South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-04-08
REVIEW BY CHICAGO
HER AID APR

HERALD, APRIL 4, 1915.
Developments along lines Of indus
trial activities throughout the United
States were reported in greater volume
than at any time since the first squirt
of business at the beginning of the
year.
Reports came from the Montana and
the lake copper districts telling OF
the opening of mines and smelling
plants that have been closed or oper-
ating small shifts for months, and
also that wage advances were being
made among miners and other work
erS.
Gains Are Widespread.
From the steel districts around Chi
cagO, in Ohio, Pennsylvania and else
where similar reports of growing
activity were heard. Dispatches tell
ing of increased operations in New
England marked the one territorial
extreme and the gains in industries on
the Pacific coast marked the other.
The spirit of Improvement in bust
ness and the securities markets was
reflected throughout Chicago business
circles. Bankers and business men
cOncede strong evidences Of a sharp
revival in trade and finance. The re-
ports received by them from all quar-
tiers told of greater activities.
Brokers' offices were crowded and
enthusiasm ran high as the stock
market advances seemed to presage
approaching business prosperity.
Predict Further Prosperity.
Bankers and business men say the
great demand the war has thrust upon
the United States for practically every
thing il can produce will bring great
prosperity TO this country.
The immense trade balance of nearly
$6OO,0GO.000 in favor of the United
States seems to tell the tale. Gold
commenced to flow swiftly into this
country and the only check was the
creation of huge credits here by the
powers of the old world that are TAX
ing our merchandise and products Of
every description.
France has negotiated a loan Of
$50, 100000 in America, Germany a
loan of S10,00O,0O0 and Russia is eX-
pected TO come here for SIS, 900, 600 or
possibly 500, 100000
These countries are selling their Sc
curities in the United States and on
terms of their sale the proceeds must
be kept in this country as credit
against which purchases will be made.
These credits mean enormous sales of
everything in addition to the stuff that
has already been taken from our
shores and for which payment has
been made.
Ends Minimum Prices.
One Of the strongest evidences Of
the confidence American bankers have
in the present and future financial po-
sition of the United states was reflect
ed in the action taken by the New
York stock exchange yesterday, when
the governing committee abolished
minimum trading prices. These were
established as a safeguard against
liquidation on Dec. Is last. The eX-
change had been reopened three days
before after being closed for several
months because of financial conditions
due 10 the European war.
The reasons of the committee for
abOhshing the minimum prices were;
Most ruling prices are far
above the minimum levels, max
ing arbitrary limits useless.
2.-Gains in American financial
affairs and foreign trade have re-
moved the danger of excessive
liquidation.
As a result. trading on the stock ex-
change is restored TO normal basis.
the supervising committee Of three on
duty since Dec. y has been dis
charged. and the governing committee
again Is in control
Stock exchange trading in New
ork was the most active since the
final week Of last July. Transactions
in stocks for the day embraced 1s9
different shares, with a total Of 49,
600 shares
show Strong Revival.
Bond dealings reached the aggre-
gate Of s4.33s.OOO par value These
figures compare more than well with
normal days Of recent years. and indi-
cate that speculative and investment