The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-04-09

Bent Improvement In business con-
ditions has taken place recently.
according to the opinion expressed
by % per cent of the eighty
tional bank examiners who were
asked for special reports on the
outlook by COmmtssioner of the
Currency John SHELTON Williams.
The examiners report pronounced
hopefulness In nearly ever; district,
according TO summary of the reports
made public by Controller Williams to-
day. Agricultural conditions are said
to be generally excellent, and com
merciai lines, with comparatively few
exceptions are charging their acti-
vlties mainly as result OF an in
creased demand, but in some instances
in preparation for new business, which
il expected to develop with the coming
OF good weather. Industries receiving
orders for supplies from foreign coun-
tries are described as especially buoy
ant. The controllers summary fol-
lows
Further orders have been placed
for cars and rails by the railroads. and
some large contracts have been made
for structural iron for buildings In diff
ferent portions of the country.
Although business has passed
through a depression caused by the
unusual conditions abroad, in many
ways the result will be a permanent
benefit. Business throughout the coun-
try has been stabilized through the
application OF economy. This economy
has been applied by the manufacturer,
merchant, farmer and individual The
result has been the placing Of all lines
upon a more stable working basis.
south shows Marked Improvement
The South Is showing marked TIM
provement The sale OF cotton Is ac-
tive at advancing prices with the re-
suit that all business in that section
is feeling a steady and pronounced i'm
provement
THE prospects for large crops gem
orally, are excellent, and there will be
a greater dversification.
The States adjoining the Missouri
River and the Mississippi River above
st Louis enjoyed exceptional pros
perIty. during the past season. and the
present prospects are that the coming
season viii yield even better results.
The Western States and the Pacific
states are showing a general improve
ment. The lumber industry is slowly
recovering in these States and the
number OF tourists exceed expectations,
Mining Is resuming on a larger scale
and the crop conditions are excellent.
The New England and Middle At
lantic States, and portions of the Cen
trail West, although generally report
ing an improvement, seem 10 feel the
past depression to the greatest extent.
Farmers, however, generally have had
satisfactory results, but manufactur-
Ing. with the exception OF that to FIJI
foreign orders is feeling the improve
ment to the least extent. There is
Improvement however, in most lines
THE bond market has become active
on a higher level. Savings bank de-
posits are increasing and generally
banks have an abunda nee Of money.
The tendency has been to curtail all
needless expenses and rs rule there
is q lessened demand for money.
business in Large Cities.
THE following reports from the
large cities show well the trend of
ing communities:
New York--~There has been no time
in the last three years that merchants
and manufacturers were such small
borrowers, indicating that their pres
ent capital is sufficient for their needs
and that borrowed money cannot be
invested profitahly by them.
Prices of edibles have declined a
triae. Industries for supplies OF war
materials, cotton, hat manufacturing
iron. metals copper. shoes. textiles.
etc. are improving on account of the
European war, Other industries will
! Improve If the war Is continued long
Regular steel business is picking up.
Embroideries and laCes are looking up
Lumber business is improving a triAe
Wholesale groceries are inactive Elec-
trio and railway supplies are spotty,
hut not much below normal Volume
of stock and merchandise is In keep
ing with the volume OF business. Not
much stock carried on the shelf
i "Boston--StronG feeling of optimism
and business generally regarded as
improved.
"Bura!o--Business generally ia re-
garded improving.
/ "Philadelphia--P Present and imme-
diate outlook business conditions are
encouraging. and showing gradual i'm
provement
/ "Pittsburg Present conditions show
| Increased activity.
| "Richmond---Cie business condi-
lions are slightly improved.
! indianapolis Business generally
shows improvement and prospects for
| further Improvement good
"Chica go-Present conditions dull
Immediate outlook hopeful In tone
Business showing slight improvement
/ st, Louis-Business conditions stand
at highest point since May. 1914
kansas City--Present and immediat
outlook good for ma terial Improvement
/ San Francisco~-Business people are
/ in better spirits. Present and imme-
date outlook better, and steadily i'm
proving.
! LOS Angeles-Conditions are Inn
| proving"