davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
AUTOMOBILE
ACCESSORIES

Automobile accessory manufacturers
established another new record of pro-
duction in the last year. This was nat
ural in view of the gain in automobile
and truck output. The industry, how
ever, felt the recession in the later
months Of the year to considerable ex-
sent.
In general the profits Of the manu-
facturers during the year were larger
than those for 1928. At the moment,
orders already placed earlier in the sea-
son and the demand for equipment for
new models are keeping the accessory
factories well engaged.
A factor in their prosperity was the
trend OF automobile manufacturers to
include accessories previously sold apart
In original car equipment. Body, bump
er, shock abSorber, steering gear and
axle producers were behind on de-
liverieS most of the time.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

The electrical equipment manufac-
turers had the best year of their history
In 1929. Their operations and sales
were supported by the programs for
railway electrification, by demand for
new central-Station power equipment,
by the increase in radio sales. and by
the purchase Of large quantities Of
domestic labor-saving appliances.
The demand in each division was ex-
tremely well balanced, and the huge
programs for building and other con-
Struction laid out after the stock mar
ket break served to maintain production
at the equipment plants at capacity
levels. Bookings Of manufacturers are
believed to have Appropriated 81 400
100000 for the entire year.
Developments in the power develop
ment and transmission fields have been
so rapid that constant requirements of
old equipment have been necessary.
Export sales were very heavy, amount
ing to over $135,000,0 900, according to
the latest available figures.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
FURS

Some Of the fleece of the lambs shorn
in Wall street found its way into the
fur market, but in general the high
priced furs were disadvantageously af-
fected by the financial developments Of
the late Fall. This was true, however,
only in the more expensive pelts.
America assumed the leadership In fur
production, with yield of nearly $70,-
000,00 in the raw furs. Sales Of fur
products amounted to nearly $780,
000, 900.
The prevalence Of the all-fur gar
mentS was not SO noticeable as in pre-
viouS years, although furS were used
with extreme freedom for trimming.
There was a great demand for fox scarfs
and collars. Muskrat skins were extern
sively sought, and formed the basis
of the larger part of the profits of
American farmers and trappers. Baby
lamb was especially favored, as were
some of the fiat skins, like broadtail,
mole and others.
Trade was aided by the fact that the
style In dress necessitated changes in
the construction of the outer coats and
wraps. Reptile skins were only mod
erately used. The purchase Of musk
rat units" assumed almost the proper
ton of stock speculation. Under this
plan individual investors were sold male
and female muskrats, which they left
with the seller, dividing with the latter
the profits from increase. Schemes Of
this kind were checked by State au-
thorities in some Of the Middle Western
communities.
In Louisiana alone $4,000 trappers
were busy this Winter. and the catch
for the season, which will end February
5. is expected to exceed $4,000 in
value.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
CEMENT

A huge volume of cement was used In
building, highway construction, paving
and other industries through the year.
Despite this fact, the industry is more
severely depressed than at any time In
10 years. This was due to severe compe-
tition and to the fact that the plants
in this country now have a capacity far
in excess of the present consumption
requirements. Excess of mill capacity
has led TO sharp price cutting and recent
contracts have been awarded at fig
ures well below any touched for a long
period.
These cuts have ranged from 20 to
80 cents q barrel. The industry was
further disorganized by uncertainty
as to action that would be taken by
Congress on the tariff since $500 900
tons Of cement are imported annually.
Production was scarcely as heavy In
1929 as in the previous yer, but 1t was
still beyond conSumptive needs. The
tremendous building program scheduled
for 1880 promises to afford considerable
relief to this industry.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01

