The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-09-12
BUSINESS
Outlook for the Fall and
Winter Months in
Washington
8, -. -
A Daily Interview With
! Prominent Bankers and
Business Men
BY Richard Hatton

Considering the several factors
which enter into AMI Influence
business conditions in Washing
ton" said President Charles j. Bell,
Of the. American Security and
Trust Company, today, lit is not
difficult to be an optiniss regard.
ing the local outlook sof the Inn
mediate future.
washington faces peculiar in.
fluences in its business lifV which
set. it somewhat opart from the
remainder of the. country in some
respects and insure a more or less
constant level. of business activity
at !. all times.
II ct refer of, course. to the great
Federal departments and other
governmental activities here which
maintain a stable pay roll "Npen.
diture much of which finds its
way directly into local business in
cne form or another. Considering
this one element. alone, it is. al
ways, safe to predict normal bust
ness in Washington.
There are, however, other con-
siderations which must be taken
into account at the present time. :
continued Mr.. Bell. ''in arriving at
any estimate of the business pos
sibilities of the immediate future
) Perhaps it is not out of place
in considering tour local prospects
to accept as an important element
in the equation the obvious fact
that the world in general has been
steadily returning. toward normal
industrial and commercial activity
for some time.
The healthful influence of this
tendency is universal in its effect
upon business and, coupled with re-
ports OF excellent conditions in
practically all American industrial
and agricultural sections, it indi-
Gates a general basic soundness OF
the greatest Importance.
1T is obvious" continued Mr..
Bell, that Washington must share
in the generally favorable business
outlook. There are, however, still
other factors which must be given
consideration in a purely local sur.
Sev of conditions.
Washington by reason Of the
present dominant position of the
United States in world affairs. is,
more and more, attracting atten-
ton as desirable location for edu-
cational institutions and as head
quarters or carbohydrates. for
many great business enterprises.
These bring to the city an in
creasiIig population of solid, desir-
able residents which adds greatly to
its economic strength.
Must Meet Expansion
THE Government, said Mr.. Bell,
has visioned a greater Washington
and has adopted a comprehensive
program of development here. ~
II feel certain that the population
of the city will keep pace with this
and, as the population
Increases, so will business find it
Aecessary to expand in all lines.
1T is evident" continued Mr..
Bell, that there is a constantly in
creasing development Of suburban
property going ON in Maryland and
Virginia in sections contiguous to
Washington.
1.-The expanding commercial needs
of the citizens of these sections
must be supplied by Washington
business houses.
Improved transportation facili.
ties will continue to shorten the
distance between the suburban home
and the Washington stores"
In conclusion, Mr.. Bell said: THE
history of the capital city of every
great nation of modern times has
been one Of continuous growth.
There is no reason to expect any
different course for the capital of
the most prosperous nation in the
world today. In the immediate
future. this fall and this winter.
and, barring unforeseen events. for
continuing period OF normal ex-
pansion. business here should be
profltably active with an upward
trend in all commercial fields s,here.
IN reasonable expansion follows in
Greasln% demand. I am a firm be.
lever. in. the future of Wa sbineto,,
and my belief is not in some die.
tant thriving business future hut
~ AN immediate future of normal
and progressive business ACTIVITY -