davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1928-12-31
FURS

Both domestic and wild fl1rs were in
demand throughout 1928 at increasing
range Of prices. The wild furS were ad-
vanced in direct proportions to the way
they proceeded to "be themselves" The
domestic furs got their advances for
seeming to be other than themselves
Rabbit or coney and cat were so well
handled by furriers that they did some
thing toward depopularizing ermine and
some other skins which were initiated.
Fox was the feature of the year, ow-
ing to the vogue for huge collars and
heavy bands of this fur on woolen and
silk and velvet garments. The prices
advanced, but rates of advance depend
ed on the quality of the furs. Silver fox,
blue fox and gray fox always were in
demand, and the cheaper pelts, which
were dyed every shade from lead gray
to rose pink, found ready sale.
The fiat furs prospered, and the "bar-
bered" or shaved furS and fiat furs,
such as Persian lamb, kolinsky, caracul
broadtail, mole and others, brought
fine prices One of the features of the
season was the revival of demand for
muskrat and its wide use as a trim
ming under its trade name of Hudson
seal. Mink, marten and baum marten,
fitch and skunk were all easily vendible.
Coon skin was at slight disadvantage,
owing to the early warm season. Hudson
and Alaska seal were desired for short
jackets as well as for trimmings.
The swankiest fur Of the year was
chinchilla. Reptile skins were used not
only more extensively but more artis-
tically than ever before. Production in
the Mississippi Valley, the largest fur
producing area in the world, yielded
flrs valued at more than $4,000 900.
About 100000 American muskrat
pelts were cured.
Evening star., 1928-12-31
AIRPLANES.

The best indication of the advances
made in airplane manufacture is the
fact that nearly all of the big automo-
bile manufacturers are prepared to
jump into the airplane engine field at
a moments notice. The output of air.
craft for 1923 will exceed that of 1927
approximately 800 per cent. About
1000 planes or more have been turned
out and the movement has only begun.
One concern alone, the Wright Co.,
plans to manufacture 500 planes
month by next April and others are
making plans for similar expansions.
Profits have been larger this year
than last for the established companies,
but many have rushed into the busi-
ness without proper financing. These
may suffer mortality losses in the COM
ing year. There are now scheduled air
routes in this country being covered
at the rate of $500 miles a day ana
there is still tremendous demand Tor
big planes. But the main dependence
of many manufacturers now is centered
on the private or sport planes ranging
in price from $4,000 up. These. 1t is
claimed, can be operated at around
3 cents a mile.
There are now about 5000 licensed
pilots in this country and about the
same number of student pilots. Planes
left over from the war have been
scrapped and new machines are going
into commission in their places. There
are ITO airplane manufacturers. at
least, in this country today. More than
80 airplane engine makers are now
operating while at least "a accessory
manufacturers are listed.
Evening star., 1928-12-31

have now been reduced to somewhere
near normal, but the producing ca
pacity of the mines is far greater than
the consumptive demand, and men are
working only few days week, when
they work at all, in many sections.
Stocks of soft coal now are around
100000 tons, as compared with dou-
BILE that amount at the beginning Of
the strike. Those union mines now op-
Grating are on wage scale well under
the demands of the men, and cuts have
also been made in the non-union fields,
Prices have averaged 10 per cent lower
than in 1927, although production was
about IL per cent less and labor costs
20 per cent less.
Production at the close of the year
was about 100000 tons weekly, while
only about 100000 tons is necessary
under normal conditions. The low cost
of fuel oil has changed many patrons
over to liquid fuel. The future Of the
soft coal industry seems to rest on in
tensive and scientific processing of coal
and the marketing of coal by-products.
Final figures probably will show that
total bitumious coal production for the
year reached 465, 100000.
Evening star., 1928-12-31
COTTON GOODS

