The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1912-10-18
DUN'S SAYS
The COUNTRY
IS PROSPEROUS

In every section and in every branch
of trade activity in production and dis
tribution now prevails. 1t is notable
that in the principal trades, and es-
pecially in iron and Steel actual buoy
ancy appears, and the demand is so
keen that it tests the capacity of pro-
ductive and transporting facilities.
Shortage of cars and labor, and in
some cases even shortage of plant
capacity, are now the most embar-
RAISING problems confronting business
men, and besides these difficulties the
controversies and issues, which are the
offspring of depression, and which not
long ago seemed so ominous, are now
viewed with diminishing concern. The
enormous yield of the principal crops,
confirmed during the past week by the
latest government report showing rec
ord-breaking yields of spring wheat,
corn, oats, barley and potatoes, and
big crops of other products, is the
basis, alike of present industrial and
trade activity and of the growing con-
fdence as to the future. Even the
outbreak OF war in Europe creates no
uneasiness on this side of the water.
In iron and steel the record continues
that of demand for prompt delivery
outrunning the capacity of the mills.
The railroads are buying heavily, for
their transportation facilities must be
expanded in order that they may be
able to move the unprecedented crops
and carry the traffic of a thoroughly
awakened domestic commerce. Rail-
road gross earnings in the month of
September increased Sc per cent, and
even this gain hardly represents the
actual expansion of trade. The bank
clearings more adequately show that;
in the current week they increased
44.5 per cent over 1911 and AIS over
1910. Larger sales in dry goods, both
wholesale and retail, expansion in the
shoe trade, and improving conditions
in other branches, supplying the main
daily wants of the people, are reported
in the advices from the principal cities
of the country. As against this should
be noted a diminished CONSUMPTION
and increased surplus of copper, ac-
cording to the September statement.
1t is noteworthy that along with the
revived activities in domestic trade,
foreign commerce continues of large
dimensions. The total commerce OF
the port of New York in the latest
week was $3.50, 500 against $32,9O4,-
1872 last year. and of this gain con-
siderable proportion was in exports.
which amounted to $l9, l55,2l0 against
$H,l48.l65 last year.
Enormous Crops.
The most notable development of
the week was the extraordinary crop
report, the terms of which make GER
tain that the product of the farms this
year will surpass, both in volume and
value, anything ever before witnessed
in any country and in any period of
history. Not only will the yield of
corn be unprecedented, exceeding
3,OOO,OOOOOO bushels, but oats, spring
wheat and barley all establish new rec
ords, and other crops are in bountiful
supply. The nine principal harvests
are worth over $500, OOO,O OO-a stu
pendous addition to the nations
wealth-and the other farm products
will add another like amount. In the
speculative markets this week grain
prices were depressed by the official
situation abroad foreshadowing war.
Western receipts of wheat this week
were 1l,2Oo, s58 bushels against 6,47o,-
784 a year ago, while exports from all
ports of the United States, flour in
cluded, of 4,Ol2,29o bushels compared
with 3,Oo4,892 in 1911. Arrivals of
3,2l5,247 bushels of corn contrasted
with 2,ozy,33 last year, but Atlantic
Coast shipments were only 34,43
bushels as against 334,377 in 1911. Cot
ton broke into new low ground for
the present movement, good weather,
large receipts and the disturbance in
Europe being chiefly responsible.
In the iron and steel trade the only
report possible is one of continuous
expansion. The dmand is rising above
the point of full capacity unchecked
by advancing prices, and the difficulty
now is to secure prompt deliveries.
The prevailing car shortage increases
this difficulty, especially as it is most
pronounced in the coke and coal fields,
with consumers of fuel clamoring for
supplies. Actual buoyancy marks con-
ditions in pig iron, and buying OF steel
materials is running ahead of capacity.
Quota <so,,c rAHArt n ,1Owa rd tendency