The Washington times., 1915-04-09
Farming in Good Shape;
Manufactures Growing;
No Business Declining

Business Is on the boom or is about
to boom throughout the United States,
according to special reports made by
the bank examining force scattered
throughout the country to Comptroller
Of the Currency John SHELTON Williams.
Maryland is one of the few backward
States in a business way at the pres
ent time, according to the examiners
They say, however, that conditions in
that state are improving. and there is
prospect of good business with the
opening Of warm weather.
Special reports on business conditions
called for by Comptroller williams re-
Gently. and reports were received from
eighty Of the ninety bank examiners.
Farm Conditions Excellent.
Agricultural conditions are reported
generally excellent, and commercial
lines, with comparatively few eXccp-
tions. are enlarging their activities as
result of an increased demand.
The Comptroller says: "Further orders
have been placed for cars and rails
bv the railroads. and some large con-
tracts have been made for structural
iron for large buildings in various sec
tions of the country.
Although business has passed
through depression caused by the un-
usual conditions abroad, in many ways
the result will be a permanent benefit.
business throughout the country has
been established through the application
of economy: This economy has been
farmer. and individual. The result has
been the placing of all lines upon a
more stable working basis.
The South is showing marked i'm
provement. The sale of cotton is active
H., ci, y,rin q a
all business in that section is feeling a
pronounced and steady improvement
The prospects for large crops generally
are excellent. and there will be greater
diversification.
Business Shows Improvements.
The New England and middle Allan
tic states and portions Of the centra
West. although generally reporting al
Improvement, seem to feel the past de
preston to the greatest extent. Farm
ers, however. generally have had salts
factory results, but manufacturing
with the exception of that to fill tor
cign orders, is feeling the improvement
to the least extent.
General business conditions through
out the middle Atlantic states show i'm
proVement. only two districts (Readng
Pa. and Maryland) being excepted. Th
general and immediate outlook is re
ported as good and healthy in tone. NJ
business is declining. Manufacturing
generally is increasing, and the produC
tion of articles for the use of foreigI
armies is active in this section, also
There is some slight depression in
few manufacturing lines. also to som
extent in the retail business.
Biggest Depression In Coal.
The lines that show the creates
activity are stock, harness, machin
tools. iron and steel business, machin
cry, rubber, automobiles. wholesal
mercantile trade. building stones. pack
ing grain. knitting and shoe mills, ce
ment, drugs. hardware. clothing. boots
and shoes and enamel. The creates
depression is in coal. vehicles, dr.
goods, home furnishings, mining, rail
road construction and equipment ma
terial. stove foundries. lumber, glass
general merchandise. retail lines, rea
estate and breweries.
department stores report tina
March has been the best in their his
tory. The tourist travel is larger tina
was expected. 1t is expected tina
prices for wool will be the highes
since 1909. and the retail business
rerivtng. while the crop conditions ar
excellent over the entire Pacific coast