Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-06-19
THE BUSINESS FIELD.

| Duns Review declares that the
position Of business, in spite Of the
backward season. with its adverse
effect on the crops and retail dis
itribution, was never stronger, the in
creased convervatism in buying and
the yielding tendencies in prices hav-
ing a wholesome bearing on the
future. Bank clearings still largely
exceed those OF last year-4S7 per
cent this week-and traffic move
ments continue heavy, gross earnings
Of railroads reporting for the first
week in June gaining 14.2 per cent.
In certain leading branches Of bust
ness, such as in Steel textiles and
leather. new domestic demands have
slackened perceptibly and prices are
! easier Yet this is the normal period
for lull in the lines affected. and
, there IS now all the more reason for
! 1t because Of the previous extra
ordinary activity. Requirements in
many instances are covered far ahead
and buyers are naturally disposed to
proceed more slowly, while signs
| multiply that the element Of cost is
no longer a matter Of secondary con-
sideration with consumers. The fact
remains, however, that, in the aggre-
gate transactions are greater than in
any other year and the problem Of
manufacturers is not one Of securing
new orders, but of finding sufficient
men and materials with which to do
all the work there is to be done. The
labor situation is less disturbing, yet
there is much complaint Of the short
age Of skilled hands and production in
some industries hampered at time
when deliveries are backward.
New business in dry goods for in
mediate distribution Is of moderate
proportions both in 3obbing and retail
channels, and in few cases prices are
lower. Yet some hesittancy is natural
at this season and there 10 now special
reason for abatement Of activity. ow-
ing to the previous extensive purctas
ing. Crop reports and nrmer money
make for greater conservatism in for
ward operations, without however.
| lessening confidence in the future. The
fact remains that while the rush to
buy has halted. large orders are still
untitled and in some lines demands
can not be fully met.
Bank clearings for the week ending
with Thursday. June Is, as reported to
Bradstreet's Journal. aggregate S4,676,-
| ss1 900, loss of s.5 per cent from last
week, but gain Of 49, per cent over
this week last year and n per cent
over the like week Of 1914. Outside Of
New York the total IL $3.50. 15S, 900.
a decrease of 2 per cent from last
week. but an increase Of 34.a per cent
over this week last year and o.S per
cent over the corresponding period Of
1914. The gain at New York over last
year is $50 per cent. One hundred
and eight cities show gains over last
year while only eight exhibit losses.
! Conditions in spring wheat are good,
though two to three weeks late. Warm.
growing weather is badly needed. but
with this the lateness can be over
come.
Corn is late and replanting and cul-
tivation has been retarded by wet soil.
while growth is backward, due to cool
weather. It is especially late in the
northwest and east. and the area in
the northwest will be smaller than ex-
pected Only good reports come from
the crop in the south. Western
marketing of corn is light
Oats rye and barley crops are doing
WELL and hay lands and pastures are
in good condition.