New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-11-03
RISING PRICESC CUT
DOWN PROFITS
Manufacturers Grow eau
tious, Federal Reserve
Board Reports Show

Washington, Nov. 2.-The Federal
Reserve Boards monthly business sum
mary announced to-day that general
conditions in all the twelve Federal
Reserve districts Of the country were
satisfactory, with extraordinary aetiv-
itv in nearly all lines. Labor shortage
was reported by nearly all the district
agents. and most Of them referred 70
the increasing cost Of living
Following is summary OF district
reports;
pOSTON- General expansion Of bust
ncss and tendency toward greater activity
and higher prices In retail trade high
and increasing cost Of everything used IN
-'s,nfacturing. raw materials Of prneu-
callv every Kind scarce. any special de-
mand raising prices at once. M s
fartirers cautious about making future
contracts until they are assured OF mate
rials. causing jobbers, retailers ana even
consumers 10 stock up before prices al
vance further.
r,arkable activity continues in most bust,
ness lines. with general tendency Vo"sru
further expansion, manufacturers oeihs
unable 20 keep pace with their orders anu
handicapped 10y labor shortage ana other
deterrents Wholesale and retail business
stimulated By seasonable weather. some
conservatism in wholesale buying for next
spring. ,.-,,.. -
business conditions, only complaint DeihH
scarcity Of materials and shortage ana
high wages Of labor. Retailers preparihs
Dor heaviest Christmas trade In their eX-
perience Manufacturers in all lines eH-
tre,,elv busy Wholesalers report liberal
volume Of orders for fan and winter COM
CLEvELAND-Activity in nearly all
ever experienced" Car shortage causing
DELAYS In industrial work. Retail trade
given impetus by cold weather and sales
in larger centres show estimated IL per
cent increase over previous maximum AZ
this period. Workers being brought IN
from other sections 20 relieve labor snort
age. ~.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS generally salts
factory EXCEPT for occasional adverse re-
ports and unfavorable conditions IN one or
two localities affected by flood and weather
conditions High prices OF crops brihs
many comments "a 70 high cost OF living
and expressions Of serious doubt as 70
how labor IS TO support itself, notwitn-
standing high wages" General activity IN
every business line and outlook bright.
ATLANTA-All lines of industry report
extraordinarily bright prospects Tor au-
tumn and winter trade. Labor conditions
satisfactory. despite some disturbances.
Business strong in retail and wholesale
lines. some difficulty being experience IN
securing goods. Car shortage causing iear
of shutdown Of many plants.
acknowledgements business activity
in all lines. ample bank funds for all le-
climate business. and low interest rates
Rising cost Of raw materials may cut iht S,
manufacturer earnings. EHeeueht Ial
trade expected in every line, with snort
age Of certain materials increasingly evl-
dent Some complaints Of lack of car IA
cilites and deficiency Of labor.
ST LOUIS-Industries and business gen
orally report best business in years. win
sound financial conditions. Crops spotteo'
hut prices offsetting effects Of bad spots
Building industry is only one not seeming
10 be at high tide. High price: OF goods
mot vet reached a point where purchasers
hesitate TO buy what they desire IN either
necessities or Injuries
MINNEAPOLIS-Retai trade favorable
and wholesale and distributing lines en-
loving brisk business. Industrial con-
concerns producing on large scale. labor
fully employed at good wages. business
outlook bright, leading business men be-
lieving that high prices Of farm products
are satisfactorily oHsettng reduction IN
grain yield and potato crop.
KANSAS CITY-Unabated business ae-
tiyitv. high prices oifsetting reduced agrl-
cultural production Wholesalers. retail
ers jobbers and manufacturers working to
capacity General shortage of labor.
MANY voluntary concessions reported as
coming from employers. with some concern
EXPRESSED over the future when the present
abnormal conditions have passed"
DALLAS Conditions continue salts
factory. heavy wholesale and retail buying,
good collection: exceedingly satisfactory
fall trade. High prices for increased
volume OF agricultural commodities.
Bankers. particularly in cotton sections.
report Unprecedented deposits. Reports,
however, show advance in prices Of ne
cessities being seriously felt, without APP
preciable increase in wages. Car shortage
problem serious.
SAN FRANCISCO Business conditions
and outlook good except for inactivity here
and there. as In numbering and real estate.
National and state banks show substantial
gains In deposits and loans. Acute short
age Of cars. Large increase In foreign
trade, bank clearings and railroad re-
ceipts and in construction and building.