Omaha daily bee., 1915-04-09
BANK EXAMINERS
REPORT BUSINESS
ON THE UPGRADE
Maine Declared b Be Only State
Where Real Depression"
Exists in the Entire
Country.
WET LEADS ALL THE REST
Eighty of Ninety Inspectors, in
Statements to Treasury Bureau,
Tell Of Improvement.
M1zzoU RIVER VALE FINE

WASHINGTON, April S.-Busi-
ness conditions throughout the coun-
try are showing marked improve
ment in almost all lines, according
to reports from national bank exam
iners, made public tonight by the
Treasury department. Eighty of the
ninety examiners in the United States
reported permanent improvement
In business, and Maine is said to be
the only state where real depression
exists.
The results are announced to be
the result OF careful observation
and supplemental to the regular re-
ports on business conditions made
each month to the controller of the
currency.
Farm Conditions Good.
Pronounced hopefulness is prev
aient In nearly every district" the
/, announcement says. Agricultural
conditions are generally excellent,
and commercial lines, with compare
lively few exceptions, are enlarging
their activities. mainly through an
increased demand; but in some cases
preparation for activity is expected
to develop with the coming of good
weather. Manufacturing is on the
increase, and those industries having
orders for supplies from foreign
countries continue specially active.
Further orders nave been placed for
cars and rails by the railroads and some
large contracts have been made for struc-
tural iron for large buildings in different
portions OF the country"
Has Been Stabilized.
The statement attributes depression to
unusual conditions, but says that bust
ness has been stabilized through the ap-
plication of economy.
THE SOUTH" it continues, -is showing
marked Improvement The sale OF cot
ton Il active at advancing. prices, with
the result that all business 81 that section
is feeling steady and pronounced I'm
provemsnt. The prospects for large crops
generally are excellent, and there win be
greater diversification. The states adjoip-
ing the Missouri river and the Mississippi
river above St. Louis enjoyed exceptional
prosperity during the last season. and
the present prospects are that the coming
season will yield even better results.
THE western states and the Pacific
states are showing a general improve
nent. The lumber industry is slowly re-
covering in these states, and the number
Of tourists exceeds expectations Mining
is resuming on a larger scale and the crop
conditions are excellent.
-rne New England and middle Atlantic
states and portions Of the central west,
although generally reporting an improve
ment, seem to feel the past depression to
the greatest extent.
Manufacturing Hit.
Farmers, however generally have had
satisfactory results; but manufacturing.
with the exception Of that to fill foreign
orders. is feeling the improvement to the
least extent. There Is improvement. how
ever. in most lines. The bond market
has become active on higher level. Saw
ings banks deposits are Increasing and
generally, banks have an abundance OF
money. The tendency has been for all
TO curtaiI needless expense and as rule
there Is a lessened demand for money.
The reports from New York and. other
large cities shows the trend OF business
conditions. outside OF farming corhmuni-
ties:
New York: There has been no time in
the last three years that merchants and
manufacturers were such small borrow
ers. indt >ating that there present capital
Is sufficient for their needs and that bor-