White Pine news weekly mining review. [volume] (East Ely, Nev.) 1910-1920, 1911-10-01
WHAT s A|L|NC
THIS COUNTRY
JAMES j. HILL SAYS THAT THE
RIGHT PROPORTION BETWEEN
HAS NOT BEEN MAINTAINED.

There are many explanations OF
the existing conditions of affairs.
The most common reason given is
the political situation, but there are
others who go to economical eondi-
tions, and say we are recovering from
a long period of prosperity and the
excuses that inevitably accompany
such a pediod. Others refer TO the
extent of saying we cannot be pros
porous until we have a more seienti-
fc currency system. 1t is believed by
many, also. that ii will be necessary
for us TO permit trusts to exist and
secure the economy and efficiency
that goes with industrial operations
on a large scale. cut If it all there
is a confusion that has made the
country conservative and reluctant 10
go ahead with the confidence in
the future. The agitation of the
tariff question has accentuated the
tendency t go slow. and in some
lines has been the direct cause of the
utmost conservatism in buying.
We are so used TO hearing the
opinions of politicians. always biased
so as to please the mob, that when We
! get a clear expression of opinion
from a man qualified by experience
tnd ability to speak il is we'll to pay
attention 10 il.
James ]. Hill, who caused
some uneasiness about a year ago
by predicting that this summer would
find many men out of employment
said that it is o yet time to look for
an upturn in business. and that thou
sands more will be thrown out OF
work before the demand for manu-
featured articles oyertakes the out
put.
The right proportion between
people who are producing and those
who consume has not beer maintain
ed" said Mr.. Hill. While recent
years have seen an increase of hun
bred of thousands of employees en-
gagged in industrial enterprises there
has been a decrease in the number OF
men tilling the SOIL"
The Great Northern chairman WIS
not disposed TO lay the blame for
present conditions al the door of cob
gress. He said that the country's
eonsumptiye power would have II
catch up With its capacity for produe-
ing before business would feel an i'm
petus. There is plenty Of CONNER
eial money in the banks. he said. buS
no investment money.
Mr.. Hill said that conditions in the
agricultural sections of the country
We're fairly good. South Dakota had
suffered losses through damage 10
small grains. and conditions throug-
put most of the northwest were spot
y. but the crops in the Great North
ern territory are better than those ct
last year. Mr.. Hill said he looked
for a heavier tonnage this year than
last.
There Is no railroad building
naux - uasa A. IIFff n.sz.apa.az
work on the existing lines does not
furnish enough business to keep the
manufacturing companies going. In
consequence there are many Idle.
There was less than half what may
be called a normal moun of on
strnetion work last year.
There is no need for more rail-
road facilities. taking the country as
a whole. Our lines. for instance, are
capable of carrying a great deal
more traffic.
Mr.. Hill pointed out that. while
few railroads have undertaken new
construction lately. their current ex-
penditures for Improvements and
be;terments make up an enormous
aggregate. The Great Northern
alone has spent s6,.o0.0OO on this
account in the last year. At the
same time. the company reduced its
operating expenses. as compared with
those for 1910. through the large
saving in maintenance expenditures.
Mr.. Hill says hat the Great North
ern has o been deprived of any
money IL needed. but that with the
large o of permanent improve
ments carried to completion. the oct
of keeping up the transportation
plant diminishes. The company's
forthcoming annual report will show
about $4,000. 900 earned over divi-