Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-03-31

March 31.-Roger w. Babson is
resting here having just completed
his long trip of inspection through
out the different sections Of the
United States. He leaves here next
week for his home in Wellesley
Hills, Mass. This morning he issued
the following statement regarding
the business prospects Of the Pacific
Coast. He added-however-th
he was unfortunately unable to visit
the Coast on this trip and this state
ment is based upon statistical data
and reports from his correspondents.
'The Pacific Northwest" says Mr..
Babson, 'is looking forward to bet
ter business. Prospects are encour-
aging for lumber, fishing, shipping,
and agriculture. Practically all of
the large sawmills of Washington
and Oregon are now operating, and
production Is above normal. A num-
ber of mills are even operating two
or three eight-hour shifts Orders
for lumber are averaging larger
than production in spite of strength
ening prices. Many mills have suf-
ficient business on their books to
keep them running at capacity for
some months. On the whole the
lumber outlook is good for sometime.
OF course, the building boom is
largely responsible for this active de-
mand. Later, there may be let
up, but L look for active residential
building throughout the greater part
of 1928.
Salmon canning has fairly good
outlook. Plans have been made for
a. substantial increase in the pack
this year. The employment Of more
men, and the purchases from ships
chambers, can-making plants, ma
chinery houses, and food and cloth
ins establishments, will continue to
contribute towards better business.
From an agricultural standpoint,
Washington and Oregon are in
better position than most states.
Crop diversification is an outstand-
ing factor. Moreover, the crop yield
each year is exceptionally heavy. APP
pies, hops, berries and small fruits
all bring wealth to the grower. Un-
der these conditions, the farmer of
the Pacific Northwest enters the
new crop year in a strong position.
This years crops cannot be fully
forecast, but wheat came through
the winter in excellent shape and the
canneries appear to have contract
ed for large amount Of berries and
small fruit.
with lumber production at high
levels, with more active cannery oo-
erations than year ago, with con-
siderable ready cash in the fruit,
sheep, and farming country, and
with an increase in shipping trade,
the Pacific Northwest is headed to-
wards gratifying increase in busi-
ness. Uniform and complete pros
perity cannot be expected for some
time and there will be intermediate
reactions. The outlook is relatively
good, however, and advertising Ind
selling campaigns in this section
should produce generously. The
prosperous Wenatchee Valley is most
attractive; but Seattle, Tacoma. Port
land, and other Washington and
Oregon cities also merit attention.
Regarding California" Mr.. Bah |
son says, ''the northern part of CAL |
ifornia has been settling down with |
the rest of the country. LAUNDERING, |
mining, stoekraising, wool growings
canning and other lines, have been
quite thoroughly liquidated. S. II
Francisco and the Bay region -laye
part of the state slow but steady
Improvement is in prospect. South
ern California, on the other hand, |
did not reach the peak OF the pres
ent cycle until the latter part of
1921. 1t win doubtless escape the
critical phases of TIE depression;
nevertheless, it may not have COM
pleted its period of readjustment.
Many factors suggest this out
look for Southern California. see
nothing in any of these factors, how
ever. to occasion alarm. The great
diversity of crops and industries up
on which California depends and the
efficient marketing characteristic OF
the state should tend to prevent ny
serious depression. I emphasize The
probability of further moderate liqa-
idation, as 1 know from my CORES
pondence that many look for unin-
terrupted expansion. For the long
pull, California is unQuestionably,
sound; but during 1928. business
may mark time. Southern Califor-
MIA should be included in all sales
campaigns, but as the years progress
both sales and credit departments
should proceed carefully.
I'm explaining the reason for