The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-03-05

certain 20 manufacturers unless
they have covered their requirements
for raw materials.
Labor Attracted.
The industries working upon war
supplies have been drawing labor
from other lines and affecting the
entire wage situation. The rise Of
wages in the cities also attracts
men from the farms and theratens
10 make the problem OF agricultural
help more acute. Ordinarily periods
OF prosperity stimulate immigration,
but no relief from that source II
possible while the war lasts, and the
proponents Of an educational test
for Immigrants are citing the war ~
a reason why Congress should pass
their measure a third time. II having
been vetoed by President Taft and
Wilson. OF course. high wages that
signify a permanent condition OF
prosperity are to be welcomed. but
changes that are due to temporary
conditions. and which disorganixe
permanent Industries. may cost the
wage-earners more than they
come to.
The copper mining industry has
solved this problem harmoniously by
means OF a sliding scale OF wages
based on the price OF copper. This
agreement has been in efreat for
some years and works satisfa ctorily
within the industry, but It does not
prevent dissatisfaction In neighbour
Ing industries, which are not favor
ably affected by the war condition.
II IL estimated that on the same
output, but at the present level OF
prices. the copper product Of the
United states will bring 500. OUo,OUO
more In 1916 than II did In 1915.
Railroad Traffic.
Railroad traffic. despite the DIM
cuities due to congestion. 10 making
new high records. Returns from
practically all OF the mileage show
gross earnings in December OF $685.
1878. as against t225, S6s,bl2 in De-
cember of 1914. or course. the net
results Of a full business are still
against 500. ISL. $50. or about rs per
cent. The gross receipts for the
calendar year were 50, O65, 66l ,66l or IS
per cent over 1914; net operating
earnings were 1855. 664, 3l3, or 25.5 per
cent over 1914. II should be remem-
bered in this connection that ex-
penditures upon the roads were re-
manner. and that they cannot be
held down to this level permanently.
Roads that are well kept up can go
for a year or so with comparatively
light expenditures for maintenance,
but In the long run the expenditures
must be made; No doubt there will
tie more liberal appropriations in 1916.
New business continues to accu-
mulate with all the steel com
panies, and prices are advancing
very rapidly. According to the
Iron Age, the average price of
eight staple steel products was
1910 per ton on February %,
compared with an average in jan
uary OF f43.S1. in January, 1915,
the average was about $40. which
was below normal. The previous
high average for the same prod
ucts in the last eleven years was
s4o.Si in May. 1907.
Confident Feeling.
All OF the Industries making
goods for the consumptive trade
are actively employed. and build
Ing material manufacturers, in
Guiding lumber. are looking for a
good spring business.
The farmers have marketed most
OF their 1918 crops. and at better
prices than seemed probable when
they harvested. This IL particu-
larry true OF wheat. which started
on In July last under unfavorable
ping has made the situation very
uncertain. but seems to have
worked to the advantage OF AmerI
can and Canadian wheat, as
against South American and In
dla. on account OF the shorter
voyage.
The cotton market has shown
weakness during the parst month. the
near deliveries ranging down "a
nearly II cents. The EXPORTS OF
cotton from August l to January 81
last were 2.960.95S bales, against
3,Se.3h bales In the corresponding
period OF the previous year. Tho
consumption OF cotton for the same
six months of this year was 500. So
weakness during the past month. The
same period OF the previous year.
Price Dependence.
The prospect for prices evidently
depends upon two events. both YER,
uncertain at this writing. to Wit
whether or not the war will end be
fore the next crop is sold. and tn,
size of the crop. There is evidenti,
a temptation for the planter I,
gamble on peace. which whenever /
comes, will certainly advance cotton
On the other hand the sober counse
must be for the South to continu,
to raise its own grain. hay and al
supplies. Along that line IL will
find permanent prosperity.
Cattle are bringing fair prices
hogs very good and sheep higl
prices. The Governments estimate
of live stock on farms on Januar!
/. 1910, was 47.7S2.OOO hogs. s., $50. 90
cattle and 57.2l6.OOO sheep. On Jan
uary I, 1916. the Government give
! 6S.047OO0 hogs, 61.44l 900 cattle. ant
49.I62.OO0 sheep on farms. This show
| 20,265,0O more hogs on farms thi
year than In 1910. but 7,63900O les
cattle and S.054.0O0 less sheep. Not
withstanding a severe winter owe
the northern range country, stool
, is said TO be coming through in goo
condition.