Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1919-06-27
Ely JOSEPH A. McCoRD,


Business conditions i'll all parts of the dis
trict are reported satisfactory, with a con
tinuatiCn Of activity in practically all lines.
Fall buying has begun, and gives promise
of assuming large proportions In some in
stances buyers are waiting for further re-
auctions, but the almost universal feeling a t
this time indicates that few declines from
the present level will take place. In fact,
some lines have experienced increases in APP
preciable amounts during the last few weeks.
This applies especially to the dry goods
trade. All reports indicate increased prices
for dry goods, one report placing the eSti-
mate as high as 20 per cent. on outings,
ticking and brown Cottons The demand for
heavy fall goods has been heavy. The re-
cent increase in raw leather also indicates
that leather goods will increase in price in
the near future.
Financial
The demand for money and rates Of inter-
est prevailing are reported normal in all
sections. Bank deposits in some instances
have declined, while in others there is
slight increase due to the sale of cotton.
Collections have been good, and those who
have disposed of cotton have liquidated their
obligations, charging to this extent the sup
ply of funds.
Central and South American Trade
Reports from New Orleans indicate no.
ticeable increase in May in trade to Central
and South American ports, as well as to
other foreign points. 1t is now possible for
the inland shippers to make contracts with
the various steamship companies at the gulf
No congestion is apparent at the terminals,
as a sufficient number of ships are available
TO take care of all shipments for which con-
tracts have been made. Very little lumber
is moving, being used principally for ballast
but cotton grain and foodstuffs comprise the
majority of the cargo. The foreign market
for these commodities is especially prof
liable, owing to The decrease in freight rates
and insurance account of the removal of
the risk of destruction.
Conditions existing. al this time in trade
with Central and South America, Cuba and
Panama are reported to be better than those
prevailing before the war. Not only is this
true from financial standpoint, as the
profits for both the steamship companies
and the shippers have increased, but it is
also true that the quantity of commodities
exported shows marked increase. All
steamers which were Communicated by the
government for transport service have been
released to their owners. and have resumed
their former traffic. Large quantities of
coffee are being imported from Brazil sugar
from Cuba, bananas palm kernel and other
tropical fruits, and sisal, from Central
America.
Agriculture
During the past month there has been eX-
cessive rainfall in practically all parts Of
the district. The condition of the cotton
was reported fair before the rains, but Gull
tlvatlon has been impossible for two or three
weeks and cotton fields have become very
grassy. 1t is estimated it will take two
or three weeks to clear out all of the grass
and weeds. Reports of the boil weevl in
the infested areas are received, and while
farmers are doing everything possible to pre-
vent damage to the plants, the possible in
jury from this insect to the crop in the nor
mally infested area may be great this sea-
son.
While some cotton has been sold on the
recent rise i'll the price, quantities are still
In the hands of the producers, in some re-
ports estimated at one-third of the crop.
Ihe corn crop is reported to be some
what Increased over last year 1t is practi-
cally all planted, and the earlier paintings
nave been we'll cultivated and have made
splendid growth.
Reports continue to indicate that Ten
nesSee wheat is in good condition with
prospects for large yields. Wheat. oats
and hay in Alabama have been injured to
some Xtent by recent wet weather.
Planters report that there has been too
much rainfall even for rice, and the cool
weather has delayed the growth of the
crop which is noW estimated to be over
three weeks late.
The development of tobacco growing in
Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi is prog
rcssing and considerable increase is indi-
Gated over last year.
Live Stock
Tie live stool; industry is showing prog
ress in all of the southern states. Interest
in good breeding stock is growing and the
demand for good grade beef stuff, young
and such will make good gains on
pasture, is greater than the supply There
is a fine interest in sheep and the move
ment for a small flock on every farm is
making Roadway in many sections.
Florida Meats
There has been practically no fed cattle
on the market during the past month and
the grass cattle mis- only about 20 per
cent of the for the same period last
year. Prices are at about the same level
as month ago, with a little improve