The Washington times., 1916-10-08

The past week was practically
featureless OF factors bearing on the
financial and commercial activities
Of the country. General business con-
tinued at the fast pace which has
been maintained for many months
The New York securities market alone
ovinced, Just before the close Of the
week, n reactionary tendency.
Rumors OF peace proposals from
Germany which where being sent to
the United GATES through Ambassa-
dor Gerard to be put before the
world unsteadied the boom market
that had prevailed on the New YORK
Stock Exchange for practically
month without an interrupting re-
action.
While this rumor was sehed upon
as an excuse for a bear raid. bankers
and brokers in close touch with the
situation said that natural con-
dition-the fact that the market had
been moving too fast-was more d.
rectly responsible for the declines
that resulted in a majority OF the
moro active issues.
There IL, however, q feeling. partic-
uiarly in the West. of growing dis
trust as to the outcome OF the war
as viewed from the standpoint OF
sympathizers with the allies, and this
feeling is being reflected In the stock
market.
Some Of the Causes.
Among the principle items which
have gone TO make up this case, are
the failure OF the British army TO
make more than small gains on the
Western front; complaint by British
authorities that munition factories
are insufficlently manned, talk of
CONSUMPTION In Ireland and n fear
that such a step may evoke revolt
In the island, and a growing bitter
ness among the colonies against the
been added serious defeats suffered
by the Roumanians.
Passing over the stock market, how
ever. other prospects appear most
bright. The annual report. OF the New
York clearing house showed gross clear
ings for the year ending September &c
Of sl47. 900 900 0o0 an increase OF 81. 000. 000.
900 over the previous year. Industrial
concerns are earning profits never before
Gently this prosperity has been extend.
ing to the railroads.
The August report Of the Interstate
Commerce Commission gave the net
earnings OF l26 lines as being tsZ,VOO,OU
compared with t65. 0O0.0 900 a year ago. The
Union Pacific's annual report showed
the largest earnings In the roads his.
tory, or IL per cent on stock. as against
approximately IL per cent a year ago.
Late In the week the Chesapeake and
Ohio issued its report for the fiscal year
ended June 30. showing net income fol
the year aEgregating ssh, 216. equivalent
to 1895 per cent on the stock outstand'
ing. which was an increase OF A,2l5.6s
or 1881 per cent.
The receiver for the st. Louis and Sar
Francisco Railroad Company In his re-
port for the fiscal year. made public
yesterday. gives a gain Of H.5 per cent
In the total income over the year before
Bradstreet's Optimistic.
A still more striking evidence OF thu
actual existence OF prosperity Is fount
In Bradstreet's report of bank clearingi
for the week ended October 8. The az
| gregate. 6.162. 900 was the largest to
tai ever reported for any one week.
The total surpassed the preceding
week by IS per cent: Is 28.6 per cen
| larger than the corresponding week Of
! 1915, and iN.s per cent In excess OF th'
| like week OF 1914
Export trade OF the United States hal
been keeping pace with the unprece
! dented revival In domestic activity. Tit