The Cordele dispatch. (Cordele, Ga.) 19??-1971, 1919-04-18
DECLINE IS SHOWN
IN PRICE TENDENCY
SURVEY OF CONDITIONS IN U. S.
SAID TO INDICATE IMPROVE
MENT IN INDUSTRIAL LINE.

!
reserve boards agents find that there
was, during the month of March, a
general Improvement in business con-
ditions and the continuance of an I'M
dert0ne Of confidence in the essential
strength and sCundneSs of the coun-
trf'S economic position. The actual
situation has not changed fundamen-
tally, but there are indications of i'm
provement and of better re-adjust-
ment OF business to normal conditions
In almost all sections industry and
trade are said to be looking up.
From all federal reserve districts
ii is reported that the price situation
is still the controlling factor in bust
ness conditions and outlook Several
developments of importance are evil
dent in this connection. There has
been a continuous, though moderate,
decline Of prices
Almost equally important with the
decline in prices is the fact that the
public at large has, apparently, given
up expectations OF immediate and de-
cisiVe declines. From such districts
ii is reported that, in the opinion of
the local business community, what
| ever change in prices is yet to come
will como slowly and that in con
sequence the business community has
decided that further postponement of
u, Al,
clines vii loccur, is not warranted
During the latter part of March,
there were further downward revs-
lions of prices III important lines The
steel industry sent representative
committee to Washington which. in
Iconsultation with a board represent
ing the government agreed upon
standard quotations for the principal
steel products, representing a reduc-
ton Of about S. per ton. Some fur
Their revision in copper and other
metal prices has likewise occurred
The problem Of working off the gov
ernments surplus copper stocks is
still unsettled, on only partially set
tied
Cotton prices have continued to de-
cline somewhat during the early part
Of the month, but the prospects Of a
resumption of free export trade have
materially strengthened them. Ac
cording to the prevailing opinion in
most districts. rapid and general de-
cline of prices of local products is
not to be expected. Very great diver
sity of conditions exists in the manu-
featuring field From Philadelphia it
is reported that in number of lines
conditions are still unsettled at the
mills. This is distinctly true of cot
ton manufacturing. and o firon and
steel The iron and steel output is
still relatively small.
In general manufacturing the Stu
alton is reported as somewhat mix
ed" Manufacturers of boots and
shoes report from various districts
that their business is almost normal,
and in some cases up to capacity. In
groceries. retailers are buying slowly,
while large stocks on hand have caus-
ed sharp declines in prices. In some
parts of the country however, whole
salers find business improving. In the
middle west capacity in many lines is
all that could be asked while else
where production is still far from
normal. Wooden mill production has
reached its lowest point, and is be
ginning to improve.
The demand for jewelry, automo-
biles and other luxuries appears to
be brisk in many districts.