The cotton mills Of the country gen.
orally are in better shape than they
were a year ago, but many still find
their position anything but satisfactory.
The prosperous mills are growing more
prosperous, but the fact remains that
mill capacity still Is 25 per cent higher
than any presumptive demand neces-
states.
Some Of the mills are old and equip
ped with out-of-date machinery. Others
have been unwilling to follow style
trends into new fields.
None the less, sales have run much
higher than in 1927, and prices from
September on showed distinctly strong
tendency in response to the possibility
of high priced raw cotton. Stocks on
hand at the years close were under
1896 100000 yards, or less than the un-
filled orders booked. Employment in the
New England mills has been uncertain
and low, and efficiency there also has
been low, as well as morale. Price cuts
and strikes were features Of the period
in the North. The South had no such
factors to contend with; in fact, the
Southern mills are expanding to care
for some of the business growth.
Sales toward the end of the year were
at monthly rate of about $50, 1000, 600
yards. Prices have been well above the
1925 and 1927 levels and raw cotton
consumption has been at the rate OF
552, TAO bales a month. Billings, which
represent finished yardage or real pro-
duction, totaled 655, 100000 yards for
the first nine months Of the year, as
compared with 760,0O0,000 in the cor
responding period Of 1929. There was
Evening star., 1928-12-31
PETROLEUM

The petroleum industry not only Is
convalescent, but 1t has thrown away
its crutches. It is, however, still some
what weak after depression Of nearly
two years. The production and con-
sumption of crude have been kept
kept within reaching distance of each
other. Domestic production just about
balances consumption. The danger in
the situation at the moment is In
the probability that South American
oil fields will achieve a rate of pro-
duction which again will flood the
market.
Gasoline consumption has increased
per cent above 1927, but refinery OPP
erations are 25 per cent above those
of a year ago. There are 480.000,000
barrels of crude above ground and the
Seminole and Santa Fe Springs fields
are likely to add to that stock in stor-
age this Winter. Besides this, there Is
shut in biS production in Oklahoma,
California and Venezuela.
Pennsylvania crude has advanced In
prices the situation Of producers also
not be unexpected. Profit margins have
been fair for refining and distributing
companies and. with higher crude
prices, the situation Of producers alSS-
will improve.
The threatened price war between
Royal Dutch and some Of the Standard
Oil group has been averted. Compe-
tition from liquid fuel derived from
coal is far in the future. With profits
already showing a gain for this year
of around 40 per cent for most ccss1z-.-
panies, the outlook is by no means
gloomy, although production still re-
mains at high level. Gasoline re-
quirements for 1929 are expected to be
about 08,000,0o0 barrels.
Evening star., 1928-12-31
CLOTHING.

A marked turn for the better was
manifest In the apparel trades in 1928.
Sales in the early part Of the year were
hardly up to normal, but there came a
decided expansion in July, and there
was then more gradual increase
throughout the Fall and early Winter.
So far as volume is concerned, the
hosiery trade had one Of the best years
of its history, with a splendid demand
especially for both silk and rayon
stockings for women and men, and also
for wool and wool and silk sport stock
ings. The trend toward brighter colorS
helped the underwear trade decidedly,
and so did new designs of mems un-
dergarments. Shirt and collar manu-
facturers did well, especially the semi
soft and lightweight starched collar
lines.
The cotton and silk dresses for Sum-
mer were bought in larger numbers
than ever before. Their prices were rel
atively low The printed silks had an
other good year, while the velvet
dresses were extraordinarily popular.
The real advance, however was shown
in the woolen lines. These became
especially popular. due to new and ap-
pealing designs Of lightweight fabrics
and artistically developed color schemes.
The weather was fairly favorable, except
for fur garments.
There is small doubt that the actual
profits earned will show the second half
of 1928 was one of the best half years
the clothing trade has experienced
since 1920. The trade was remarkably
free from serious labor disturbances
and merchandising methods were re-
vised to conform with present-day con-
ditions by all the principal producers
Work clothing, especially denim over.
alls and similar garments were in fine
demand all during the year, and many
of the mems clothing manufacturer:
were pressed to keep deliveries up witt
! orders.
Evening star., 1928-12-31
DAIRY PRODUCTS

Dairy products producers were aided
materially throughout the year by ad-
vantageous weather conditions. They
also were helped by marked improve
ment in transportation and storage
methods. The returns from the indus
try to the farmers were higher than in
1927 and more widely distributed as to
geographical sections. Some of the
larger companies strengthened their
positions by mergers and other recorded
net earning gains as high as 40 per cent
over 1927.
Stocks were reduced to advantageous
proportions. Marketing was done IN
many sections in the most approved
fashion and without overlooking the
markets. In consequence, butter, cheese
and milk prices we're well above the
1925 and 1927 levels. Taking 1925 as
100 the index for the 1928 year to
November / averaged 104.8.
Taking the period from 1909 to 1914
as 100, the price index of dairy products
and poultry the 1928 index was lao, as
compared with 1873 for 1927.
The imports of butter from foreign
countries exercised less influence on the
market than in the previous years.
Evening star., 1928-12-31
CEMENT.

