The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-12-15
trade CHIEFS
SEE 1928 AS
BUMPER YEAR
Even Presidential Bugaboo
Is Discounted by Bust
ness Leaders Here.
FARM MAIN PROBLEM
Some Doubt Expressed as
to Rural Prosperity in
Next IL Months.
FARM MAIN PROBLEM

Hoosierdona will be blessed with
the "horn of plenty in 1928 if the
prophecy Of several Indianapolis
bankers is fulfilled.
Observers generally are optimistic
over what the new year holds for
the financial and business world.
some think President Coolidge's
withdrawal from the presidential
race will cause somewhat of slump,
but the majority believe that 1928
will be one presidential year which
will not be uncertain" from a finan-
cial viewpoint.
Bankers were cautious over ex-
pressing their views on the threat
ened financial war" between the
Ford Motor Company and the Cen
eral Motors and the effect Of such
fight in event it breaks.
"Gravy" for Big Business
It is the general belief that big
business will "get the gravy Of
1928 business, as there is a growing
tendency to chain store operation
and large corporations. That oil
and steel interests are holding
back" until 1928 was advanced as
an indication that the coming year
will bring measure of prosperity.
Financial observers mostly are
hopeful over the agricultural Situa-
ton, while farm leaders are more
peSsin1iStic.
1.-THE wheat yield depends about
IS per cent on weather conditions
anG I would not attempt to forecast
them" declared L. L. Needler, In
diana Farm Bureau Federation Sec
rotary.
1.-THE Government has a policy for
about every form of industry except
agriculture. We have had seven
years of depression in agriculture
and I do not look for any improve
ment until farm products are worth
100 cents on the dollar for indus
trial products" Needler said.
Improvement Forecast
William H. Howard, Indianapolis
Board Of Trade secretary, said he
expects 1923 will bring an improve
nnent over conditions the last five
years.
Opinion that the Republican
housekeeping" as result Of the
political corruption investigation,
will be beneficial to local business
and things will soon be back to
normal" was expressed.
1.-THE entire economic tone OF the
United States, and particularly of
the central portion, has shown and
is showing constant basic improve
ment. The deeper currents which
indicate fundamental stability con-
stantly are becoming more in evil
dence and doubtless will continue to
develop and permeate all industry
and business activities during the
first half of the coming year." as
serted Felix M 1dcWhirter, Peoples
State Bank president.
Savings on High Level
production has continued at
high level generally and while the
buying of luxuries and even COM
modities have been to large extent
on the contract or payment plan,
yet purchases are being made
thoughtfully.
1.-THE savings Of the people are at
the highest level in the history of
the country and we gradually are
assuming a per capita savings bal
ance equal to that Of the older and
most thrifty nations--now well over
5000 per capita.
ION a per capita average basis,
Indianapolis has furnished more
than nine millions dollars during the
last eight years to the Treasury Of
the United States by way OF cor
poration income tax more than was
needed or used to run the Govern
ment, including the amortization Of
public debt of the United States in
accordance with provisions for
]iquidating the debt laid down by
Congress- said McWhirter.
Depends on Public Attitude
Scott r. Brewer, State Savings
and Trust Company president,
thinks public attitude" will have a
great deal to do with restoring nor
NAL financial conditions.
L. G. Wild, Inland Bank and Trust
Company president, expects Con-
gress to help the farm situation,
which greatly will improve general
conditions.
I'VE have had so much to retard
things in Indiana the last year. If
we go ahead and conduct business
on a square and sound basis, there
is no question Of the outcome" Wild
said.
COURT BECOMES PRISON