Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-11-11
BUSINESS GAINS
SHOWN IN REPORT
Presidents Committee Finds
Little Change in Employ
\ ment, However.

Improvement in business conditions
throughout the country was reported
today by the Presidents Committee on
Unemployment Relief, based on tele-
graphic advices from district Offices of
the Commerce Department located IN
80 cities.
While the reports compiled by Fred
C. Croxton. assistant to Walter S.. Gift
ford, director Of the Presidents organi-
zation, bore a more optimistic trend
than has been recorded since last
March, jobless conditions in many sec
tons appeared to be either mounting
or unchanged since the last estimates
were filed.
Fund Goal Raised.
In this connection the Clifford Or
ganiZation was informed that the IN
employment Relief Committee in New
York City had raised its relief goal from
$12.0O0,OOO to $18Oo0,0o0 because the
jobless situation there was much worse
than a preliminary survey had indicat-
ed The Welfare Council also issued q
statement yesterday that 900 900 FAM
lily units in that city were now affected
by unemployment.
In the meantime the American Fed
Grafton of I.auuf warned that November
always brings large increase in unem-
ployment A total of 100000 men were
expected by the federation to be thrown
out of work this month. bringing its
estimate of the total unemployment up
to more than 100000.
Higher prices for cotton, wheat and
oil were reported by the Commerce De-
partment's representatives to have re-
suited in favorable business con-
ditions."
Steel Gain Is Shown.
Striking among the reports compiled
by Croxton were an increase for the
second succeeding week in steel pro-
duction at Pittsburgh, and substantial
upturn in business in Les Angeles Tor
the first time in two years.
Pittsburgh reported that $500 men
returned to work in the steel industry
during the Today period ending
November 6. A special plan for public
works was expected to give employment
Employment in Los Angeles rose
steadily during october and reached its
highest point since last Match, the
report from that city said. Building
permits. bank debts and postal receipts
all showed recent gains.
THE recent increase of wheat prices
in the worlds markets." Minneapolis
reported, have had stimulating
effect for business in this grain-growing
district, and is being reflected in an
enhance of purchasing power
Word came from Dallas that a re-
cent poll from Chamber of Commerce
directors disclosed IAN almost unani-
nous opinion that business now is on
definite up grade" Higher prices in
cotton, wheat and oil and increasing
confidence were cited as causes.
Seattle said the recent rise of the
wheat market was estimated to have
enriched farmers Of Washington by
100000.
Wilmington Optimistic.
Wilmington, Del, said retail and
wholesale businesses are still holding
their own and there is an optimistic
tone generally" -
Atlanta reported general business
condition on the surface showing little
change, but there is an underlying
current of opinion that conditions are
improving and that business has taken
an upward movement"
Retail business in Birmingham was
said to show a decided Improvement,
which Is more Or less seasonable.
Mobile listed slight improvement In
both retail and wholesale trade.
The factory employment index in
Detroit was AIT for the last half of
october, compared with 40.l for the
first half of the month. The usual
Fall pickup in business was said to
be slow due to unusually warm weather
in October.
mo change Is apparent in unernploy-
ment," Galveston said, but a better
feeling is sensed in retail business.