Demand for cement continued strong
almost up to the close of the year and
many plants were run at as high as 80
per cent of capacity. A few probably
exceeded this figure. Although some
of the stocks on hand were dissipated
by the year end, the total still was
higher than at the beginning of 1928.
Many of the companies did splendidly
from profit standpoint, but the indus
try as a whole still is faced by prob
lem of over-capacity and over-produc-
ton, and also by strong competition
from other materials and by foreign
made cement.
In spite Of these adverse factors, the
year has been a better one for most
units than 1927, owing largely to the en-
couragement of the $1,000, 100000 con-
struction program. Prices were Slight
ly lower than in the previous year, but
this was compensated for to great ex-
tent by better productive methods.
Many construction men and those
connected with highway work declare
that they feel fairly confident that when
the final figures for the year are COM
piled total production viii be found to
have closely approached the 100000. 600
barrel mark.
Evening star., 1928-12-31
RADIO

Sales of radio equipment were at rec
ord levels during most of 1923. Sales of
electrically operated sets, both direct
and alternating current affairs, at pop
ular prices spurred distribution. The
presidential race raised interest in ra-
dio broadcasting and reception to the
boiling point.
The stock market furry, the interest
in foot ball and the regulation of wave
lengths by Government agencies all
aided to keep the industry operating at
top speed. Business already booked will
keep manufacturers busy for a long
time ahead. Earnings of the well es-'
tablished companies were already far
ahead Of 1927 when the holiday season
approached, and they wound up in a
wild furry Of selling, which put net in
comes to record heights.
Developments in wireless telegraphy
and telephony and mergers of various
sorts, including producers Of tubes, sets
and talking machines. all contributed
to the prosperous condition. The phono-
graph trade had one of the best years
in its history. but the sales Of. the piano
manufactures fell Oh.
-
Evening star., 1928-12-31
FRUIT

AS Is usually the case, the fruit situ-
alton in 1928 followed sectional trends.
In some localities the growers found
splendid markets and did well. In
others there was a huge glut of fruit on
the markets and low profits for pro-
ducers. The apple, pear and peach
crops were all large. The apple crop
was placed at 59,500,000 bushels higher
than in 1927. Pears exceeded the 1927
crop by 100000 bushels, while peaches
grown were 2l,630,000 bushels In excess
of the 1927 crop.
Improvement was undoubtedly made
In marketing methods. however, and
there was sharp improvement in for
eign demand, especially from Great
Britain. The citrus fruit growers an
ticipate an excellent season during the
remainder Of the Winter. and what they
have sold already brought good returns.
The grape crops undeniably were too
heavy for adequate returns, and it was
with difficulty the various juice, table
and raisin varieties were gotten of the
growers hands.
The melon markets expanded In re-
sponse to production Of new varieties,
and most of the small fruits did well,
especially pruneS.
Evening star., 1928-12-31
CANNED GOODS.

Profits in the canning industry in
1923 varied with the section, as must
always be the case, but the results were
far more satisfactory On the whole than
in 1927. The big excess stocks which
hung over the market last year have
been dispersed and, while packs were
reasonably heavy this year, there is no
indication of another distention OF
stocks.
Packs Of corn, peas, fish and peaches
were heavy. Tomatoes had light pack
and lima beans and waxed beans were
not put up as extensively as anticipated.
There are some indications of higher
prices in those lines. The fish pack was
welcomed since it followed very short
output in 1927. The pea pack was near
record levels.
The situation was not favorable to
the growers in all cases because Of huge
crops in some districts. This was true
of the peach output in Georgia. The
position of the Gamers was benefited by
the steady and low prices Of sugar and
the relatively low prices for tin and tin
plate.
The canned meat and prepared food
lines had a fine year with a splendid
demand from the public.
Evening star., 1928-12-31
AGRICULTURAL
EQUIPMENT.

