Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-12-31

750, 200, 900 Of new business. This was
accomplished through the trend
toward group advertising and by the
demand for income insurance whereby
beneficiaries are paid in installments
or through benefits from trust which
gives no opportunity for wasting or
loss of the sums accruing to them.
Millions for Amusements.
The inhabitants Of the country not
only had money to buy goods, to live
up to high standards, to invest and
to insure against the future; they also
had plenty to spend on amusementS
and sports, and billions were paid out
for this purpose. Fully $4,000, 900
was spent just to see others partici-
pate in sports, and other hundreds of
millions were spent by active par
Elephants. Foot ball drew at least
S30,000.000 from spectators. The
world series, to say nothing Of the
regular big league base ball season,
accounted for more than 100000.
Close to 100, 900 spectators paid nearly
100000 to see Gene Tunney take the
heavyweight prize ring crown from
Jack Dempsey. Tennis, golf, hockey,
track games, swimming meets and
other forms of sport drew millions of
spectators.
The circus still held its place at the
top of the amusement list, but was
more closely pressed than ever before
by the movies and by theatrical enter
prises Of the speaking stage.
Sales OF diamonds were heavier
than in any year since 1919, and other
gems experienced similar demands,
especially pearls. sapphires and emer-
aids. The general prosperity was re-
fiected at the holiday period in heavy
sales OF silverware, manufacturer Jew
elry and watches which were about
10 per cent larger than a year ago
The more expensive lines were in best
demand.
Commodity Trends.
A preponderant number Of the coun.
try's industries had highly successful
years. In automobiles, however. the
panies showing gains over 1925 of -
to 20 per cent and others suffering
severe reductions in sales volume and
consequent profits. Steel produced
most satisfactory profits, gains rang
ing as high as % per cent Electrical
equipment concerns showed gains in
new business of 10 per cent or above.
In the railroad equipment field loco
motive manufacturers were amply
rewarded, but freight car builders did
not do so we'll as the previous wear.
Only a part Of the concerns en-
gagged in the production of non ferrous
metals found their profits equal to
those OF 1925. The terrific slump in
silver prices was a feature Of the
year. Oil companies had better sue
cess than for a long time and their
outlook Is encouraging. Clothing
| manufacturers gained ground in the
last half Of the year, but, while the
position OF the textile trades undoubt-
eddy improved. adequate profits were
reported only by certain groups or
individual companies. The producers
of cotton and wool had an unsatis.
factory season, and makers of rayon
after turning out the largest volume
or goods In history, found 1t expe-
dent to cut prices as the year drew
to a. close.
The domestic sugar companies, the
| ref1ners and producers In the island
| possessions did well. but Cuban pro.
ducers suffered reverses.
Troubles Not Over.
Coal operators had a better year
than was anticipated. but their trou-
| bles are by no means over. The
building material men had little to
| complain of. and the course Of the
| markets for drugs and chemicals in
| the main was advantageous.
The fruit growers had rather I'M
satisfactory year and the cattle grow
ers only a moderately prosperous one,
but the hog raisers prof1ted and so
| did dairymen and Gamers. The posi-
J ton Of the packers was comparable
to that of 1925. Tire manufacturers
| found occasion for some complaints.
| but the huge volume Of automobiles
built and In use kept the factories
at a high point of production. To-
bacco manufacturers made moro
money than ever, but growers suf-
fered from low prices. Radio dealers