New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-07-08
,IHE STATUS OF TRADE
, stters from Bankers and Bust
nsss Houses Answer Questions.
MOST SEE IMPROVEMENT
some Exceptions Given-Many
Answers Not Quoted-Wide
Range Taken.

nduSS UhSA'
/ The reports of Improvement in commerce
- Industry have been continuously favor
ME for a considerable period. There are
distances Of contrary information defined
nth BY distinct territorial lines and indi-
,Isual experiences. To arrive at the real
,,o,us of trade by direct correspondence
!. ,sa financial editor of The Tribune sent
u ,s,ters to leading bankers and business men
n D different portions of the United States
4 .sking each one to answer the three ques-
tons here given:
j Is your business improving?
! From your observation do you think other
| Institutions in your line are enjoying a
,mar betterment?
DO you believe we are beginning period
Of renewed prosperity?
The letter containing these questions also
had the following line: IF you request,
shall treat the matter as personal CORE
spondence." About one-ffth the number to
whom letters were sent requested that their
answers be considered as confidential. A
few OF those who did not object are pub
Hshed for the benefit of Tribune readers,
as the information is valuable to both wage
earners and capitalists.
The First National Bank Of Houston,
Tex, send this:
Conditions in Texas at this time are ex-
celent. We have harvested a large yield
OF wheat and oats and the hay crop Is eX-
eeHent. Fruits and vegetables OF all KINDS
have been produced In very liberal amounts,
for which the shippers are receiving rea-
sonable returns.
The corn crop throughout the state will
be sufficient to supply all needs-in fact, a
surplus will be had in some sections. which
will doubtless be needed IN other sections
TO supply the needs OF the state, as the
rainfall has not been sufficient in some por-
tions to make enough corn for needs. Fat
cattle are bringing good prices, and pastures
and ranges are we'll supplied with grass.
The outlook for a cotton crop at this time
Is excellent, but much can happen to 1t
between now and gathering time.
Indications point to the country gener-
ally entering upon period Of prosperity,
which is to quite degree reflected in
the increased demand for lumber-al-
ways sign Of reviving trade. A great
deal, however, can happen from political
standpoint TO retard this movement. and
II is 10 be hoped the political parties will
pay due regard 10 the rights and needs Of
business In general.
on the whole. we IN Texas are well salts
fed with conditions as they are.
Ths Austin. Tex. National Bank writes
Is follows:
an gratifed to say that our business
shows a continual improvement and my
observation Is that all other institutions
In our line show an Improvement in this
section.
The political situation has had a ten
dency, think to retard renewed prosperity
and feel that until that is satisfactorily
settled we shall not begin to enjoy period
OF renewed prosperity.
As for our state, we are dependent upon
the crop conditions, which at present are
magnificent We have the brightest pros
poets that we have had in ten years, the
the night time, being Of the greatest benefit
10 US We are now sure of a good corn
crop and forage Of every kind, and we
have every hope of a large cotton crop
this fall. These blessings and benefits are
suftc!ent TO cause a great reign of pros
Perity throughout our entire section, and
] trust that our bright hopes may be real
lied and feeling OF confidence once more
pervade our state and country
The National Bank Of Commerce, Of Kan
sas City, writes to the point:
Answer No. 1-our business is not i'm
proving: It is holding up very well. and
less than in previous years The profits
however, from the business are satisfactory
iof the reason that more attention has
eeen given to systematic economy Of
Answer No 1--WE believe that other in
Ntutions In our line are meeting similar
experience.
Answer No. S-we believe that as soon
as the public mind will reach the con-
eusion that more attention TO legitimate
BUSINESS and less attention 70 unreasonable
eggrayating and disturbing agitation is
Shat the country needs a period OF great
prosperity will ensue. The physical condi-
ions warrant it. and when the mental
atutuoe OF the people as a whole gets right
toward business, large and small private
ana corporate. business will push ahead
with vigor
Throughout this section OF the country
crops for the past year have been unsatls-
writing are excellent for more than an
average crop. This Is now stimulating and
VIII continue TO stimulate business upon a
substantial basis
From The First National Bank Of Mem
phis. Tenn.
To the first 1 answer: Our business is
about normal.
To the second: Other institutions are ex-
Perlencing the same condition. so far as
l can learn.
To the third: There is nothing TO indicate
any boom or great activity.
The Security National Bank, of Min
aespolis, answered as follows:
Within thirty days the harvest OF agri-
cultural products will have begun. and
from present indications will be a bounti-
~ one: With anything like present prices
POuucts the money received by the
growers should put them in frst-class CON
HHiuon and will insure good trade In all
anes. Generally speaking, all who are en-
sassd IN supplying the farmer with his
needs are doing well.
Retail trade in this city is not so salts
tsStoTy on account Of an oversupply of
AOor Taken as q whole, however, / think
We nave every reason TO believe that our
ssapltal will be fully employed during the
aeAt Six or eight months.
Vie Continental Commercial Bank of
Chicago wrote this
we beg 10 state that while business on
taS whoIe is rather quiet, there are unms- |
s1Aaoie signs OF an early improvement
Eoag healthy and natural lines, and we
tne banking business are prepared for
stronger demand for money this coming |
n.seinn than we have experienced at any
n n,l1e curing the last four years. The crop
fnvnspecls are unusually favorable, and the |
sbog,nonyed condition Of railroad credit
riaJSiu ESQ help the situation very mate !
IT, u JObDers and merchants throughout |
~. west talk very hopefully and believe |
IL S ian an era OF permanent business revival
" near at hand.
oprague, Warner Co. wholesale |
"Ocers, Of Chicago. sent the following:
answering your favor Of 18th inst. would |
a. mat We should feel warranted In |
eahlng for our own house only in reply |
iyour questions relating TO business con- |
Sishs; Speaking for ourselves, we are |
creased 10 or ba II five months I