davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Electrical Equipment.

Radio goods undoubtedly were the
feature of the electrical equipment
trade in 1924. The popularity OF
radio sets increased steadily until, at
the end of the year, it was estimated
that about 100000 were in opera
tion in this country. These figures
are not exact because many of the
sets were of home manufacture. Their
parts, however. formed a part of the
output of the electrical eQuipm ent
companies.
In addition to radio, sales i'm
promed in household appliances. espe-
cially refrigeration plants, small mill
and factory apparatus and in sales OF
motive machinery to electric rail-
roads. There is certainty that pres
ent projects for power development
will result in heavy orders for equip
ment during the coming year.
Europe is rapidly returning to the
market for this class OF goods and
Japan and the orient are sure "a
prowe b fr1lit f,ll aouroA o& tEaAAe d.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Coal.

Weather played a dominant part in
the operations of the coal industry in
the past year, during which the btu
minous end of the business suffered
somewhat severely. In the early
months of 1924 bituminous production
was rushed on the possibility that
there might be an extended strike
when the new wage agreements came
up for consideration in April. This
did not materialize and these stocks
lay on the market throughout the
middle part of the year.
The open Fall postponed buying by
househoIders and for much of the
season thousands of mines were
closed and others worked only on a
part-time basis. Production fell
steadily below that of 1928 and prices
suffered to an equal extent. In no
month did the price of bituminous
coal reach the general average for
the II months of 1923.
The anthracite industry, on the
other hand, had q satisfactory year.
Production almost kept pace with
that of the previous twelvemonth,
and mines were operated with full
crews in most instances. Prices were
a trifle under those of 1923, but this
drop was not of marked proportions.
The greatest difficulty encountered by
anthracite field which were unau
thorized by mine worker officials, but
which nevertheless proved trouble
some.
The slump in industrial operations
in midyear checked buying in both
bituminous and anthracite, and the
fact that lake shipments to the
Northwest fell off had its reflection
in tho prosperity of shipping COM
panies which had difficulties in Sc
curing upbound coal cargoes. The
hand-to-mouth buying noticeable
throughout the year was due in part
to improvement in railroad transpor-
tation and expedition of shipments.
The anthracite industry conducted
an intensive campaign in an effort to
show the public how to use the small
er and cheaper sizes of coal in con-
junction with the larger grades for
domestic purposes. This was mod
erately successful.
Coke oven activity picked up at the
close of the year as steel mill &C
tivity Increased.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Farm Machinery.

The advance in farm product prices
came too late to have a revolutionary
effect on sales of farm machinery this
year. Sales volume was about on the
level Of 1928 although gains were re-
corded in some individual lines. How
ever, farmers have paid off much of
their long-standing Indebtedness to
farm machinery companies and the
latter are in far better financial situa-
ton than a year ago. For example,
Interna tional Harvester is said until
recently to have been carrying ap-
proximately s50,000,000 in farmers
notes.
Export sales have reflected the re-
habilitation of Europe and for the
first three quarters Of the year
totaIed about s47,640,S50, or IL per
cent more than for the corresponding
period of 1923. Prices Of machinery
have been steady although manufac-
turers claim the margin Of profit has
been small.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Flour.

The -four business was somewhat
disrupted during the later months of
the year by the advancing prices of
wheat and the consolidation of many
large baking companies throughout
the country. Prices rose over So a
barrel during the year in reflection of
the jump in wheat, and in the North
west such high figures were demand
ed for the Washington milling
grades that many millers substituted
Montana grain.
1t was felt that the banking con-
solidations might have decided
effect on the sales of flour to house
wives. Consumption was not mate
rally curtailed, although buying by
Jobbers and retailers was of the eau
tious, hand-to-mouth variety
Exports suffered to a considerable
extent through conditions in Europe
and the Orient, but heavy shipments
went to Central America Produc-
ton continued at a good rate.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Woo1en Goods.

