The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1917-01-04

No country in all 7gord history experienced anything
approaching the prosperity of the United States during the
past year!
The old year aUss us absolutely the scsaltis nation IL,
the aVorld, h prosperity avhch measured in dollars and
cents is colossal.
1t should be remembered we have tho greatest in
raw materials largest manufacturing plants, most extensive
railroad and shipping facilities, and the greatest financial
power.
During the undertook the bulk of manufacturing
for both neurals and bellgerents.
Our exports this year just little under $1,000
as compared with ST. $751; 100000 in 1915. In 1916 inn
ported So 282 worth of goods compared with
$3.50, 10000 worth in 1915
Our foreign statistics shoV this trade expansion
has ATTENDED to all parts Of the 7vord and estab
fishing permanent connections that si insure continued enjoy
nett OF this large share in 70ord commerce.
To have healthy foreign have efficient
banking and financial facilities We have provided these
American banks in 1916 established branches agencies
throughout the world They invested $2oooooooo in
industrial plants in Russia 100000 in China ST.
in South America and $2oooooooo in Canada, making tho
total of their Canadian investments ST. Our total
investments in Europe ASIA Central and South America have
now reached about $4,000 100000
Bank Clearings Show 1t.
The industrial activity of any important manufacturing COM
nunity is accurately reflected by pig iron statistics and bank
clearngs Our pig iron production average 100000
par month throughout 1916 production about 70 per cent
above normal
Bank cearngs in ~ of the principal cities averaged above
$6,ooooooooo per week compared with S4,3oooooooo
year ago. The total cleangs this year
creased 80 per cent.
The bank cearngs indicate prosperity being enjoyed from
coast to coast
Employees in of the basis inducres and largest indus
trial companies have received higher wages bonuses The
average wage increase In eastern amounted to 20 per
cent compared with IoI S, and 40 per cent with 1914
Immense purchases OF automobiles and other 6xMies BY
farmers froVs the year has been precious for them
While crops haze not been large high prices made up for
the slight decrease IN quantity.
The crop valued ST. 100000 as compared
with $I755oooooo in 1915 This years wheat amounted in
value to ST oa5 100000 compared with $o3ooooooo year
ago. The total value of crops in 1916
as against $5,6ooooo,ooo In 1915.
Copper Plants Grow; Tacoma Knows It.
The enormous business done in 1916 required immense
vestments New capital issues amounted $7o4oooooo
compared with $4,000 100000 in the previous year.
The years issue included ST. 3SI loaned to foreign
governments, compared with $275oooooo in 1915. In
the past have loaned foreign interests $3
a4ooooooo This money carries high interest and will be
source of income to us for years.
Activities ON the investment market reflected In the
turns OF the New York Stock exchange These show value
of 81 In 1916 compared with ST. oo7 in
IoI5-an Increase of nearly 4o per cent,
Many industries established to make goods for
ncy supplied by European countries Many chemical and
metalurgica industries of permanent vaue developed
great dye Industry sprong up. W. indspendns
Of Germany IN dyes.
Our sine and copper plants enlarged and all the metals
alloys and chemicals required in making munitions made
soahin the United States
All these and valuable industries will contribute make
than elf-containsd and selfsupportlng nation
Though have been long negligent Of our shipping
merchants have taken advantage Of the build great