Evening star., 1921-08-20
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
NEW YORK, August 20.-The rail-
roads of the country are "in the clear"
and are running. on orders giving
them right of way to normal condf-
tions. Earnings are advancing, opsr-
,ating costs are coming down, idle cars
are being reduced and freight rev.
enues are pouring in. These better
ments in the condition Of the great
carriers are being reflected in all the
widespread Industries throughout the
country which they affect, according
to business dispatches received here
within the last twenty-four hours.
Ing to many business men and imam
ciers. far outweigh any depressing
effect which delay in distribution OF
the $500, 100000 owed the carriers by
the government is likely to produce
on business In the next few weeks.
Steel Industry Active.
Resumption in activity in the steel
industry bids fair to continue at an
ever-increasing rate. Additional plants
were blown in this week after long
periods of idleness. The principal
producer has followed independents
in reducing wages to 80 cents an hour
for unskilled labor. Inquiry from con-
sumers has increased and buying or,
ders have followed. This has applied
not only to finished products. but to
basic raw materials. Pig iron is in
stronger position than for months.
Iron ore is moving in increasing guam
titles through the 500 to lake ports.
Demand for bituminous coal. long
on a dull level of inaction. has follow
ed the revival of activity by the rail-
roads and the industrial plants. There
is an increased call in widely sepa-
rated sections for transportation and
factory purposes, and demand Tor
household uses has at last begun to
develop.
Electric Power Growing.
Not only have steam power necessi-
ties increased but a necessity for an ad-
djtional electric power has manifested
itself in manufacturing centers. the
amount of current generated in big CEN
trail station plants is gradually ap-
preaching the peak load reached last
year.
Rigidly reduced consumption for the
last fortnight has brought oil produc-
tion and consumption within reaching
distance, of each other in many sections
and price advances in some fields re-
hope that the market for oil has turned
the corner.
Lumber Demand Strong.
Strong demand for mmber for export
both east and west has made itself
manifest this week. In addition the
railroad programs for car repairs,
bridges, freight terminals, roundhouses
|and maintenance of way requirements
has set axes to falling and saws to
humrning with renewed activity in for
Tests and mills.
Building has shown signs OF sturdy
growth and shown them through the
railroads, for shipments of stone. gravel
and building material have increased
over 80 per cent recently over those for
Ia corresponding period in 1920. Brick
Yards, gravel pits and stone crushers
Isre in full operation in many sections
land frmer tone is noticeable in prices.
Canning Outlook Brighter.
A season which presented a gloomy
aspect at the outset to the Gamers has
to a remarkable extent in
|the last few weeks. Gamers who de-
lclined to contract for produce Of the
farms and orchards in the early part
|of the year, now are scrambltng for
|the fruit and vegetable crops. Many
hines have been sold up In the last
few days and been withdrawn. The
demand for canned salmon has been
almost unprecedented and has been
attended by a strong advance In
prices. Potatoe prices also are cd
vancing in many sections.