The wooden goods industry took a
decisive turn for the better toward
the end of the year. The annual
period opened quiet with the only
pressing demand in novelties and
sportswear. In the Summer prices
were slashed sharply by a leading
producer to stimulate demand, but
with only partial success.
In the Fall, however, came the re-
markable turn and by the end of the
year production was in a fair way
to reaching normal. This was caused
by renewed demand from the mems
and women's clothing trades and to
the depleted state of retailers stocks
of cloth. The leading interest did
not reduce wages during this H.
month, but some other concerns cut
wage scales as much as 10 per cent.
There has been a lessening of con-
sumner resistance to higher prices and
since the opening of the lightweight
lines for 1925, prices have been ad-
vanced repeatedly for goods. The
wooden divisions have shown more i'm
provement in this respect than wor-
steds, but both have bettered.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Iron and Steel.

Iron and steel had a past spotted
year, both in production and prices
The first quarter was started with a
rush. Production in February and
March shot up to above 80 per cent
of capacity. Then came the Summer
slump which upset demand and price
levels and which was followed by
sharp curtailment. After election
stored to about 75 per cent of capac-
ness.
All in all, 1t was not q bad year for
the industry when it is taken into
consideration that capacity of mills is
far beyond requirements and i'm
provement in demand and prices is
likely to lead to decided overproduc-
tion.
Iron ore shipments on the great
lakes fell OF nearly 100000 tons. Pig
iron production dropped correspond
tngly and prices slumped far below
1923 levels in midyear The Fall re-
vtval signa1ed its approach by an i'm
provement In pig iron prices and the
lighting of more stacks. Composite
finished steel prices reversed their
trend of the previous year. That is,
they were higher than the 1928 levels
in the early months and lower than
those of last year in the last half of
the year. Steel tank plate and
structural steel prices suffered the
most severe reductions. Tin plate re-
uuirsments kept prices for that prod
net fairly stable.
The eabandonmentaoft the Pittsburgh
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Candy.

Americas sweet tooth gave candy
manufacturers little rest during the
past year. Consumption increased
steadily and the makers wound up the
year with factories running at capacity
In most localities. The business was
aided materially by the lower prices
which were obtained for sugar during
the II months. These showed both a
reduction from the 1923 level and a
greater stability since the fear of
excessive sugar fluctuations was al
most entirely removed.
Cocoa beans and other raw materials
used IN the making of candy were in
strong positions, but conditions were
such that most of the manufacturers
recorded successful year. Confec-
TONERS were affected somewhat by the
Chinese revolution which caused an ad-
vance in that country's egg products
which are used in large quantities by
the manufacturers.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Dairy Products.

Only the fire wall of regulated and
cooperative marketing stood between
producers of dairy products and dis
aster. As 1T was, they had fairly
successful year although the future is
uncertain owing to heavy stocks which
will be carried over. The year was
favorable to milk production and this
resulted in a record output of butter
and cheese Demand for condensed
and evaporated milk fell off. Produc-
tion of eggs was about normal with
prices following seasonal trends.
Stocks of butter, which totaled
15.246.000 pounds last January, in
creased to nearly 13O,000.0O0 pounds
by December. Prices which started
above so cents for % score, dropped
below 81 cents in the Summer and were
about 10 cents below the January price
this month. Cheese had a similar ex-
perience. Holdings Increased about
Is 100000 pounds and prices weakened
accordingly. Cold storage holdings of
eggs aggregate 100000 dozen or
IA, 600, 900 dozen under 1928.
Consumption of butter increased
owing to lower sprices and better ad-
vertising.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Coffee.

Coffee had a sensational rise in the
past year and for a time 1t was feared
that the time-honored ''five-cent cup
of Java" was endangered. Four fac
tors contributed to this: The tremen-
dous increase in world consumption,
the revolt in the state of Sac Paulo,
Brazil, with it's attendant disturb
ances of shipping, a damaged crop
and efforts at yalorization by the
Brazilian government.
Prices doubled between last Janu-
airy, when the average of No. Rio at
New York was 1886 cents q pound,
to December, when they had advanced
above 20 cents.
Now the Brazilian government has
abandoned it's valorization scheme, and
1t has>become evident that the crop
there is in better condition than was
expected. Experts, in many cases.
look for lower prices next year. There
Is small doubt that imports this year
will have reached the tremendous
total of 1.500,0O0,O00 pounds and there
Is equally small doubt that enough
coffee will be grown to supply world
needs in 1925 at prices within reason.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Auto Trucks and Busses.

