Republican farmer., 1919-07-04

C-Cii1IDI IIlINliIC CpCCAaltblICll-
 Tn nearly all the districts" thes boards statement said. the opinion is entertained that the prospects for a successful and prosperous year, with very large outputs of goods and all most unprecedented financial returns both to manufacturers, agriculturists and laborers now are positive. One possibility that speculation may be carried too far and may exert an in furious influence; aided and furthered by the existence of free credit and speculative tendencie-, appears as the principal offsetting influence in the situation. No reduction in wage scales is now foreseen.
 Prices continued to rise throughout June, the boards statement showed, and enormous heavy demand for goods for export had rendered pro- ducts in many lines scarce. In nearly all districts it was reported business men had decided they could rely upon heavy demand and contin uously sustained prices for some time to come, while a feeling of apprehen- sion entertained early in the year was disappearing. jobbers and retailers
 
 ments for fall and winter.
 In many respects the agricultural prospects of the early spring are be- ing more than justified. Wheat. corn, cotton, tobacco and Pacific coast crops will be harvested in rec ord quantities. Livestock continues high in price.
 Steel and iron experienced a dis tinct turn for the better. The fuel situation has been much below nor nal with prospects of a tight situa- ton next winter. Metal mining in dustry was again improving. Manufa curing likewise took a strong turn upward during June. De- mand for fine cotton goods exceeds production. Shoe factories are pro- ducing at maximum capacity, while heavy demand from Europe has drawn off much of the availa ble supply. Wool products are sold for months ahead Automobile manu- featuring is running in many plants at record levels.
 Building shows continuation of the revival noted in previous months. Heavy. buying of lumber by retailers has become general. There is much trading ir houses and business prop erty.
 The labor situation has now reached a distinctly advanced stage of full employment" the boards state ment said in commenting on employ rnent conditions.
 There is apparently no present condition of unemployment; indeed many industries report they cannot get the men they need, while wages are fully up to past levels or higher. The requirements for farm help are absorbing surplus labor in practical ly all parts of the country. There Is some surplus of unskilled work CTS in some centers, but this is not different from the condition in normal times.
 'One of the principal problems in the labor situation noted by thought full observers Is the fact that clerks and office employees, well as other workers receiving more or less fixed incomes, have not yet participated in the advance in wages. Improvement for these classes of workers will be necessary if prices are to continue at their present level, but will of course, add correspondingly to the cost of | business to the government Returning soldiers are being rap- Idly and steadily absorbed into busi-
 ness and the problem which for a | time seemed to threaten in this con- nection is now apparently minimized in all lines- From the farming dis tricts particularly comes the report
 that the supply Of labor Is scanty and likely to prove more so as business progresses"