The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1919-04-15
DECLINE IS SHOWN
in PRICE TENDENCY
SURVEY OF CONDITIONS IN U. S.
SAID TO INDICATE IMPROVE
MENT IN INDUSTRIAL LINES.

WASHINGTON, D. C.-The fed
eral reserve boards agents find that
there was, during the month of
March, general improvement in
business conditions and the continu-
ance of an lmdertone of confidence
in the essential strength and sound
ness of the country's economic posi-
ton. The actual situation has not
changed fundamentally, but there
are indications of improvement and
of a better REIMBURSEMENT of business
to normal conditions. In almost all
sections industry and trade are said
to be looking up.
From all federal reserve districts
it 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 some districts
it is reported that, in the opinion of
the local business community, 'what-
ever change in prices is yet to come
will come slowly" and that in con-
sequence the business community has
decided that further postponement of
activity, in the belief that drastic de-
clines will occur, is not warranted.
During the latter part of March,
there were further downward revis-
! ions of prices in important lines. The
steel industry sent representative
committee to Washington which, in
consultation with board represent
! ing the government, agreed upon
standard quotations for the principal
steel products, representing a reduc-
ton of about IS per ton. Some fur
Their revision in copper and other
metal prices has likewise occurred.
The problem of working off the gov
ernment's 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 the prices of local products Is
not to be expected. Very great diver
sity of conditions exists in the manu-
featuring field. From Philadelphia 1t
is reported that in a number of lines
conditions are still unsettled at the
mills. This is distinctly true of cot
ton manufacturing and of iron 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 Injuries appears to
be brisk in many districts.