The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1916-03-08
BUSINESS CONDITIONS e00O.
FEDERAL i RESERVE BOARD
STATEMENT SHOWS INDUS
TRIES WORKING
TO CAPACITY.
increase In Cotton Acreage Likely
Unless Steps Are Taken to Prevent il
Raw Materials Scarce.

washington, March 1.-Genersllv
good business conditions throughout
the country are reflected in reports of
federal reserve agents made public to-
night by the federal reserve board
Growing scarcity of raw materials
used In many American industries is
noted. however, and the Southern
agents predict an increase in cotton
acreage this year unless steps are
taken to prevent it.
The Boston district reports trade
generally in continued activity. with
the uncertainty as to the European
situation restraining undue expansion.
Unrest Of labor and increasing cost of
raw materials, however, are said to
be disturbing factors.
From New York comes the report
that there are more products and
workers in that district, and that the
industrial activity there is of record
character. Manufacturers Of automo-
biles. tools and firearms and the roll
ing mills show the greatest increase
in production. On account of scarcity
of raw materials, however, some
houses anticipate shortage in mer-
.chandise stocks.
Steady and substantial gains
throughout the Philadelphia district in
practically all lines Of business is an
nOunced. Prices Of commodities are
said to be rising and supplies scarce,
with labor hard to obtain and wages
high. Lack Of dyestuffs is noted and
raw materials are said to be advanc-
ing in price. Steel mills and ship
yards continue busy.
Although February is said to be
usually a quiet month in the Atlanta
district. the report says there has
been very little lessening'' of business
activity.
The Richmond report describes con-
diticns throughout that district as
good, and points to railroad construc-
tion, increased manufacturing and new
credits extended to back up the state.
ment. The cotton acreage in the dis
trict, the report says, probaly will be
slightly increased this year, but the
practice of crop diversification would
not be abandoned.
Conditions in Mexico, the Dallas
district reports, have stimulated bus
mess in all lines in the Western Sec
ton, particularly mercantile houses
Cotton acreage may be increased.
Scarcity of unnamed basic raw ma
terials, the Chicago agent says, are
receiving the earnest attention of
manufacturing Industries dependent
on them. Reports indicate a reduced
wheat acreage this year, but the farm.
ers are said to have an increased pur-
chasing power. The automobile indus
try Is at record pace, there is a
strong demand for live stock and gen.
orally there is said to be feeling OF
optimism.
St. Louis reports degree of pros
perity unknown for several years, but
with manufacturers reporting an in.
crease in the cost of raw materials.
Cold weather has retarded grain
shipments in the Minneapolis district
and to a considerable extent the lum-
Der and wholesale business. Prospects
for the spring, however. are called ex-
aellent.
Kansas City reports railroads taxed
beyond capacity. owing largely to ship
ments OF last years graiR. First, in
dications that the wheat crop may
have been injured by unusual weather
have been Offset by later and more
encouraging reports. Leaders in many
lines of activity look for an Unusual
ly prosperous and busy year.
General advances in wages and a
shortage of labor are pointed out as
features of the trade situation in the
Cleveland district
San Francisco reports there has
been little change in conditions there.