Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-12-13
1Ne TONE Of susl.Ess

the TONE OF BUSINESS
All reports agree that movements are
smarter than they have been at this
season for three years past, and In some
aspects the situation excels the flush
times of December, 1905. Activity COW
ers Multiplicity of lines: some Of the
leading Industries. strained as they are.
cannot increase production to the level
of demand, and whereas this season of
the year usually finds wholesale trade
quiet. with inventories either under
way OF in preparation, present cur
rents are such that seasonal dullness Is
conspicuous by its absence, animation,
but slightly modified by the approach
of the years end, being the keynote
in the quarter Just mentioned. This
latter development. born of low stocks
the country over, necessitates constant
buying by retail dealers, who, at this
season are usually wont to purchase
sparingly. At the same time recogni.
ton of the fact that there is a paucity
Of supplies makes many purveyers anx-
ious to cover future requirements. to
protection both as to supplies and
prices. liz
Indeed, so many backlogs in the form
of filled order books have been rolled
up in the Lending lines of production
that many sellers are refusing to ac-
cept further prompt delivery orders.
The numerous small-lot recorders go
ing to jobbers make up goodly aggre-
gate, and the steady character Of the
buying thus chronicled provides addi-
tional confederation Of the fact that
shelves were starved, so to speak.
Holiday shoppers are out in numbers
east, west, northwest, south and
southwest-consequen that phase IF
business has surged to the front this
week. Most of the reports indicate that
holiday trade is brisk. and in some sec.
tons the turnover in this respect sur
passes the best of previous records.
Regular retail trade in winter wear
Ing apparel is good. buying for spring
delivery Is very encouraging; trade in
jewelry. one of the lines most depressed
during the slump following the war
shows marked revival in some lines;
is in brisk demand, over.
time work is feature of numerous in
dustries. mail order houses are doing
record business; calls for boots and
shoes keep manufacturers busy, whole
sale trade in whisky has increased, mo-
tor truck factories were never buster,
overall factories are rushed, aeroplane
plants are pushed to the utmost, cigars
and tobacco. leather and wool are in ex.
cellent demand, steam coal is strong,
labor Is in short supply, furniture fac
tories are working to top capacity, i'm
provement in demand fos as well as in
prices of lumber proceeds, railway traf-
tic Is heavy, congestion at eastern ter
ninals restricts exports, this situation
being in turn due to lack of vessels,
and finished steel specifications are
heavier. while new business is some
what lighter, it being recognized that
It is well-night useless to place orders
Il anything like prompt delivery is re-
quired.
Money is in better demand and gives
signs Of advancing. Collections reflect
country districts are
prosperous; the south, favored by rela.
lively high prices for cotton, with ex-
'ectations of continuing its propaganda
'or diversified crops, looks for a degree
u progress not experienced in years.
md the Pacific coast section. slower
han the rest of the country in feeling
business activity, Is now coming into
he circle.
Real estate displays more activity
investment demand for bonds based on |
Domestic properties is increasing, but
he stock market is dull and somewhat
over, the favorable reception accorded |
he Presidents message. especially that |
eature OF 1t relating to railway mat
ers, being offset by foreign liquidation,
Is well as by the rift in our relations
With Austria. While most currents are
avorable, it Is certain that high prices
or numerous raw materials tend to |
estrict profits, and at the same time
he shortage of dyestuffs, now a per-
licking problem, is one that may even
ually reduce outputs Of textiles.