Volume of business for the farm
equipment manufacturers during 1873
exceeded that of the previous year by
from Is to 20 per cent. Sales for the
first nine months were 2212 per cent
higher than for the corresponding
period of 1927. The biggest demand
gwas for power farming machinery. The
call for combined harvester -threshers
continued and the sales of tractors was
so high as to tax capacity OF some
producers.
The most significant thing in the
situation has been the gain in foreign
sales, which have been % per cent
higher than a year ago. This has
taken out of the industry the slack
time production periods, since many
foreign countries harvest during our
winter. Price reductions have. cut
prdit margins but this has been
coSnterbalanced by volume production
aud increased total of sales.
IStocks on hand are small and since
the agricultural situation assures ample
buying power, the industry faces pros
poets Of another prosperous year In
1929. Most of the manufacturing COM
panies are in the best financial position
they have ever held.
Evening star., 1928-12-31
PAPER

Overmilled! That accounts for the
fact that the print paper industry
wound up 1923 in the throes of des-
perate competition, with attendant
price cutting and reduction of profit.
The United States and Canadian mills
are equipped to produce between 20 and
25 per cent more print paper than can
be absorbed in the markets they reach.
For time production was held down
by agreement, but before the close Of
the year competitive bidding for 1929
contracts reduced prices to $50 ton,
the lowest level since 1916.
AS result plants which depended on
capacity operations could show only
small profits, and those less fortunately
situated will not cover operating ex-
penSes until conditions change. Stocks
are 6 per cent or more larger than
year ago. Many of the manufacturers
who have been dependent on news print
sales are turning to the manufacture Of
other papers. Some of the larger pro-
ducers are building more kraft paper
mills in the South.
Many new news print plants already
have been built and others are only
waiting for change for the better in
the market to commence construction.
With this situation prevailing, it may
be some time before the industry Is on
a satisfactory footing. However, some
Of the companies are not only paper
manufacturers. They are to all intents
public utilities, having developed hydro
electric power, which can and Is being
prof1tably sold.
Much of the increase in paper output
Is due to Canadian mills, for the United
States production decreased, while that
Of Canada increased more than 13 per
cent, making the combined gain about
6 per cent. Consumption increased, but
did not equal production gains. Late
in the year combined production ran
around 14,400 tons daily. The larger
producers are reported to have reached
an agreement to curtail. but no one
knows how long this will last.
The general paper trades have I'M
proved, outside of news print. There
was heavy demand for wrapping pa
pers and tissue papers for the Christ
mas trade. Paper board and fine pa
pers showed gains amounting to SIS
per cent for the former and ~ for
the latter.
Evening star., 1928-12-31
AUTOMOBILE
ACCESSORIES.

Profits of the automobile accessory
manufacturers in the last year have
been approximately so per cent higher
than in the previous year, taking the
major producers as a group.
1t was the best year the body build
ers, the engine, axle and springwheel,
shock absorbers, bumper, motometer
bearings, lamp and other parts and &C
cessory producers ever had. Most of
them have had to expand plant capacity
to keep up with orders and business on
their books today insures active produc-
ton for months to come. This reflects
the increasing call for accessories as
original equipment There have been
more than 35 important mergers in the
field during the year, affecting assets
of over $500, 100000.
Evening star., 1928-12-31
DRUGS AND CHEMICALS