The development of the motor bus
routes of the country has been life
saver to the motor truck and bus in
dustry. 1t sufficed to take up the
slack occasioned by falling off in de-
mand for commercial trucks during
the midyear automobile slump and
provided some manufacturers with
is to 20 per cent of their gross rev.
enue.
There are now about $4,000 busses
in operation and it appears that the
field has only begun to be opened. Bus
and truck production for the year
totaled above sos, 900 vehicles, a rec
ord second only to the banner period
of 1923. The increase in the late
months of the year was marked and
the output for the first quarter of
1926 is expected to approximate the
extraordinarily active period of a
year ago. Agitation for store door
delivery and the expansion of bus
routes are calculated to produce a
demand in the coming year which has
mover been equaled. In both trucl
and pleasure car fields mergers are
being talked of to cut. overhead ex-
pense.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Paint.

The paint and varnish manufac-
turers of the country had a record
breaking year. This was due not
only to the heavy building program
but to the increased prospe rity of the
agricultural sections, which bought
paints in tremendous volume to do
refurnishing which has been neglect
ed since 1929. Sales of some COM
pantes ran as high as 100000 a week
above those of 1923, as the year drew
to a close.
Increased prices Of materials had
considerable effect on the paint bust
ness. Lead and zinc increased in
price during the year Linseed oil
advanced as the year drew to a close
although 1t did not reach the peak
price of 1928. Turpentfne, however
fell off sharply after the first three
months of the year. White lead was
more expensive, despite the abandon
ment of the old Dutch process in IA
vor of more expeditions methods OF
p oduction by many paint manufactur-
ers.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Furniture.

A fair year but not a good year.
That is the way furniture manufac-
turers and dealers describe 1924. For
the first three months of the year,
production closely approached the
1923 levels, but after that time out
put and sales were curtailed some
what sharply. However, costs of dis
tribution were lessened, raw mate
rials recorded no unusual fuctua-
tions and the volume of new home
construction was only slightly di-
minished. Therefore the trade looks
forward to the Spring furniture fairs
at Chicago and Grand Rapids with
confidence that a splendid volume of
business will be transacted. Prices
for furniture during the year We're
we'll under the 1928 levels.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Brick.

Activity in building, which was well
maintained even into the Winter,
served to keep brick production at
a high rate. In the neighborhood of
2S7, 100000 face brick were produced
in American yards and some ship
loads were imported from Holland
and other European countries.
Prices all over the country showed
fractional reduction below the
averages for 1928, but still were
fairly well maintained, with no wide
fluctuations except at New York,
where red domestic brick on dock,
after holding at $50 thousand for
months, ran into sudden slump and
dropped under SIS in August, Sep
tember and October.
Stocks on hand gained somewhat
before the end of the year and un-
filled orders showed decline as
compared with a year ago, but in
general production was held SO
closely to consumption as to stab
ilize market conditions.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Wheat.

Wheat has been responsible for the
remarkable betterment In the condi-
ton OF the farmer this year. The
crop was heavy. totaling approxi-
mately 870,000,000 bushels, while
there was general world shortage.
Canada, chief competitor of the
United States in grain, had a crop
far below the record yield of 1928.
AS a result wheat growers will re-
ceive something above $500, ,000, 900
more than they gained last year.
1t is estimated that the farmers
received prices for wheat 80 per cent
higher than in 1923, and that if split
up equally their gains would give
each approximately 5000 more to
spend than he had a year ago.
Evening star., 1924-12-31

Tea occupied a stronger statistical
position in 1924 than the previous
year. Imports fell off decidedly, but
this apparently was due to short sup
plies at primary sources rather than
to decline in American demand.
Shipments to this country fell well
below those of 1923, but prices
stiffened materially. This was due
in part to the Improvement in the
quotations of sterling exchange.
Each gain of 10 points in British
exchange was followed by increase of
approximately half a cent in the
price of each pound of tea.
About 60,173,000 pounds Of tea were
imported in the first three quarters
Of this yeaEs
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Live Stock.

