Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-09-03
BUSINESS GOOD AFTER 5
MONTHS IMPROVEMENT
Journal of Commerce Tele.
graphic Survey Denotes
Prosperous Seasons.
STOCKS ARE Losv. BUYING GOOD
Believe They VIII he Increased when
Miles Arc Assured They VIII Not
he Forced TO Advance Prices-Job-
bling Stocks Reported Enir,

NEW YORK. Sept. "a tclcgraphic
business survey or general conditions
in the country made recently by the
New York Journal OF Commerce forc-
casts one of the most prosperous sea-
sons since tho war for tho last five
months OF 1922 and tho early part
Of 1923.
In several replies merchants and
bankers in scattered sections stated
that II but one-half OF the prcsen,
prospects for business are realized In
the next nine months, the coming
season will be much better than last
year.
While business has been holding
back for some inc past and while
merchants have been unwilling 10
stock up their shelves or to contract
for supplies at any great distance in
tho future, they believe that funda-
mental conditions have 30 far inn
proved that trade is going to be brisk.
tho survey showed
Stocks Low, Buying Good.
TImid trading has been the rule
ever since the era of deflation started
in. Not until prices have adjusted
Themselves to what appears to DO a
stable basis will the merchants be
tempted to stock up their shelves as
they have In times past.
This situation. according to the sur
rey. is rapidly changing. II is espe-
cially evident in that the merchants
are having little trouble with credits
and are able today to obtain all tho
banking assistance they desire.
Merchandise stocks are low. They
will BIO increased when dealers are
assured that mills are not to be forced
to advance prices. Jobbers' stocks are
fair and are believed to be ample to
take care of all current needs. But
the wholesalers arc cautioning tho
producers not to advance prices upon
any probable increase in orders early
this season.
If Congress Goes Home.
With scarcely an exception. repre-
sentative wholesale Grocers and those
in allied lines OF food produces find
business conditions rapidly assuming
not only normal prosperity but some
thing even transcending that They
assert that If tho railroad strike were
settled and Congress would adjourn
and go homo genuine prosperity
would DO assured soon and perma-
ncntly.
The unanimity OF views is strik-
ing the more go because the inquiry
sent the mwas absolutely colorlcss;
no one was asked for moro than the
facts and prospects as the CORE
Spondcnts saw them.
strike Dig Issue.
Every one agrees that crops arc
looking promising; that in most lines
there will be good yield, and that
there is a waiting market. with
promise RI good prices. There arc no
financial obstacles in the way OF
moving these crops. but somc appre-
hcnsiou is expressed as to tho avail
able tabor supply for harvesting. due
to tho fact that there are few idle
workers
Unemployment appears to he a sad
memory only, few being unable TO find
work who want il. In addition. there
is Il feeling that wages are woEn &c
n normal parity with prices and liv-
ing costs and that the raIspant note
in labor circles is less pronounced
or at least more localized-that fol-
Il long time past.
The only exception TO this apcars
to be tho railroad strike. and senti-
ment seem astronEly in favor OF the
railroad arrangements and antaSonis'
tic to the strikers. This as men
toned In hut few replies.