The Washington herald., 1916-01-31
REPORTS PROVE
NATION PROSPERS
Principal Farm Crops a Fac
tor with Increase of $780,
100000 in Value.
BIG EXCESS OF EXPORTS
Estimated 100000 Automobiles Will
Be Turned Out in lol6-Mines
Boost Output.
BIG EXCESS OF EXPORTS

One can speak or write optimistically
and with more or less enthusiasm de-
clare that prosperity is enveloping the
country or that wave Of prosperity Is
on the way and about to break on the
sands of trade and industry. The proof
lies in the figures which show that the
majority of lines of business have made
remarkable strides and a surprising in
crease. and figures do not lie. according
to the New York Sun.
Certain cities OF this country, backed
by large newspapers. inaugurated bigger,
better business" campaigns. There have
been vigorous campaigns for clean adver-
tising; the activities of certain associa-
, tions. as well as the Postoface Depart
ment, against wildcat enterprises; re-
forms in banking, and various other pro-
pagandi were largely responsible for the
improvement of industry and the estab-
lishment of greater confidence, which Is
the root OF all real prosperity.
The United States Department OF Agri-
culture reports the nations principal farm
crops in 1915 worth $500, 900 900, exceeding
by more than $500 900 their value In
1914 which was a banner year.
There is to be a record-breaking bal
snoe Of trade" which when interpreted
for the layman means the excess of ex-
ports over imports.
The excess of exports over imports for
the past fiscal year proves that we are
accumulating a net favorable yearly bal
ance of about ss0,ooO,0Oo. available for
the purchase of securities which have
been held in Europe, or for the purpose
OF making direct loans to other coun-
tries, or for the purchase Of securities
abroad.
One especially good illustration Of the
public pulse as regards the roseate out
look is the automobile industry.
It Is estimated by some of the foremost
men in this industry that 100000 or
close to that number of motor cars will
be turned out during 1915. This will mean
! enormous additional pressure upon the
metal. rubber, wood, leather. paint, and
other industries upon which car con-
struction Is dependent
There are plenty Of other Industries
that can be cited as similar examples
the increase in the sale Of diamonds and
3ewelry, the remarkably increased bust
ness of wholesale and retail florists. etc.
Industries which are not at all thriving
when times are doubtful.
Naturally, with raise all along the
line in all mining products and all fur
naces running full blast coal, upon
which all mining and manufacturing is
dependent, also has taken a rise.
American exports increased 10 per cent
in 1915 and reached a total of $3,6NO 900,
600, breaking all previous records.
Figures issued by the Department OF
Commerce show that heavy exports and
American trade balance record of S.772,
oooo0o. Imports were the smallest since
1911.
The country's total foreign trade ex-
ports and imports passed the five billion
dollar mark during the year. each month
showing heavier exports until Decem-
bers reached 1859 coo, 900. The trade bal
ance of close to two billion dollars was
five times greater than in 1904 when II
stopped at SS24, ,ooo, 900.
One of the greatest signs Of the pros
perity of the past year is that the Unit
ed States Assay Office in New York
has more gold on hand than 1t has room
for, something that has not happened
for eighteen years. The total recently
was Sz25, 10000. The overflow has been
taken to the Sub-Treasury vault.
The mining industry in Alaska was
more prosperous in 1915 than in any pre-
vious year. The smelters' report places
her output OF copper for 1915 at 81, 900,
900 pounds, and her gold production is
valued at SIG, 9oo 0oo an increase of one
million dollars over 1914. Her silver out
put is valued at 800, ,0o0 an increase OF
about 100000 over 1914 and other min
erals, including tin, antimony, marble.
gypsum, coal and petroleum, are placed
at about $4,000, an increase of nearly
800 900 over 1914
The output OF copper In the United
States increased 266o5S, S,ss1 pounds over
1914, or 1.424,e4o,565 pounds output for 1916.
In December, 1915, and January, 1916, COP
per reached 30 cents in a market still 60
ing strong.
In the steel industry large orders for
American steel are booked far ahead,
and steel companies, II Is said, may be
quoting higher prices to hold back orders