New Britain herald., 1922-02-25

Continuing the report of his per- sonal survey on business conditions, Roger W. Babson, famous economist outlines his findings in the western central states as follows;
 "A year ago l found the worst con- ditions in these western central states, the section of the country lying be- tween Buffalo. Pittsburgh and Allan ta on the east, Chicago and St, Louis on the west.
 "Detroit, Michigan and Akron, Ohio were then the center of the de pression area The storm center hav- ing moved west from New England during 1920 Today, however, l tind 7 conditions in this section of the coun- try much improved, The worst Is over. While definite improvement Is not yet evident business gradually hnt steadily is turning upward.
 "'rhe best sections of this district as far as sales are concerned are found in the states supported by di- versity of interests, Ohio for instance Is in very fair condition, Northern Indiana and lllonois also look rela- lively good. Medium sized cities such as South Bend and Fort Wayne offer good sales possibilities.
 Although Detroit has been severe ly hit, owing 10 the unnatural boom 1t experienced during the recent per, iod of prosperity, other smaller cities with automobile industries are doing we'll This simply illustrates the basic truth I have reiterated during the past years. namely that communities , should not be exclusively industrial or exclusively agricultural. Industrial communities should seek to develop agricultural environments While az ricultural communities should develop industries.
 The coal mining regions of the central western states have Been quiet for some months. Now, however, in face of the threatened strike, busi- ness is picking up. The miners make relatively large earnings when they work. The purchasing power of these coal centers should be greater this coming spring, A large proportion of these mines are unorganized. This group should be especially prosperous in case of a strike.
 "Production of bituminous coal during 1921, by the way, was only A., 0.000,o ,o00 tons, or 271s less than the previous year. Let me say. however. that after it is evident that there will be nothing to fear from the threaten ed strike, further declines in the price of bituminous coal will be in order. Although this will mean lower profits for the operators, 1t should mean more days of work and ultimately benefit all interests
 The iron and copper districts of the lake regions are still very dull. The finished product industries of these lines are running only 40Gd of their capacity, Many manufacturers are shut down entirely Statistics, however, indicate that as money rates decline, railroad. public utilities and municipalities will be able to sell bonds for permanent improvements The demand for iron and copper will increase accordingly. With this in| view I prophecy that 1922 will show great improvement over 1921 in this section. A stimulous will first appear with the opening of the lakes when lne Ice SUeS OuL III udICIl Ol aplll.
 '"rhe farming sections are still suf- fering the headache - the inevitable result of their intoxication during the prosperous years of the war. One with any heart cannot help but he moved by the stories of disappoint- ment and loss encountered by the farmers of these western central states. Corn and wheat are bringing less than nothing. The banks are pressing the farmers for payment of interest and there is little prospect for higher prices in sight. But the handwriting on the wall was very clear and the farmer who took the trouble to watch conditions closely foresaw the inevitable and saved his money, hepce, he is not in trouble to- day. Instead of unloading his "easy money" for high priced land or low priced oil stocks, he saved it and is not suffering today, The salvation of the farmer must be wrought through the diversity of interests. The farm CT who raises stock sells cream and grows four or five different crops. is not at the mercy of the sudden price