Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1916-01-07
1876 TO Be YEAR Of
GREAT PROSPERITY
OF COMMERCE Of
UNITED STATES NOTES MUCH
OPTIMISM IN BUSINESS.


broadly speaking, it may be said
that the spirit of optimism and hone
lulness prevails to a degree that has
not been apparent for nearly a dec
ade and the general belief and expec-
tation is for such prosperity during
1915 as will recompense the people
OF this country for all their past mis-
fortunes
This is the way that the general
business situation in the United
States at the opening of 1916, is sum-
married by the Chamber of Com
merce of the United States. Bright
prospects for business throughout
the country in striking contrast with
conditions at this time year ago.
are pictured in a report by the
chambers statistics and standards.
committee.
There are localities where eau
ton and conservatism yet remain"
says the report, land the influence Of
high prices for the future further &C
centuates this caution because DEAL
ers feel that high prices will curtail
buying by the consumers.
Wars Influence Lessons.
1.-THE adverse effect of the conflict
in Europe still prevails in some Sec
tions, though to very much less ex-
tent than at this time last year.
There are still scattered fears of the
possibility of this country being in
volved in the gigantic strife, but
against this is the fact that the large
portion of the people are paying less
and less attention to the war and
more and more concentrating their
thoughts and efforts on domestic mat
ters. Beyond this Is the striking fact
that the influence of the war at pres
ent as a whole Is more favorable than
adverse, because of the tremendous
impetus it has given to certain lines
of manufacturing, especially east of
the Alleghenies and likewise to many
agricultural products.
'This influence Is a material factor
in the present high prices Of sheep.
cattle, wool. grain and products Of
leather. steel. iron. copper, brass.
lead and zinc or spelter.
Much Of the prosperity in the
grain raising sections is due to the
fact that the farmer is selling freely
because of remunerative figures for
his product, and there seems to be NO
manner Of doubt but that these prices
will decline materially in case Of
peace.
Railroads and Factories Busy.
while there are many conjectures
as to the consequent effect on bust
ness Of such a contingency, the gen
eral belief centers around the convic-
ton that war will last for some time
and that the part Of wisdom IL to
make the most Of the present situa-
ton. regrettable as it il. and not TAX
ing undue thought Of the morrow BY
attempting to forecast the likelihood
Of what will happen II peace il do
clared.
Railroads report better business
as whole and railroad shops arc
employing more and more men. Man
ufacturing has taken on new life
through the whole country and in
almost every branch. There is much
consequent decrease in unemploy-
ment. Prices are being advanced
everywhere by manufacturers in all
lines and they are continually being
flooded with orders"
New Year VIII BE Prosperous.
The United States has entered tho
new year on a more solid basis than
the country has ever before enjoyed,
according to r. G. Dun & Company's
annual review of trade. In some re-
spects American business activities
are without parallel, the report as
serted.
1.-The past year was the most sue
cessful agricultural year, cotton ex-
cepted. in American history" Dun's
reported.
"All the traditional indices of pros
perity are present." said the review.
Bank clearings have touched figures
never before attained and railroad
show q remarkable enhance
ment. American enterprises having
fully recovered from the shock and
strains Of a world crisis, have extend
ed over a wider field and reached
goals never before attained"
Thirsty ones" in Thurston county
may obtain permits at the county