beef. the compare
tive neglect of the more costly finished
steers. and the increased use Of pork
as the more economical kind of meat,
during the last year or more.
Now, however. there is unmistak-
able evidence of q general change for
the better. Farmers are prosperous
and buying literally of the necessities
and comforts of life. together with
machinery and supplies of all kinds,
and paying their bills promptly when
due. Mercantile trade is steadily
growing throughout the country.
Stocks of manufactured goods of all
kinds are becoming we'll sold out.
The tariff no longer gives great con-
Germ to manufacturers. for it is evil
dent that Congress will make no radi-
cal changes in the schedules. Reports
from the East indicate that manufac-
turing is being revived in nearly every
line. Employees are more steadily at
work and drawing larger weekly
wages, aud they are therefore buying
more literally of the necessaries of
life. All the leading practical minds,
like James j. Hill, Secretary of the
Treasury Franklin MacVeagh, E. H.
Hartman and many others, who have
within the past week expressed them
selves in no uncertain terms concern.
ing the industrial. commercial and
financial condition and prospects Of the
country. agree that the whole bushes.
situation is improving daily and thai
this nation is on the eve of q period
of unprecedented prosperity based OF
q solid ground of safe and sane finan
ciering and actual achievements il
material wealth production.
These gratifying conditions are be
ing reflected in the Chicago live stool
market. During the month of May
considerable substantial advance wa
made over April in valuesA notwith
standing an increase in total receipt
over April and q year ago. Tn,
market reports show that the deman,
for cattle during May was q great i'm
provement over April. There was
better outlet for all kinds of goo,
killing steers and prices made som,
gain. Top for the month was S7.3l
with many selling at $685. to $40
Cows and heifers reached the higt
spot Of the season. Calves sold bet
ter than usual at this time Of year
showing very strong demand. No,
only were cattle prices better. but
hogs and sheep brought high prices
also. Top fors hogs was 81. SIS. figure
that was paid several times. Packers
hammered hard. but were not able tc
make much Roadway in the face Of
strong competition from eastern ship.
pers. A large share Of the May re.
ceipts of hogs sold at 1928 to $7.40
Sheep and lambs made new history.
Top for wooded Colorado lambs was
SO Is. being Soc higher than ever paid
before. Shorn lambs made the un.
precedented price of sS.S5. The best
wethers sold at $500. With increased
total receipts Of live stock. these
figures mean increased demand under
growing prosperity.
Chicago, being the most accessible
of any large city to both the producing
west and the great manufacturing
east, and the chief supply depot of the
country for live stock and meats of al
kinds, receives the most direct ant
greatest benefit from these improved
and improving industrial conditions
Throughout the country, especially o.
the industrial east. and the constant
conpetition between eastern and west
lern BUYERS will continue to give shin