Live stock growers of the country
wound up the year in far better posi-
ton than in 1928, although drought
in some sections undoubtedly hurt
prospects. The debts of the stock
grower, in most part, have been liqui-
dated. Nevertheless, there is every
prospect that a surprising quantity
of range-fed cattle will come on the
market in the next six months. Grow
ers not only need the money but they
are facing a curtailment of operations
in the feed lots Of the midwest,
caused by the low supply of corn and
the poor quality of that staple pro-
duced.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Rice.

The rice crop this year was the
smallest since 1916, being estimated
at only 32.290,000 bushels. AS a re-
suit growers obtained splendid prices,
which held firmly to the end of the
year.
In Louisiana, Texas and California
stocks were exceedingly small and
millers were active in securing rough
rice even early in the season The
demand from the Orient was un-
usually brisk and growers of the
Sacramento Valley were able to dis
pose of all they raised at splendid
figures. Further purchases by the
Japanese government are anticipated
in 1925.
Louisiana mills are expected to
close in January because of lack of
supply of rough rice.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Snapshots of Business in 1924
BY ]. c. ROYLE.

nearl
n the and
o ter
o a
a
a
Many industries failed
lie to Advertising price
brought immediate purchasers
of
first of 1925
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Glass.

1t was not until toward the end of
the year that the glass industry ad-
vanced to a basis comparable to that
of 1923. In the early months of 1924
there was an urgent demand for plate
glass from automobile manufacturers,
but this eased off after the first quarter,
and even at the years end was not so
pressing as in the previous season, ow-
ing to heavy imports from abroad
Window glass was in excellent de-
mand throughout the period, but the
character of building construction did
not lead to as strong demand as was
anticipated. Many plants closed or cur
tailed productions in midyear. Toward
the Winter they opened up again with
good bookings, especially for bottles,
containers and lamp bulbs. The latter
product was active all year.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Clothing.

The weather was a dominating fac
tor in the clothing trade throughout
the year. Unusual weather condi-
tions affected retail sales and re-
tailers bought only from hand to
mouth. As a consequence, produc-
tion of clothing fell off sharply until
late in the year. The decline WIS
more noticeable In women's apparel
than in mems clothes. Prices also
were lower than in 1923 despite high
costs of materials. However, the
volume of clothing sales is one of the
few staple factors in the business
world and the year ended without
serious disaster to the trade and
with excellent profits to some well
managed companies.
There were few labor disputes to dis
Supt the -elethinE situation and those
Evening star., 1924-12-31

tribution of farm lighting and power
units has steadily improved and the
four billion dollars worth of new
building construction has called for
heavy supplies of lighting fixtures.
Telephone companies have spent mil
lions on new equipment and are pre-
pairing to send even greater sums
There is tendency toward higher
prices, owing to increased costs of
materials, especially copper. zinc and
lead, but margins of profit during the
year were not unduly affect ed. Ag-
gregate sales of the big companies
fell nearly 10 per cent under those of
1923, but that was one of the best
years the business ever saw. For the
first nine months the aggregate sales
of four big producers. Allis Chalmers,
General Electric, Westinghouse and
Western Electric, totaled S535,1O5,644
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Cement.

more Portland cement was produced
and used in the United States In 1924
than ever before in history. Production
reached the enormous total of approx
mately 150,000,000 barrels. This was
within about 100000 barrels of the
annual capacity of the existing plants.
The record demand was inspired both
by building construction and by excep-
tional road-making and paving pro-
grams by States and municipalities.
The amount of concrete pavement placed
under contract during the year closely
approached 10000 miles.
Cement shipments, after the first three
months of the year. ran steadily ahead
Of those Of 1928. Prices in general
closely paralleled those of the preceding
year and were fairly stable at an aver
age for the country of about $175 a
barrel.
Evening star., 1924-12-31

in price. but production fell 600, ,00o, 900
bushels below that of 1923, and much
of what was produced was not in such
shape that it could be marketed direct
Ihose farmers who were able to sell
their corn at prices considerably above
81 a bushel did well. The remainder,
who will feed hogs or cattle and market
their corn in the form of meat, have a
chance of securing excellent prices for
their product in 1925.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Hardware.

The hardware trade was firmly sup
ported throughout most OF the year by
the volume of building In progress. Costs
Of production were materially lowered
through the adoption of standards which
eliminated many sizes from the dealers
bins
Manufacture of hardware fell some
what below the record Of 1923. but
prices in general were firm and steady,
and the probability of a tremendous
volume of repair work on the farms
next Spring is counted on to aid sales
in the next three months.
Raw materials have risen, but no
radical change in price levels is antici-
pated.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Tomatoes.

