Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-11-30
TRADE OUTLOOK
GROWS BRIGHTER
Feeling of Optimism Gets
Stronger Upon Approach of
Income Day, January I.
| MILLIONS IN CASH
FOR DIVIDEND SHARING
President Wilson Keeps Wall Street
Guessing-Mexican Bugaboo
Is on the Wane.
BY w. G. NICHOLAS.
a, Corresnoudenc. OF The Star


NEW YORK, November 20, 1913.
The fight for life being made by the
railroads east of the Mississippi has al
length forced "A sensational awakening
not only in the cities. but throughout the
whole country. Down to the date of the
appearance before the interstate commerce
commission of the chosen representatives
of the great transportation systems and
the larger number of smaller properties
the public was apparently unmoved t.
hearty sympathy. 1t was uphill work te
arouse general interest. The Indifference
proved to be only surface deep, however
and as the campaign proceeded the en-
tire attitude changed to one of openly
expressed cordially. The newspapers
throughout the land joined hands in IA
vor of the railroads; those of the cas-,
being scarcely more earnest than those
Of the west. The trend of sentiment was
unquestionably friendly in every quar-
ter.
The growing possibility of a favorable
ruling by the commission aroused think
ing men in every quarter to a conscious
ness that unthinking yet dangerous pref
udice against the railroads was in proc
ess of being quoted down and a friendly
feeling generated. A purpose to main
tain good temper on both sides became a
controlling feature, and thus far it has
ruled the proceedings
There may be postponement of the
decision by reason of coming nearby
changes in the personnel of the commits
SION No radical change of position is
anticipated, and the belief is held strong
~ that the railroads will receive "fair
play" sentiment that already devel-
oped into a pronounced bullish market
factor
The financial situation is quietfng down.
The calamities that threatened general
ruin have one after another had their
inning and passed into q state of passiv-
ity. The country has survived the new
tariff law, with only passing inconven-
fence and moderate financial losse. So far
as can be ascertained. the international
trade has gained. rather than lost, profit
able standing under the workings OF the
new order of things.
Slowly Recovering Nerve.
Railroads have held their ground fairly
well, running close behind the highest
records of previous performances The
nervous tremors that disturbed staid bust
ness and brought about curious spell
Of wide prevalence, is discovered to have
little more real substance than a night
mare The otherwise sane and sober
men-bankers, merchants and manufac-
turers-who fell victims to strange hal
lucinations are slowly recovering their
nerve The process may be slow, but re-
covery is certain
There will be plenty of money with
which to gladden. the hearts and fatten
the pocketbooks of the million or more
bond and share holders who will partici-
pate in the distribution of nearly 500 OOu.
600 in interest and dividends on
and about the 1st of January
only about four weeks hence
Railroads may have to save a fraction
nate enough to win their plea for high
err freight rate, the whole country will
ioin in a glad cry. If the roads do not
win the right to charge higher rates, they
will remain where they are. There is en-
couragement for the cheerful philosopher
even in that.
The farmer is realizing on about the
best cash crop producton ne ever enjoyed
and he has hardly commenced to spend
the profits. There are a good many men
out of work at the moment, but latest
statistics record the arrival of fully
800 600 immigrants since the 1st of jan
uary, a number nearly 10000 greater than
| the figures of any previous year. Ii
there wasn't work for the ii in America
they wouldn't have come over. Foreign
ers stay at home when there is nothing
| for them to do here. When the pay roll
Quits on them in America they a-sailing
60
Local Wall street sentiment is still an
unconvinced proposition. 1t is open
cared and wide-eyed to ghost stories and
ghosts. but is gradually acquiring the
old habit of demanding confirmation
! when the imagination gets too reckless