Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-08-21
the STATE OF BUSlNE SIS.

THE STATE OF BUSINESS.
! II is still noteworthy that existing
uncertainties have scarcely discern
IDLE influence on the course or leg''i-
mate business, which, with Few eA-
ceptions, reflects sustained activity anu
in some OF it's more important branches
shows further augmentation. Distinct
gains appear in steel and iron and IN
copper, as we'll as in dry goods, ana II
| is significant of conditions in WIDELY
divergent lines and sections that pro-
ducers are either not In a position or
are disinclined to accept all the con-
tracts offered. Most Of the works are
sold ahead as far as they care to De
with present doubts about supplies and
costs Of raw materials; while it becomes
increasingly difficult to secure an ade-
uuate number of competent hands, ana
in some instances outputs fall short
of requirements.
The prevailing high prices and the
ina ability of many manufacturers TO give
definite assurances of prompt deliver
les combine to deter buying consider
ably, but in most cases forward COM
mi:ments continue notably large ana
are characterized by an almost entire
absence of speculative tendencies. DO
mestic consumers of steel, having been
| slow to appreciate the limited capacity
| available for next year. are again &C
lively in the market, while foreign or
ders, Notwithstanding previous extern
sive purchasing, grow rather than d.
minsh. With labor fully employed al
particularly remunerative wages. retain
distribution turnout the country is
maintained in exceptional volume be-
| ing stimulated by clearance sales ana
special offerings of merchandise at at
| tractive figures. The MAGNITUDE OF
| general business Is indicated by this
weeks increase of 23.7 per cent over
last year in bank clearings at centers
outside New York, tho the gain is
partly in value, as higher prices OBJ
viously require more money to pay for
the same quantities.
Dun's Chicago report says: W nile
decreased harvests add to conservatism
| in some Of the activities, business, as
a whole, maintains an unprecedented
buoyancy and it's volume shows nc
diminishing trend. The money market
meets a wider variety Of demands ano
the discount rates have turned sllg
easier for borrowers, funds being ample
and under less strain for crop moving
purposes. -..,
Grain marketings have risen to the
greatest aggregate In over nineteen
months, the present high prices strong
ly inducing growers to sell and it Is
evident that bank deposits soon will
expand with the accretion of this sea-
sons agricultural wealth. The out
look for finance and investment under
goes no impairment. With satisfac'
tory adjustment of railroad troubles
there would be more use OF additiona
equipment and successful flotation Of
securities, gross earnings of western
systems being practically assured
greater increase than heretofore in in.
dustrial outputs and the movement:
Of general merchandise. A lessenee
grain carrying will help to relieve con
gestion at factory centers, from many
Of which there are serious complaints
as to railroad delays.
Temperatures here and in the wes'
were rather high for successful retail
dealings, yet the absorption Of the ne.
cessaries shows well by comparison
| with a year ago, and merchants report
shelves in better shape for incoming
stocks Of fall and winter lines. The
demands upon wholesale and jobbine
branches indicate stronger buying
power than heretofore and the orders
for early forwardings Of dry goods
clothing. footwear and other staples
now run into new high totals and tai
the shipping rooms, numbers Of which
work both day and night. The cur
rent buying is particularly good for thu
south, southwest and Pacific points
while all the factory centers buy free
ly. Collections generally show prompt
ness. The markets were active for liv,
stock and provisions, but slow in spo
demands for breadstuffs owing to tn,
rise in values