The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1923-06-12

ated.
Iron and steel probably is still tn
best barometer of the general busi
ness situation. because of its use 10
construction work of nearly all kinds
and production in this industry is still
running at the highest rate eve
known. Railroad equipment is takinl
a good share of it. and the steel peo
pie are confident OF plenty of work TO
all the labor they have through tn
rest of this year. Automobile produc
ton may also be taken as a fairl,
good barometer of prosperity. 1t ha
increased with every month of 1923
April running we'll ahead of March
From April on. some decline is an
,icipsted. as the spring is the season
|of heaviest sales.
The Crop Outlook.
The season has been backward If
all parts OF the country, but the grain
crops have not been seriously affected
by this fact. Spring wheat has beer
doing well. cool and moist weather be.
ing favorable to its early stages. The
government report for May on winter
wheat showed an abandonment of IA
per cent of the acreage, which con-
firms previous reports of bad con.
ditions in the arid territory from Wes-
tern Nebraska to Texas. Notwithstand-
ing this reduction in area, the govern
ment forecast, assuming an average
yield. gives a crop only million BUSH
els lower than last year. Corn plant
ing has been delayed. but not serious
ly. The most serious effects of the
late spring have been in the case OF
cotton. for while the delay in itself is
not unusual, the south is seriously ham
dicapped by labor shortage, due to the
migration of negro labor to northern
industrial districts. Ii has been gen.
orally assumed that the outlook for
high prices for cotton would cause a
large acreage to be planted. but all
accounts now go to show that these
will not be realized. Few
estimates run as high as Is million
bales. which is the estimated con-
OF American cotton in this
crop year, and when it is understood
that the total carry-over is not likely
70 exceed ordinary mill stocks, il will
De seen that the world is facing the
ianger of serious shortage. Jay &
Company. under date of May %. esti-
nate the increase of acreage over last
rear at IA per cent, and the indicated
,ield. ll.650.000 bales. lintners exclud-
ID. Prices have recovered several
.ents per pound from the low point.
Live Stock
The ranchmen of the west report
hat winter conditions have been fav-
,rabIe. Temperatures have not been
evcrc. and the snowfall has been am
lie to afford spring moisture on the
PASTURES and plenty of water this sum-
ncr for irrigation. Hay and grain
rave been plentiful cattle and sheep
anne into the spring in good con-
Iition. The sheep growers are feeling
specially good, with wool bringing
0 cents per pound and a fine lamb
rop in prospect A correspondent
writes from Utah
Operators in all districts are con-
dent that the lamb crop will be heav-
n THAI usual, some predictions being |
S high as 100 per cent"
The strategic position of wool was
ever better in the history of the west.
he outlook for years to come is very
opeful, granted a reasonable tariff
based on the difference in
ne cost of production at home and
broad. The chances of disturbance
, this respect are growing less.
A number of wool clips were con-
acted early at 40c and Ale, but most
{ the sheep men are holding for Soc
r better. During the last week APP
100000 Aeeces of the
outhcrn Idaho woods have been sold
! soc, netting over $500 per head.
Lambs are being contracted for fall
clivcry at l0c and lie. and with pros
ects of heavier lamb crop than us
al. sheepmen are confident that this
,ason's operations will see big re-
uction in outstanding Indebtedness,
nd that 1923 will prove a stabilizing
ctor in the sheep industry.
The outlook for cattle is not so good
I'd prices are too low for profitable
perations. The same correspondent
rites: