Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-07-17
rHE GENERAL BUSINESS FIELD.

TINE GENERAL BUSINESS FIelu.
That the upward swing Of the mar
kets has not been definitely arrested
is demonstrated by Dun's list OF
wholesale quotations, which this week
discloses thirty nine advances and
sixteen recess!ons. and in considering
the accepted oarometers of general con-
ditions. such as statistics of bank
clearings and foreign commerce, the
element of high prices should not be
disregarded. The movement to con.
ttrol prices. however is widening In
its scope. substantial reductions hav-
ing lately been announced on cotton
fabbrics, and 'here is no important>in-
duStry or traiie that Is not now III :
fiuenced either directly or indirectly
by federal restrictions of ono kind or
another. With such facts in evidence.
the state of business can not be
measured by The usual standards.
That summer shutdowns thru lack
of orders Will be virtually absent this
year the varied and extensive govern
ment requirements plainly indicate,
and holiday ohservances have been
suspended at some establishments so
into channels where they are urgently
wanted. Yet the straining for capac-
fly outputs has forced stoppages for
repairs in not a few instances, and
high temperatures must obviously be
rechoned with as factor in imposing
restraint on future operations.
The labor situation, moreover pre-
sents problems that are not easy OF
solution. and not only are large num-
from civil occupations, but activities
at some plans have been temporarily
interrupted by difference between en-
p,oyers and workers. While the fur
Their wage increases by which these
controversies have been invariably adj
justed have augmented the purchas-
ing power Of many people the result
ant enhancement of producing costs
las tended to narrow the margin of
prof, on articles that can not be sold
above the lnaximums HxeQ 10y the gov
eminent, or 10 raise the prices OF
come comm ODDITIES that have not wet
been officially regulated
Chicago-Ju!y, Judging from the first
week. will be month OF unusually ac-
tive business. In the wholesale divi-
sion there is noticeable an early de-
mand for fall, and buyers are cover
ing their autumnal needs with a free
Com that speaks wen for the spring
and summer Inovemen, of stocks.
St. Paul-Distribution Of wholesale
merchandise and collections continue
coed, and both are slightly improved
over this period last year. There is
increased business in hardware. har-
ness and automobile accessories, an
average gain OF perhaps 10 per cent
being shown. There are also larger
sales in dry goods, mems furnishings
and footwear F
Ornaha-DeEnand for all staple mer-
chandise continues qnite brbisk col
lections are above normal and the gen.
eral situation in all lines Of trade is
favorable. Bank deposits are show
ing hut little change hubt there is
some falling off in loans
PhiladeIphia-Whol OF dry
goods, woolens, knit goods. millinery.
mems and womens furnishings and
wearing apparel report that demand Is
we'll maintained. but that the shortage
Of practically all classes of merchan-
disc renders il almost impossible to
rneer all requirements Manufacturers
of mems clothing and shirts are well
sold up for fall and winter, but ex-
press ,apprehensions as TO their ability
to obtain materials TO meet the spring
demands OF, heir customers.