Evening star., 1925-03-07
BETTER DAYS SEEN
i. FOR MIDDLE WEST
Babson Points to Special
Reason for Improvement
During Present Year.
BY ROGER w. BABSON.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
BABSON PARK, Fla, March T.
Conditions in most of the Middle
Western States are very much better
than last year a this time. 1t is true
that Iowa, Nebraska and certain other
corn States have not yet benefited
much from the higher cereal prices.
owing to the small corn crop. But
certain wheat States, such as the
Dakotas and Minnesota. are in very
much better condition than they have
been for years. On my recent visit
TO Minnesota l found more optimism
there than / have seen since 1918.
Rriefiy, the situation today in these
13 States is as follows:
Situation In IL states.
higan-Betterment is gradual
The State is rather quiet at the pres
ent time, though there is some ten
dency to increase production and
forces among the automobile plants.
Road building has suffered the handi-
caps inseparable from Winter condi-
tions. The State, however, harvested
a good crop of fruit, vegetables and
cereals. The copper districts espe-
cially are feeling better.
Oh1o-Main tendencies slightly bet
ter. The automobile industry is op-
Grating considerably below capacity.
but the tire business is very good. I
spent considerable time in Cleveland
Akron. Cincinnati. Toledo and other
Ohio cities and found most business
men and bankers optimistic. Build
ing. however, is not today as active
as II was, due largely to. seasonal con-
ditions, and there is some unemploy-
ment among the unskilIed.
Illinois Looking Up.
Hlinois-Trend upward and fairly
firm. Many industries are still quiet.
but some mercantile lines are doing
better business. Meat packing, min
ing and other lines. which have been
very slow the past three years, are
looking upward. Road building is
still holding strong.
1ndiana-Moderate Improvement ap
pearing. Here the steel people are
feeling better and are optimistic re
garding 1925. ! was disappointed to
see much unemployment in the coal
sections of southern Indiana
Wisconsin-Trend slowly upward
Conditions are fairly good in Wis
consin. The boot and shoe industry,
which has been quiet so long, is re-
viving; road building is very active.
and general industry is on the mend.
The automobile dealers are the only
ones who are fearful as to 1925. The
dairy interests look for a good year.
Kentucky Fairly Well OF.
kentucky-Conditions fairly good
This State shows no. great change
from a year ago, but all Industries
are feeling better. Employment gains
are involved in iron and steel plants.
lumber, tobacco and paper Coal
mining is much more active and some
mines are now working full time.
Even the textile industry in Kentucky
is making a somewhat better show
ing.
Iowa and Nebraska-Recovery more
marked. These States still have
some unemployment. Road building
and other outdoor activities have
been impeded and merchants are not
yet spending any more money than
necessary.
Missouri-Fairly firm, with trend
upward distinct increase in in
dustrial employment is noted. The
State received Il per cent more for
its corn crop and 81 per cent more
for its oat crop than a year ago.
Dakotas Are Improving.
North and South pakota-Marked I'd
Improvement. Business is always
quiet in these States during the
Winter months. Hence there is still
a surplus of labor. Fundamental