The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-08-23
TRADE REVIEWS
SHOW UPWARD
TREND.
Continued Improvement In
Major industries Reported
BY Dunn and BFadstreet's

NEW YORK, Aug. 2S.-Actual
gain In business has not come other
than slowly and irregularly, but
basic conditions fofeshadow contin.
ued Improvement, Dun's review Of
trade says this week. Supplement-
ing the decided change for the
better in the agricultural situation
in this country, the favorable out
come Of the London conference on
German reparation has added to
the constructive forces in the situa-
ton and has further increased
confidence. Despite the fact that
activities have not broadened in
all branches Of domestic enterprise,
general sentiment Is Enthusiastically
stronger and there is a common ex-
pectation Of progressive extension
Of the commercial revival.
The trend in most Of the major
industries Is toward a recovery in
production, following several months
Of sharp curtailment, and steel out
put has risen about Is per cent
above the low point of the summer.
Assumptions at some textile plants
which have been closed Is signifi-
cant Of the progress in that quar-
ter, while the prospect Of a larger
cotton crop than had been antici-
pated has tended to bring about a
modification of the high prices for
that staple, which have been a
drawback to normal trading in
finished goods.
Yet Dun's list Of wholesale quota
tons again shows an excess Of ad-
vances, various markets having
been strengthened by the decrease
in stocks OF merchandise resulting
from the prolonged restriction Of
manufacture. Although there does
not appear to be anxiety about
future supplies, scarcity has ac-
tually developed in some instances,
and more buyers are beginning to
give consideration to probable for
ward needs. With the sound funda-
mental conditions the outlook is
Tor continued business expansion
along conservative lines.
While cross currents are visible
IN various lines, actual trade and
industrial developments are slightly
more favorable, according to Brad.
streets. There is recession visible
in speculation in securities, and
prices of farm products reflect a
subsistence Of strength after new
high levels were touched, but whole
sale and jobbing trade shows more
life, although buying is cautious.
In the industries reports as to
July operations contrast rather
sharply with current reports that
several textile mills have resumed
operations partially, that iron and
steel production has expanded, that
shoe factories are finding more TO
do and that the slight gain in Oh.
erations shown in automobile nMo.
auction in July has expanded fur
Their.
In quite a few industrial centers
reports are that employment has
picked up4and a little more is doing
IN coal mining. Marketing of grain
IS heaVy. but car loadings have de.
cnned, reductions in coal, ore and
lumber movement from a wear ago
noldlng down railway business
Lumber buying is better at Soma
hardwood centers and there is more
doing in the north Pacific lumber
regions; with orders still LEADING
production and shipment. Amone
the crops, corn still lags. but VIC re
weather following superabundant
rains in surplus. States holds forth
nope OF some lost ground being re.
covered II frost holds off.