The sun., 1919-05-24
TRADE CONTINUES
TO SHOW PROGRESS
Greater Improvement Awaits
Signing of Peace Treaty,
Say Reviews.

While there is nothing especially new
in the trade situation this week II is
worthy OF note that the progress and
Improvement. which has been the chief
feature of the situation for several
weeks. Is continuing What hold backs
there are, according to the weekly trade
reviews. are attributable largely to the
fact that peace Is held in abeyance. Re-
movals. one by one. Of artificial re-
strictions, which have been in force In
one way or another since the war be-
gan. have enlivened business
Neither political and economic un-
certainties nor the backward political
season." says Dun's Re1aep, ''have
halted the domestic business revival
which has already assumed boom char
acteristics In certain quarters. More
than half year after the armistice
some important engagements are being
held in allegiance because peace Ia not an
actually, but many commitments that
could no longer be deferred have boon
confidently undertaken and special en-
phasis is now placed on the hopeful
and constructive elements In the situa-
ton, rather than on the obscure and
unfavorable aspects.
The better sentiments. prompted by
abandonment OF price stRbilizing meas
ures, has been strengthened by definite
assurance of comparatively early re-
turn of railroads to private operation
and prospective release of telegraph and
telephone lines from Federal administra-
ton, and reconvening of Congress in
extraordinary session to enact much
needed legislation Is a helpful influence"
There is tendency toward increased
activity and greater confidence in larger
centres, says Brddstreet's State Of Trade,
although jobbing and retail reports show
slight depression compar red with last
week. Something like a shifting OF &C
tivity is revealed" that Journal says, "in
the trade and industrial reports this
week. Cool. rainy weather and lateness
OF some OF the spring planted crops.
especially corn and cotton. seem to be
more stressed at the smaller markets,
but increased activity. strength and con-
ndence are revealed at larger centres,
while in instances where weather condi-
lions have been favorable and seasonable
temperatures have prevailed the trend
has been very cheerful.
ION balance, tobbing and retail trade
reports show a slight ebbing OF activity,
and collections are a shade slower than
last week, but this seems directly charge
able TO weather conditions, whereas the
Increased strength OF demand in primary
markets, especially for textiles. jewelry
and foot coverings, with the aggressive
strength OF nearly all prices. seems 10
point TO a growth OF confidence not quite
so clearly revealed in the recent past.
"Reports as 10 industry arc rather
better Building. despite the high and, In
some instances. advancing tendency of
lumber and other materials and disposi-
ton OF labor to charge all or more than
traffic win bear. IL more active. There IL
a more cheerful feeling in iron and steel
and the allied trades and disposition TO
believe that Improvement in demand is,
speaking. In sight.
"In textile industries the story Is of
increased speeding up OF machinery and
charging output, but likewise OF appar-
ent scarcity OF current supplies as re-
vealed by further sharp advances In cot
ton, woollen and silk fabricA" 49,