The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1916-03-24

party. SecretarJ McAdoo is chairman
of the International High Commission
the prime object of which is the fos-
tering of trade relations between the
sister Republics of the Western
Hemisphere.
One of the most important problems
that press for early solution is that OF
uniformity of trade laws, without
which the growth of Pan-American
trade will be greatly retarded. Many
of the business laws on our statute
books have LONG ago outgrown the
times and conditions which called
them into being, and they should be
replaced by a sensible code that is
more in keeping with present day con-
ditions. The present Administration
at Washington has made excellent
progress in removing the prejudices
that have existed against successful
big business. but much remains to be
done along these lines. If the Interna-
tional High Commission can be instru
mental in having some of the shackles
removed from legitimate business in
The United States it will not have been
formed in vain.
The American delegates have
already indicated their desire for a
frank discussion of topics closely re-
lated to the details of trade promotion,
which include: Transportation, bank
ing facilities and credit extension,
stabilizing of international exchange,
arbitration of commercial disputes,
negotiable instr lnents, bills of lading
and warehouse receipts, uniformity OF
customs and classification of merchan-
disc, postage rates and parcel post
and money order facilities, cable and
wireless te1egrarhy service, CONNER
cial travellers and their samples, trade
marks and COZ yrights. AT present
there has hardly been an attempt at
uniformity in these important matters.
Much has been said and written on
the prospects of increasing business
relationship between the Americas. So
far, however, comparatively little &C
ton has been taken, and if he South
American trade is to be cultivated it
must be done by men of action. and
not by men of words only. Given a
| fair opportunity and an honest incen-
| tive American capital and energy are
not backward in pushing forward to
new fields or in grasping new oppor-
| tunitieS.
Money, Business and Investments.
A few weeks ago a number of prom
inent bankers predicted that by the
| first or middle Of March the rates fol
money would show hardening ten
| dency, and rates for the longer ma.
turtles, especially, would be marked
upward to comparatively higher
points. These predictions have no
yet been verified, and in fact there
is nothing in the present situation
to indicate that the low loaning rates
for money will not continue for som,
time to come. The banks are still
crowded with loanable bonds, ant
the new banking system offers still
greater facilities for financial accom-
mediation.
Investment bankers continue to re
port that their opportunities for bust
ness are bounded only by their limita
tons in finding sufficient offerings t.
supply the wants of their customers
AS the demands of investors have in
creased, the borro owing rates hav
consequently decreased. and it is nov
possible for municipalities to marke
their securities on AN income basi
less than 4 per cent, whereas tw
years ago. investors were asking
and in some cases per cent.
Domestic trade conditions continu
very favorable. The United State
Steel Corporation report of unhlle
orders at the cad of February di.
closed the largest amount in its his
tory. The output and shipment {
/ steel in February are believed to
greater than ever and the steel trad
is enjoying degree of prosperit
never before approached. The ave-
age price of steel products is mo-
$40 ton as compared with $40 We;
ago and high prices are beginning
, restrict large building operation
and heavy construction work b.
cause current prices are abnormal
? high and work done now will be &c
costly to compete with other sol
truction when prices are abnorm;
. | Europe is sure to need large quaint
: ties of steel after peace is restore
( because industries are disorganiz,
4 over there and the production
n neace products cannot be resumed II
III both plants and working forces a
n reorganized. American engineers a
/ now figuring on bridges that will ha
to be rebuilt in Europe as soon
: peace is declared. American labor
!, now we'll and profitablv employe
1 the farmers are rejoicing becau
h of the bountiful harvests. mines al
: metals are returning extraordina
d dividends to their stockholders, a
J. railroad earnings are on vey su
+ stantial basis. The Bureau of Railw
5 Economics reports that the Decel
d Der operating income per mile of
: railroads of the country was 1928 2
If cent greater in 1915 than in l9
d 6O7 per cent greater than in lo
l. 26 per cent greater than in 1912 a
!. 42I per cent greater than in 10
&c Net operating income of the ra
: ways of the United States for I
l. cember increased $3.50 per mile.
e 1928 per cent as compared with L
p cember. 1914 This comparison, no
a ever, is between the highest and