The Washington times., 1919-10-09
BUSINESS IS GOOD
IN SPITE OF UNREST

Despite a general feeling Of anxiety
regarding the labor situation, the po-
litical unrest, the distressing illness
/ OF President Wilson, and the impOr-
tant industrial conference, business
/ seems to be going ahead at an ever
/ increasing pace, and there Is not the
! least complaint from local quarters
/ The exhortation Of members Of the
/ Cabinet and other public officials TO
work, save, and produce is taking
| root, even though the fundamental re-
! lations between capital and labor still
1 remain a question OF dispute among
the recognized leaders at the round
/ table discussion.
Regarding the barometer Of busi-
ness conditions, the condition Of the
steel industry. a bulletin Of the Guar
anty Trust Company Of New York
says:
steel strike Is Factor.
The strike in the steel Industry is
regarded as a determining factor in
the business situation. 1t IS realized
that sooner or later a break must
come IN the long succession Of
strikes that have hindered the
progress Of business since the sign
ing Of the armistice, and many look
upon the issue Of this strike as the
signal for one thing or anOther-in-
creased output. better distribution,
steady reduction OF prices, sound
prosperity, or reduced output, scare
ity Of goods, continued high prices,
general chaos.
There is plenty Of buying power
in all sections OF the country and
orders are piling up In all lines.
Farm and city alike are IN a favor
able position for a wintet OF profit
able industry"
In the District Of Columbia, prob
ably the best indicator at the present
time Of the status Of general busi-
ness here is the amount Of building
going on. Charles J. Bell, president
Of the American Security and Trust
Company. today said that building
was hourishing in the District. which
fact is indicative Of steady increase
in business along every line.
Exports are slow.
The export trade has not developed
as rapidly and to such proportions as
was anticipated shortly after the
signing Of the armistice. This has
been due to several factors, among
which are included the Industrial con-
dition Of European countries and a
lack OF a satisfactory exchange, as
a result OF the unsettled political
relations between the United States
and the former belligerent countries.
The upset In the rate OF exchange
continues TO restrict foreign pur-
chases of American merchandise
says the current financial review OF
Henry CleWs g. Co.
Despite the demand OF certain l
BY the former belliger- /
ents in Europe. Importation from /
America has been restricted because /
or the exchange situation. Germany /
and Italy are suffering on this ac- /
count
Unless something is done toward /
giving necessary foreign credits, il /
is claimed. serious difficulties will /
result. Delay along this line is chief /
IL attributed to the Senate in its re- /
fusal TO sign the peace treaty
An active market prevailed again I
today on the local stock exchange, /
with trading IN Washington Gas and !
Lanston featuring the days business.
A total OF 100 shares OF LanstOn (
changed hands at so. which was firm 1
with the bulk Of yesterdays sales on /
that stock.
Considerable interest was mani /
tested in washington Railway COM !
mon and a total Of IS shares was sold 4
at %. Mergenthaler was strong at 4
4Oa5, and likewise Capital Traction, !
ten shares OF which changed own
srship at SSl5.
Eugene Thompson was missed at
the exchange today. Mr.. Thompson
Is in New York on business.