Demand for industrial chemicals In
1923 was so heavy that the manufac-
turers wound up the year not only sold
out of immediate supplies in some lines,
but booked far into 1929.
The consuming industries were NOV
ing at top speed and the chemical
manufacturers had to step along to
keep pace. This meant quick sales, good
profits and low stocks, a thoroughly
healthy condition. Sales and shipments
in many of the chemical lines broke
records. This was essentially true Of
industrial alcohol, which found its final
impetus in the Winter anti-freeZe motor
demands.
Mineral acids, caustic soda and dye
Stuffs closed the year with prices firm
and high with no buyer hesitancy in
evidence. The sulphur companies are
in improved positions due to the tech
nica1 decrease in stocks and production
and the heavy demand especially from
the rubber and tire trade. The molasses
output, the source Of much industrial
alcohol, was affected by the Cuban
sugar situation which insured a wider
margin to alcohol producers.
The new paints and laequers and the
rayon industry absorbed many chemical
products. The dyestuff chemical sales
were aided by the tremendous sales
value of color combinations in all lines
of industry, from automobiles to textiles,
which developed.
Carbon black was aided by the re-
strictive measures entailed by State
regulation in Louisiana and by the huge
volume of business in Office supplies, in
cluding typewriter ribbons and carbon
paper. The betterment in oil aided sui
phuric acid producers and the radio
trade and electrical developments caused
big demand for nitric and muriatic
acids.
The agricultural and fertilizer chem
icals did well and have a promise of
doing better, owing to the small cotton
crop this year. In general, chemical
company earnings showed a gain Of
around IL per cent as compared with
1927. Chlorine sales were spurred by
activity in the paper. textile and oil
lines
Proprietary medicines and toilet
preparations, especially perfume, had
about the best year they have ever ex-
perienced in America.
Evening star., 1928-12-31
MEAT PACKING

The meat-packing year ends officially
October 81, and in that period of 1928
meat packers showed substantial i'm
provement, as compared with the
previous fiscal year. For the last two
calendar months profits were no less
satisfactory.
Beef prices rose to the highest In
years. This advance had a tendency
to curtail consumption, but buying
power throughout the country was so
great that the effect was not heavily
felt. The. same was true, in some
measure, of the pork trade. However,
the heavy pork inventories accumu-
lated at the beginning of the year had
to be dispersed before the advance was
fully felt. Most of these reserve stocks
were disposed Of at profit.
The foreign demand for pork prod
uctS was uncertain. Toward the end
of the year certain pork products de-
creased sharply in price, but this was
compensated for by heavy marketings
and low prices for animals. Smoked
meat trade was good almost all year,
although both ham and bacons re-
tailed at low prices as the year closed.
Evening star., 1928-12-31
ERICAN COMMODITIES ENJOY PROSPERITY SURVEY REVEALS
BIG BUILDING PROGRAM
AIDS MATERIAL DEMAND
Untitled Orders Assure Continued Heavy
Operation In Several Lines as
New Year Dawns.

strength toward the end Of the year
Consumption gained rapidly, but 1t has
failed to equal production. The tin sit
uation is likely to be benefited by the
demand from can makers now making
itself evident. Prices have not shown
marked strength.
Demand for aluminium continued
throughout the year at a high rate,
aided by activity in the automobile
and airplane fields. Prices remained
steady at comparatively low levels, how
ever, and earnings of producing COM
panies may not show marked improve
ment over 1927.
The rise in silver production attendant
on the high prices in the Spring and
the increase in the metal produced in
conjunction with copper, lead and zinc
ores had a tendency to. turn prices for
the white metal downward. This was
increased by resumption of production
at many mines in Mexico and Canada.
Nickel producers were kept busy by
expanding demand, and the merger Of
International Nickel with the Mound
interests had strengthening effect.
Evening star., 1928-12-31
HARDWARE

The huge volume of new construction
and the shifts from coal-f1red furnaces
to Oil and gas as fuels accounted for
much of the increase in sales which the
plumbing and hardware and supplies
lines did in 1923. One was able, how
ever, to draw a line right through the
industry and find the improbable busi-
ness on one side and the profit makers
on the other. The difference between
old and new methods of stock keeping
and MERCHANDISING divided them.
The $1,000, 100000 building year as
sured sales, but it did not assure sales
at profit by corporations run on old
time lines. The interior work sure to
be carried on during the Winter will
keep the trade at high rate OF produc-
ton for builders hardware. The retool-
ing of auto factories and other indus
trial plants has brought in big volume
of business, especially for wrench and
machine tool makers.
The heavy purchasing power OF the
farming communities assured big sales
Of garden and agricultural implements,
Wholesale hardware trade fell off as
compared with 1927, but this was a
general condition since more consumers
bought direct than ever before.