The Washington times., 1925-09-18
BUSINESS
Outlook for the Fall and
Winter Months in
Washington
A Daily Interview With
Prominent Bankers and
Business Men
BY Richard HGttOn-

That Washington may confidently
expect one of the busiest fall and
winter seasons in it's history is the
opinion expressed by Frank W..
Stone, vice president of the Nation
al Savings and Trust Company,
who has been in close touch with
financial and business conditions in
the capital for many years.
81 see no reason, whatever, why
we should not expect a prosperous
fall and winter business here" said
Mr.. Stone. THE usual influx of
winter tourists will contribute to
commercial activity as heretofore
and the assembling of Congress will
add stimulation to all lines of trade.
There is no lack of money for
investment ~or for general purchas-
ing of commodities locally.
1.-The expenditures for taxes are
now out of the way and savings
are available for the satisfying OF
household and other needs as well
as for investment.
Summer vacations are out of the
way and there is a clear business
vista ahead which extends without
an apparent obstacle right up to,
and including, the Christmas holt
days"
"Over-optifnism," continue Mr..
Stone, is quite as bad, some times,
as over-conservatism in making
representations regarding future
business conditions.
Nevertheless, certain things in
the economic conditions of the coun-
try at large, as well as very OBJ
Gtous influences locally may not be
overlooked in making general sur
veg with the view of pre-judging
the possibilities.
For example, in Washington,
practically everybody has been en-
pIoyed throughout the summer at
good wages. This is true in the
trades and stores as well as of the
Government department. There has
been no period of unemployment in
any line and, in most cases, in
comes have been above actual liv-
ing costs with the result that, in
nearly every family there is a
monthly surplus which is available
for the purchase of whatever is
needed or desired. !.
"A great deal is being made of
the present excellent position of the
farmer by many who are keeping
tab upon the nationaN economic
outlook and. unquestionably, pros
porous conditions upon the farms
react to the advantage of the whole
commercial structure of the nation.
Nevertheless, l believe that
Washington is, today, in a position
where it is safe to predict consider
able business vitality throughout
the winter regardless of those fac
tors which are given so much
weight in agricultural and manu-
featuring communities.
''The average income here is
permanent That is. the
amount is paid, with the regularity
of arrival of the bymonthlv payday.
There are no fluctuations or lay-offs
and no cuts.
The amounts paid out by >the
Government are steady streams
flowing into the commerce of the
city. If business conditions were
below normal in other sections they
would still be fairly normal here.
But today business is reported on
the upgrade in practically all see
tons and this generally enlivening
will not fail to influence
the business life of Washington.
More people will visit the city
during generally prosperous times
than in dull business times and the
coming of these visitors must. neces-
sarialy, act in a stimulative way
upon practically all local business.
Normal business" said Mr.. Stone,
lis a word much used by financial
writer's. but / doubt if the progress.
sive merchant or business man
would be satisfied with Just normal
business
= What is more important to any
community is progressive business.
with each season just a little better
than the season before. a little bet
ter than normal. and / believe. that
it is safe to predict this progressive
element in the business life OF
Washington during the fall and win
ter months with the result that
business here will be better than
what was considered normal last
year"
s.sAn~1 H44G,~