speed to catch up on back orders. They
have enough business In prospect to
keep them heavily engaged throughout
most Of 1890. The volume Of business
done was between 20 and 80 per cent
IN excess Of that in 1923, but profits,
while they showed decided improvement,
did not grow in similar ratio, owing to
narrow profit margins.
Since the railroads have outlined a
program for 1880, involving the expen-
diture of $1,000, 900 900, the outlook for
the industry is splendid. In the first 10
months of the year $500 freight cars
we're ordered. The number Of loconlo-
tives built was 100 per cent larger than
In 1928. with 797 engines ordered In the
first 10 months.
The replacement concerns and the
speciality manufacturers had an excel
lent year, with profits at new high-level
marks in the case Of most corporations.
Makers of safety-control devices and
signals have large contracts on hand.
The electrical equipment manufacturers
received heavy orders, and have even
larger bookings in prospect.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
COAL

Coal is still sick industry. It showed
decided improvement during 1929, but
its basic trouble still remained uncured,
although earnings for many OF the
coal companies showed gains OF Is to
80 per cent as compared with 1928.
This unhealthy condition was especially
noticeable among the bituminouS pro-
ducers. There are still more soft coal
mines in operation than are needed.
Equipment in those mines has not as
yet been brought up to the proper EN-
cheney to make profits satisfactory
under existing price levels and costs.
The labor problem is still unsolyed,
and there are many miners working
only part time or not at all. The trade
has been supported by the heavy buy
ing of railroads and the steel mills,
which have been operating at extra
has been counterbalanced to some ex-
tent by the increased use of other
forms of fuel. Demand showed q sharp
upper trend, especially for domestic use
for the late Summer and early Autumn,
but the warm weather of the late Fall
season served to check this to q certain
extent
Bituminous coal has been turned out
at the approximation of IL, 250, 900 tons
a week. This has meant an increase
in stocks In storage. For the first three
quarters Of the year approximately
383 100000 tons of soft coal was pro-
duced, and the estimate for the full
year Is for an output of $4,000, 900
tons, as compared with 493 ,0OO, 900 tons
in 1928. Stocks in storage probably
will approximate 100000 tons at the
end of the year.
Anthracite operators have been slight
ly more fortunate, but hard coal has
never regained some Of the markets
lost during the strikes which disor-
ganized the industry. None the less,
pay rolls have been high throughout
the last half of the year, and output
Is expected to be between $4,000, 900
and 10000, 900 tons for 1929.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
FURNITURE

Furniture manufacturers had little
time to sit down on their own products
in 1929. They were actively engaged
throughout the entire year. The cause
leading to this activity conferred nat
urally in the great construction move
ment. Practically every house. and
apartment completed involved the pur-
chase of new furniture to a greater or
less extent. Hotels, theaters, churches,
schools and office buildings necessitated
expenditures of large sums for furni-
ture equipment.
The trade was assisted to an addi-
tional extent by the development Of
manufactured composition and metal
furniture. Many sales were made to
replace the futuristic style which be-
came prevalent in 1928 and Of which
some householders tired quickly.
The diversity of color schemes, how
ever, continued to be trade factor and
to assist sales, especially of hangings
and draperies. Velvets and damasks.
as well as the printed silk and rayon
fabrics, found ready market in the
furnishings field. The same is true of
wall paper. Prices were slightly under
the levels maintained In 1928, but vol
ume was greater.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
CANNED GOODS

While the canning industry was sub
ject to the usual sectional variations
due to inequalities in crop conditions,
both production and profits were on q
better basis than in 1928. Throughout
the year stocks Of canned goods were
comparatively light. Demand was excel
lent and conditions were such as to
show fairly adequate profits to both
growers and Gamers in many lines.
There were exceptions to this rule,
as Is always the case in this industry.
The situation was favored by the sta
bility Of the sugar markets at low levels.
Farm prices for fruit and vegetables
were well above those for 1928 in the
later months Of the year.
There was special demand for can
ned fish which reacted most favorably
on producers on the Pacific Coast.
Louisiana and New England. Pears, APP
pies and peaches were not in as heavy
supply as in the previous year and prices
were correSpondingly strong in most
sections. There was for q time q threat
of shortage Of fruits and vegetables
for canning, but this was relieved by the
break of the drought of Midsummer.
Prices in consequence have been Of a
character to stimulate sales and still
leave profit margins for growers and
Gamers.
The preservation Of fruit in sugar was
at new high level, and the distribu-
ton OF fish frozen under the new low
temperature processes almost revolu-
tionized the New England fishing trade
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
AIRPLANES

