Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-20
INDUSTRIES SHOW
PRODUCTION GAINS
Basic Lines Report Squirt in
Output ard Employment
of Workers.
BY DAVID LAWRENCE.

Government data on business condi-
tons indicates that there is continued
advance in production In many Of the
basic industries.
Thus there is an advance in the
output of steel, automobiles, electric
power and cotton cloth. Some increases
are observed in residential contracts for
construction.
The marked rises In the fiotation of
bond issues Is expected to stimulate
business activity. Retail trade is hold
ing up.
The latest information from the
United States employment service is
that the January improvement in pay
roll totals was maintained during Feb
ruary. Seasonal influences of course
are largely responsible for the upward
trend, but the improvement is even bet
ter than the usual seasonal increase in
many instances.
Shoe Industry Better.
In the boot and shoe industries a
number of factories are being operated
at capacity and many workers who have
been idle for some time past have been
recalled. A further improvement Is ex-
pected to be registered in this industry
during March. Increased activity Is
noted In several branches in the textile
industry as well, both in production and
employment.
Here is the way the official COM
ment reads on the steel industry:
"a better condition was revealed in
the iron and steel centerS Of the coun-
try. Production schedules we're stepped
1lp in several of the iron and steel es-
adjustments and quite a number OF
men were recalled to their jobs. Large
orders have been recently booked and
In
and employment is expected in the iron
and steel industry during the next 80
or As days.
1.-THE Improvement in the plants man
lrfacturing automobiles and automobile
accessories was somewhat Spotty; how
ever, the outlook In this industry was
much brighter at the close OF the month
than 1t has been for many weeks. the
month Of February witnessed some In
crease in production In q number Of
these factories, which resulted in addi-
tional help being engaged"
Detailed View Of Trade.
A bird's-eye view of various lines, as
reported oficially from various sources,
Is as follows:
1. A slight increase In the production
Of ali types Of airplanes.
2, Estimated production in automobiles
hiRAest since last August.
3. Agricultural implement business
somewhat better in some sections than
INST year.
4. Chemical industry has fair aver
age Of contract shipments. with Spring
requirements inquiries coming in fairly
well
S. Decided improvement Is revealed
IN power plant and line equipment In
the electrical industry.
6. Appliance and electrical refr1g-
orator sales are at high level.
Z. Better than seasonal gains In the
iron and steel industry.
8. Improved demand for leather, with
reports CT some slight increases In price.
9. Orders are continuing in the lum.
Der industry somewhat above the cur
tailed production.
10. The market for minerals Is un-
certain, with some metals revealing o
light demand ut lower prices.
II. Motion picture revenues are at
high level at the theaters, considering
the season.
IL. Increased production Of crude oil
and larger stocks of gasoline are being
reflected in a gradual reduction OF
prices.
Is. February is ahead Of January in
production Of rubber.
II. Most shoe factories well en-
ployed.
rs. Construction activities show q
rise above seasonal levels.
(CopyYtght, 1917