The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1914-11-27
TIE BUSINESS SITUATION RE
VIEWED,

It would be difficult to describe in
a single phrase the business condi-
tions throughout the world. Never
in history, perhaps, has there been
such confusion and SO great irregu-
larity. Conditions are probably bet
ter in the United States than any
United States there il an unevenness
of commercial movements that is I'M
precedented. Some lines are exceed
ingiy dull and others are operating at
a record-breaking rate. In New
England the situation ID considerably
mixed. but sentiment is much i'm
proved, and it is believed that a, de-
cided betterment will be noted within
the next few months. This also ap-
plies to the eastern States generally.
Some branches OF trade in the east
ern section are experiencing great
activity, on account Of the extra
ordinary demands from Europe Con-
siderable depression has prevailed in
the South because Of the unfayorable
cotton situation. There has been an
improvement lately, due to increased
cotton exports, and the likelihood
that the crop will be successfully
financed. and hope is strong that the
future Will witness a genuine revival.
Better reports come from the Middle
West than from any other section.
Crops have been good and prices re
ceiyed for them high; hence the
farmers prosperous. Merchants and
manufacturers directly dependent on
the agricultural out turn have bene-
fitted accordingly. Business in the
mountain and Pacific coast States IL
not UP to its usual volume, but is
fairly good, particularly in the agri-
cultural districts. In certain lines
OF trade, notably steel and copper,
depression is marked. 1t follows that
allied industries are experiencing a
quiet period. In the packing indus
try. the wool trade, and certain lines
OF shoe manufacturing business il
very active.
Exports, particularly Of foodstuffs,
have been making tremendous head
way. The foreign exchange situa-
ton is almost normal, and this has
been OF great value to International
trade. The increasing requirement of
Europe for American products is
mainly responsible for the unusual
activity in certain directions. This
demand Is likely to increase and
broaden 90 that other industries will
participate in the greater activity. At
least there Is well-founded hope that
business throughout the United
States from now on will undergo ex-
pansion. The larger clearing house
figures indicate that this expansion
has begun already. There have been
altogether too many failures, and
these indicate the great financial or
deal which has been experienced by
institutions Of all kinds. IL IL con
fidently believed that the worst is
over. When it is realized that a
deficit In the New York city banking
reserve of $4S,OO0,O0O has been wiped
out, and a substantial surplus has
taken its place; that money IL fast
accommodating in the banks Of the
United States, and that some unpre-
cedented financial problems have
been solved within the last three
months. one begins to form some
conception OF the wonderful progress
that has been made toward a read
justment OF affairs. Business is not
yet out Of the woods, but there il
every reason to believe that a decid-
eddy better state or affairs already il
prevalent.-From Christian Science
Monitor.