The growth Of aviation in 1929 made
extraordinary strides, but its pace was
not comparable with the advance in
air-mindednesS throughout the world.
Manufacturers recognized that fact and
were perhaps misled because air-mind-
edneSs did not translate itself immedi-
ately into airplane buying.
Production of airplaneS was slightly
in advance of consumption. Careful
estimates throughout the business in
dictated that about $500 aircraft were
constructed and somewhere in the
neighborhood of 5000 machines we're
sold. Scores of companies rushed into
airplane manufacture. Some Of these
were inadeQuately financed and have
found themselves in considerable diff
ficulty This resulted in a number OF
sweeping mergers, which placed many
of the weaker companies in stronger
hands and seemed likely to result adj
vantageously to the industry in gen.
eral.
Prosperity has followed the builders
of commercial and military aircraft,
rather than those who have appealed to
the individual sportsman as customer.
1t had been anticipated that we'll over
10000 planes would have been built in
1929, and it speaks well for the judg-
ment of the men in the industry that
they were able to revise their plans
downward with so little disaster.
There are now some 81 big CONNER
cial concerns operating routes through
the United States. Their demands for
planes are growing constantly. There
has been . tremendous expansion in
flying schools and in applications for
pilot licenses. These facts indicate bet
terment in conditions for 1880.
The air mail service has been sta
bilizing influence. The first 10 months
of 1929 saw 5,811 100 pounds of air
mail transported, which was a gain
of 125 per cent as compared with 1928.
1t is estimated that aircraft in the
United States Few total Of 100000, 600
miles during the year. Further pros
perity of the business throughout 1880,
according to Secretary of Commerce
Lamont, win depend on adequate regu-
lation of production. Part-payment
sales have already become a factor in
distribution of aircraft and the trad
ing in and sale of used planes is grow
ing, just as it did in the automobile
field One notable development during
the year was the entry of large auto
mobile manufacturers into the airplane
field.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
COTTON GOODS

The cotton mills of the country turned
out far more yardage in 1929 than in
1928, but despite that fact, production
was held closer to consumption than in
the latter year. The takings of raw
cotton by domestic mills in the latter
part Of the year approached record
levels. The mills wound UP the year
with comparatively small stocks OH
hand, and are today in q far better
statistical position than they have oc-
cupied for years.
Restriction of production has natural
ly narrowed profit margins since it is
impossible to run on q part-time basis
as cheaply as at capacity. The strong
est link in the industry was to be found
in the tire, cord and fabric production
and many Of the mills turning out
those products were enlarged during
the year and ran at q high percentage
OF capacity.
In the South labor troubles made
their appearance and disrupted con-
ditions for some time. The combined
rayon and cotton producers did q fine
volume Of business. Print cloth prices
from April on were well under those for
1928, with 64x60s averaging 5.3l cents
a yard. Production for the late months
Of the year hung around the 10000
000-yard mark.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
RAYON

Demand for rayon suffered a slight
check in the last two months of the
year, but this was not sufficient to en-
danger the record-breaking profits
which many of the manufacturers piled
up. The industry was aided materially
by the heavy production of hosiery and
underwear. There also has been a de-
cided turn toward the rayon fabrics for
use in women's dresses by those adj
dicted to careful and economical buying.
The rayon mill capacity of the coun-
try was decidedly augmented during
the year by new plants and by expan-
sionS in those already in operation. The
sales OF rayon were spurred by price
cuts and this naturally narrowed profits
while 1t increased production. AS the
year closed, stocks on hand were at
the low point of the year but consider
able rayon was coming in from foreign
countries. 1t is estimated that do
nestle consumption accounted for APP
proximately l25,0o0,000 pounds during
the year.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01

