Evening journal., 1923-02-16
Conditions As I See Them
(Text of An Address Delivered Before Wilmington Rotary
Club Yesterday Afternoon by Samuel Byson Cra
phia Manager for the National Casket Company and a
Member of the Philadelphia Rotary Club.)

The nation made a strong show
ing in the closing Of 1922 OF what
has been In many respects a mos
extraordinary year. The undertone
20 trade is healthy and sentiment
conservatively optimistic. Conditions
are in many ways very much better
tlan they were in 1921 when some
extremely difficult problems were
pressing for solution. The largely
increased purchasing power appar-
tnt in the territory served by this
market, as well as in other indus
trial sections. is TO my mind. high
y reassuring when the position OF
the whole country is taken into ac-
count.
Manufacturing activity generally
mas increased to such an extent
that numerous employers have had
TO offer a bonus to secure sufficient
!. Dor to keep their productive or
ganization responsive TO the great
ly quickened trade. which has de-
veloped and which is expected to
develop further this year. A con-
spicuous achievement has been the
same attitude shown by business
men and investors towards tbs fu-
ture. 1he prevailing desire seems
10 be to build firmly and 10
strengthen the whole business struc-
ture.
This year and the next are very
likely to witness a historic struggle
between the so-called conservative
and radical forces in Both Of the
great political parties. There Is no
denying the fact that the growth
OF radicalism in the United States
as emphasized by the election OF so
many radical representatives TO
Congress. has been a disturbing in
fiuence when the sanest leadership
vas needed TO keep things going
IN a safe and sound manner.
American business men will make
a. good showing ~ given half
chance and the great transportation
industry will function most efficient
ly, II the railroad executives are
permitted TO manage their proper
ties as they think best. The people
ought TO know by this time that the
transportation service must be ef-
ficiently managed ~ the country is
20 work out its economic salvation
IN what promises 10 be a year OF
extraordinary. opportunities for good I
Although there are numerous un-
certainties 10 reckon with and some |
highly compiicative problems to /
solve, there is abundant evidence /
that the nation Is on the upgrade |
again and making excellent head /
way in various lines-but successful
business management viii call for
a5llity Of a high order and the ex-
eroise OF the best common senss.
There has seldom been more
hShly involved situation, speaking
from a world viewpoint. and Il ts
certain that nothing short OF level
headed direction Of industry ana
commerce WIN avail TO attain the
best results.
The country did an excellent holi-
day business and tbs probability is
that the volume reported viii com
pare favorably with the best pre-
vi3us years. r. csc
The car supply is better than Il
was. but advices from various cen
ters indicate that an exceptionally
large amount CT bank credit has
been tied up the past year by
freight shipments delayed on sidfngs
or at congtsted trafic centers. The
public still Is making record pur-
chases OF automobiles and the prob
ability ie this year will witness IN
expansion in the whole au-
tofnobile industry and so on down
he line. Dehation has pretty wen
run fts course and average prices
ire at level which indicates that
he readjustment process in many
Industries has been completed.
on the other hand, the situation
'alls for the exercise Of patience
md foresight and precautfon and