The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1913-01-07
Of The Business Of The
Year By Bradstrcets
with A Forecast Of PrObabili.
" For 1918
ShOWlngjFavOrablc Conditions
For The Future

New York, Jan. 4-The following is
an extract from Bradstreets review OF
the business year and a forecast for
1913:
Nineteen hundred and twelve was
year of remarkable achievement in
agriculture, in trade and in industry.
II saw set up many new records of
crop yield, of commodity price move.
ment, of foreign and domestic trade
and of manufacture. It observed some
notable changes along political lines,
witnessing the overwhelming defeat
Of the party dominating the country
absolutely for sixteen years, and with
the exception of two presidential
terms had controlled national affairs
for over half a century, the birth Of
q new political organization, while
heralding the return to national power
OF an organization which had lain dor.
mant practically since 1896. 1t saw
registered some great changes in legis.
lation and some new legal definitions
Of existing laws, which, however,
seemed to be received with equanimi-
ty II not with actual Indifference. Des-
pite the interest, approaching excite
ment, apparently inseparable from
American national elections, the coun-
try's business moved forward with
some Irregularities visible at times,
1t Is true. but, on the whole, with a
steadiness and an Indifference to clam
or, whether of political or Of quasi
economic origin, which was refreshing
to those who had not lost faith In the
republic. and comforting to those who
believe that in beneficient crop re-
turns and sober, solid hard work and
industry, rather than in political nos.
trums, Is to be found true conserva.
tion. and real national progress. The
country's participation in information.
al politics was along peaceful lines
and while the interdependence Of the
nations subjected It to strains grow
ing out Of European war and financial
disturbance. It was spared the alarms
or the open hostilities which affiicted
all the nations of the old world and
some countries In the western hem
isphere. Briefly stated, 1t was q per
iod Of peaceful progress and plenteouf
production during which were laid
some Arm foundations for season oi
prosperity in the current year.
{! Perhaps the most notable develop
ment In the years commercial history
"a really new happening as 1t proved
was the serenity with which the
business world awaited and surveyed
the years domestic political chang
es. The presidential election ant
threatened tariff changes were alike
contemplated almost with indifference
and, indeed, the most active month o.
the year In wholesale lines was tha
Immediately preceding the election
or the real substantial drawbacks o.
the year might be mentioned cole
weather early; o wet, cold, backward
spring and delayed agricultural opera
tions, which acted as repressive ele
ments. The first Ave months Of tn,
year were periods of relative dullnes'
In demand In many lines. and espec
tally In retail distribution, but will
the growth of assurance Of large crops
trade and industry gathered conf
dence; demand. though tempered b!
conservatism. expanded greatly, ant
the last seven months comprised ,
season Of activity; this despite draw
backs such as an unseasonably mile
fall, which restricted retail opera
tions; the high, In fact record, level,
OF commodity prices. which conceded
ly narrowed margins OF profits: def
ciencies In transportation inseparabl,
from the distribution of record crop,
and enormous Industrial outputs, ant