Having become converts to the theory Of production
American business turned at the solving
problems Of distribution confident that such solution would
do than other influence maintain volume
conSumptive demand.
The today brighter than it was year ago.
Construction will be tremendous for materials
will be high The preliminary outlook bright Stocks
goods on hand light
may for the favorable to make
their influence felt Business beneath
levels attained the first three months of 1929 The
of the however likely exceedingly profitable
lines of business endeavor.'
Competition will be KEEN profit margins will be
the successful business probably will
more orders than he did this year.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01

BUSINESS BULL'S.EYES IN 1929

Industry and trade with their companion agul-
performed astounding deeds During the
months year they broke all prosperity
the most unexpected attack
back depression
instability beaten on.
five million of steel produced 1000
automobiles turned out Eight billion dollars
construction.
national income estimated
and retail trade piled total Of SAT 5OO0OoOOO.
year money, high tight as
placing Of funds money market became
lack of funds available
or legitimate business expansion $780,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM
AIDS RELATED GROUPS
1929 Was Banner Year for Electrical
Equipment, Hardware, Clothing, Ma
chinery, Paint and Radio Makers.

better in general throughout 1929. De-
mand was not affected materially by
the financial uncertainties of the year.
whereas the programs outlined in the
Hoover conferences in November and
December did much to stimulate the
demand for heavy duty vehicles.
Bus lines increased steadily in mile
age, reliability, number and in profits
of operation. Many of the weaker COM
panies passed into stronger hands and
1t was a notable development that the
railroads absorbed greater number of
bus and truck lines or started opera
tions of such lines than in any previous
year.
Use of trucks for freight transporta-
ton was given encouragement. The
plans for express highways which would
provide more road room and speedier
transportation for motor carried freight
were made. In the first nine months of
1929 there were 664, 800 trucks produced
in the United States and Canada. The
trend toward division of territory which
would permit local demand to be salts
fed by local producers continued.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
POTATOES

The potato crop was the smallest
which has been raised since 1925, total
ing sos ,OOO,OO bushels. as compared
with 466, O00, 900 bushels last year. This
resulted in decided improvement In the
rates to growers, although the carry
over stocks from 1928 were exceedingly
heavy.
The sweet potato crop. on the other
hand, increased to $4,000 q gain of
5,O00,00 bushels as compared with last
year. Weather conditions for marketing
OF sweet potatoes, however, were not
propitious.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
LUMBER

The lumber industry, while it did not
make appreciable gains in profits dur
ing the year, maintained its position in
excellent shape. Production was cur
tailed very sharply and was at a lower
rate than in the previous year through
out the IL months. In most monthly
periods production Of Douglas FIR and
yellow pine was well under zoo, 1000 900
feet.
Stocks on hand. however, were kept
wen within bounds and the industry is
on sound statistical basis. although
prices have shown some declines since
the early Summer. The volume of build
ing was spread SO evenly over the pc
Rod that lumber manufacturers were
able to take advantage of this demand
to the fullest extent.
The outlook for the industry has been
frightened by the announcement of the
extensive equipment and construction
programs of the railroads and public
utility companies. The expansion of the
policy Of grade marking lumber has
been a stabilizing factor.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
STOCK MARKET EXPERTS
SEE SPEEDY RECOVERY
Business of Nation Rallies Briskly With
Plans for Intensified Activity Dur
ing Coming l2-Month.

