The Cordova daily times. [volume] (Cordova, Alaska) 1914-1947, 1915-01-28
BUSINESS SITUATION REVIEWED
BY CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR
. CONOMISTS and fnancers find it quite i'm

CONOMlSIS and hnancerS find 1t quite impossible
r facorily to forecast the future of business If it were
- not for the the problem would be solved easily
enough survey of present conditions reveals much rregu
lary in trade channels throughout the w~ In the beig
Grant countries those industries manufacturing equipment
most active Other lines very much depressed gen
eral thing While the in progress improvement is not
anticipated In the neutral countries much progress
made toward bettemen Manufacturers of United
estimate general industrial gain of 10 20 per within
the last few weeks This the encouraging feature of
situation, and lends hope that Improvement will be continued
indefinitely.
The most dsconcerng feature at present is the persistent
advance in certain commodity prices particularly those of food
sufs This is directly traceabe the European The
countries at have bid up prices for products fu
shed by the neutral producing such
be seriously felt everywhere This outcome had been generally
predicted by economists the beginning of the war; but it
does not make the results the less to bear However,
1T must be rendered that countries like the United States that
have been favored by abundant crops and fundamentally strong
financial conditions have much to be thankful for There
many thousands of out of employment at present. but if
indications reliable it will be long until there will be
work for every who desires employment For instance
there has been quickenng in the iron and steel industry with
in the last week that promises good times for this and
lated trades. Announcement just made by the United States
Steel Corporation that it had been decided reduce
bears testimony to the stronger situation 1t had been under
stood for time previously that reductions pend
ing in the steel industry The steel corporation reports almost
twice much business booked in December during the
corresponding period last month Prices however, low
and profits consequently very small.
is believed that the advance in freight rates granted the
eastern roads of the United States by the interstate
commission already has had revivying effect business
It may be sentimental than actual for it is probably too
early trace and direct results to the commissions decision
The per increase in freight rates. with exceptions
has been cOnservavey estimated total of about $780,
100000 to the roads involved compared with about $5OOO
that had been asked for When appOrOned the Var
systems the eastern territory the amount represents
rather insignificant percentage of the gross business handled
However with the increase passenger rates granted and with
other changes recommended by the commission which
likely will be adopted by the roads, the total increase reach
he
significance than the monetary advantage to the transportation
systems the fact that the has shown practical
fashion help business There many who be-
eved that the entitled higher freight rates
The commission itself thought when
few months ago rendered decision against the proposed in
It's reversal of judgment taken to that UMPIRE
cedened conditions arising account of the made it neces
sary the roads to have larger if they to main
tain their standing financially and physically