The tomato crop was short this
year The Spring was late and wet
planting weather was followed by
poor growing weather. The crop
was helped somewhat by better con-
ditions late in the year. The small
yield induced advancing prices, but
many farmers made their deliveries
to Gamers on contracts made before
the season started and therefore
benefited only partially from the ad-
vance.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
BY j. c. ROYLE.

Business is always a battle. But 1t
Is a battle which seldom is settled by
a knockout. Each year the bout goes
to a decision. Whether business is
n winner in this annual contest de-
pends not on one month or on one
commodity or on one trend of prices.
To judge accurately, it is necessary to
take into consideration all factors.
In other words, to study "the fight by
rounds" the following reviews of
commodity movements constitute the
sccount of the fight by rounds in the
1924 battle.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Potatoes.

The success or failure of the potato
growers this year was largely a mat
ter of location and weather. Produc-
tion in general was high, with the
total estimated around $4,000, ,00O
bushels. This had its effect on prices
and in some localities, notably Maine
growers suffered sharp reverses.
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Railroad Equipment.

No sooner was election over and
| the threat of adverse legislation
lifted from the railroads than rail-
road equipment huying took q tre-
mendous ,spurts Ehis-<edeoted better
Evening star., 1924-12-31
Corn.

Little Of the gain In the agricultural
situation Of the country In 1924 is credit
ID to coxns This product Is much higher
Imperial Valley press., 1924-02-05
LOCAL SCOUTS IN
OUTDOOR STUNTS

Troop I of the El Centre Boy
Scouts are planning an overnight
trip TO Painted Canyon on Friday of
this week. Leaving after schoo. !
out in the afternoon, they Will DC
taken by auto to their destination
and from this base WI take AEi,.
They win also camp out for the
night, getting 4 real opportunity 20
practice some Of thcir scout lore
first hand, and will return to this
city on Saturday.
troop 3 lads, numbering about so,
met al the office of Scoutmaster
Norman Dupont at 0 o'clock Thurs
day night where they were loaded
into the machines of Their scout
master, Assistant Scoutmaster Roy
Z. Nermillion and a truck driven by
Emmett Whitney and donated by
his father for the occasion. Tie
party went out near New Rive:
where each lad built his own fire
and cooked his own supper. Chester
Collins took his cooking test for his
merit badge. An evening of games
and stunts around the big fire fol
lowed the supper. New "cubs
who were members of the party in
eluded Jimmy Reedy and Max At
flerbaugh.
Imperial Valley press., 1924-02-05
SUPERVISORS IN
ACTION SEEK A
new WEED LAW

Having decided to back up z. A.
Harrigan, county Lorticu'. ural com
missioner, il his efforts to have
the Indian reservation in the east
crn part Of the county, clean up
the ucTious weeds which he main
tains flourish there, the boa@d of
supervisors at this mornings meet
ing. p..sscd the following resol&,ion
asking that Congressman Swing
take action to haze tie federal
authorities give the matter their
attention.
Be If Resolved: We the board Of
supervisors of Imperial County,
respectfully request the Honorable
Phil ID. Swing, TO introduce and
press for enactment in Congress, :
bill recurring the IndiaA agents of
the Indian Reservation TO control
and eradicate noXious weed:, to
wit:
johnson Grass, White Horse Net.
tie, Cookie Burr, Morning Glory,
Camels Thorn, Russian Narweed.
same to be done under the super
vision cf the Uni,ed States Depart
mcnt of Agriculture or the State
Department OF Agriculture.
We believe this measure neces-
sary because of the number and
extent of the areas infested with
johnson Grass in the Yuma Indian
Reservation which are menace to
Ike agricultural interests of lmper-
ial County and the Yuma valley Of
Arizona.
It was stated at the courthouse,
that similar resolution would be
rassed this afteroon by the grand
jury in its final session before ad-
jourument. II was intimated that
the grand jury resolution would
specifically charge those in author
itv on the Indian reservation with
being lax in removing the aoxioua
weed pests.