the metal by the automobile industry.
Prices are firm and profits of the lead
ing producers were heavier than in
1928.
Silver production has been held
down, but prices have been very low.
The only possibility for immediate
price advances of q stable character
lies In the possibility of China's entry
into a war which would stimulate re-
quirements for silver to pay troops.
Consumption Of nickel is higher than
Is far behind with current orders.
Prices are stable since they are main
tanned by means of annual contracts.
Earnings of the leading producer prob
ably will be 100 per cent larger for
the year. Prices for platinum were
50 an ounce higher at the close Of
the year than at its opening.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
SILK

Tremendous demand developed for
silk fabrics throughout the last sum
mer, and this was well maintained right
up to the end of the year, even after the
stock market slump had exerted its full
force on luxury buying. The trend was
encouraged by the comparatively low
prices at which fabrics were marketed.
Throughout most Of the year production
was we'll balanced to consumption, and
the outlook for the industry is bright.
despite the fact that 1t Is overmiiled.
Throughout the greater part Of the year
raw SILK prices moved over only a mar
row range. and 1t seems probable that
this stability will be maintained, since
Japan is restricting production in ac-
cordance with American demand.
Heavy stocks which had piled up at the
opening Of 1929 have been considerably
reduced
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01

The glass industry operated on fair
basis in 1929, but still was afIiicted with
some Of the ills incident to heavy for
eign competition and high production
costs. The plate glass industry bene-
fitted from the increased number Of au-
tomobiles produced and the demand for
window glass in new ediflces was fully
up to that of 1928. The radio industry
absorbed more glass in the manufacture
Of tubes than any previous IL months
and the demand for incandescent bulbs
was also fully up to standard. The
canning and preserving industry abb
sorbed a large volume of glass contain
ers. and so did the soft drink trade,
but the demand for bottles has never
regained the volume which 1t exhibited
before prohibition.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
PAINT

The majority of the paint producers
did a more profitable business in the
last year than ever before. They found
adequate markets for their products in
the building construction field and in
the automobile, furniture and farm
equipment industries. The sale of
spraying lacquers continued to be an
outstanding feature of the paint busi-
ness. The cleanup and paint-up"
movements developed a large demand
among householders who used the paint
themselves. The price of paint mate
rails showed a marked increase as the
year drew to a close, and went well
above the levels of 1928.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
FRUIT

Fruit suffered considerably during
the Summer from the drought which
had existed in most sections. The
Mediterranean fruit ny also was q
fruit production and profits. The pear
crop was approximately 1000, 900
bushels lower than in 1928. The apple
crop was nearly $4,000, 900 bushels less.
The peach production amounted to
nearly 25,000,000 bushels less than in
1928. The grape producers in Cali
fornia, Michigan and other sections did
better than in the previous year, and
most Of the small fruits returned ade-
quate profits.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
COFFEE

The average price for coffee in the
United States throughout the year has
been 24.1 cents a pound, which is only
one-tenth Of a cent below the high
annual average for all time. This
price, however, is not O natural one.
1T has been caused by a withholding
Of coffee from the market by Brazil
under a plan of valorization. It is
estimated that Brazil now has in stock
full years supply for the entire world.
The United States, the largest con-
sumner. takes the major part Of the
100000 bags sold each year. The
question OF price maintenance depends
on the size OF the coming Brazil crop
and the continued success Of the valor-
ization scheme. which is dependent on
government loans obtained abroad to
finance growers, with the coffee itself
as security. The Brazilian crop this
year promises to be large.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-01
HARDWARE

New methods of heating and refrig-
Grafton went far toward making 1929
a banner year for the hardware pro-
Queer. Building hardware was in ex-
cellent demand throughout the entire
year. Radio manufacturers did a ire
mendous amount of business and closed
the year running almost to capacity.
The oil-burning furnaces, gas-burning
furnaces and gas refrigeration necessi-
tated purchases Of new household equip
ment.
q greater extent than any other through
adoption Of simplified practice and the
elimination Of a large number Of styles
and sizes. Buying of farm and garden
utensils was extremely heavy. The
general stores and mail order houses
benefited materially from this trend in
the field.