Evening star., 1933-12-30
PROSPECTS GIVEN
ON 1884 BUSINESS.
Standard Statistics Co. Is.
sues Outline of Expected
Trade Activity.
,ecial Dispatch to The Star.

special DiSpatcn 70 Ihe Star.
= NEW YORK. December 3d. The
first -the-year outlook for various
important divisions Of industry is sum-
married by the Standard Statistics Co.
Of New York. as follows:
Advertising. - Revenues Of leading
newspapers and magazines during the
first quarter are expected to run Is per
cent larger than a year earlier
Agricultural Machinery - Increased
agricultural income Is speeding collec-
tions on receivables held bv farm equip
ment companies and likewise is pro-
viding a basis for larger sales in the
early Spring.
AirSraft.-Gradual further develop
ment Of non-mail revenues is expected,
but 1t will probably require an extended
period for air transport lines to Offset
ments. Probable increased military
orders should be of moderate aid to the
manufacturing division.
Automobiles. First quarter produc-
ton should surpass the corresponding
1888 period by about one-third, in re-
hection of expected favorable demand
snd extremely low stocks in dealers
hands.
Building Gains Due.
Building under the Fed
eral construction program. together
with some Improvement In the residen-
tial field, are expected to raise aggre-
gate building activity for 1884 consid-
elably above 1888.
Chemical.-Chemical volumes should
respond gradually to seasonally greater
requirements Of consumers. As a lead
ing basic industry. the chemical group
OF general business
Coal. - The expected expansion In
general business activity should increase
bituminous coal consumption during the
carly part Of the wear to a level some
what higher than that Of 1888
Anthracite shipments will continue to
move in seasonally heavy volume dur
ing the first quarter, probably exceed
ing 1888 levels.
Electrical Equipment. Increasing
momentum Of the Public Works Admin
istration program should stimulate con-
sumption Of producers goods. although
privately financed demand will continue
to lag. Comparatively slow recovery in
total sales and profits remains in pros
pect.
Food Products.-The satisfactory
price trends expected for 1884 and the
moderate improvement in sales which
should accompany further progress to-
ward economic recovery lend a favor
able aspect to the outlook
Leather and Shoes-It is unlikely
that the IA per cent gain In shoe pro-
ductlon estimated for 1888 will be
maintained during 1894, but higher
prices should permit increased profits.
Machinery.-Papid acceleration of
the public works program should stimu-
late demand for construction machinery
during the early future Generally
profitable conditions are indicated for
the trade in the first half year.
Oil Troubles Eased.
Petroleum. m.-Under Government Sill
PerVislon former excessive production
mas peen largely corrected. II effective
control Is maintained sizeable in
in 1884.
Radio.-The remainder of the heavy
selling season should yield satisfactory
demand, and there are no positive indi-
cations of impending weakening in the
price structure. Seasonal revival in the
motor car INDUSTRY is expected to prol
ouce record resumption of automo-
bile radios.
Railroads.-Markedly favorable traffic
comparisons arc expected for the first
quarter, and, with expenses still being
ne!d under close control, net results in
1884 should surpass 1893.
SHlPP1NG-The outlook for foreign
services continues drab. but domestic
Ioutes should feel the stimulus of i'm
proved general industrial activity. No
material upturn Of commercial shin
building Is expected for the medium
term.
STEEL-Contra- seasonal Improvement
IN steel during December, involving
some stocking up, may produce hesi.
fancy In operating rates In January. but
increasing demands for automobiles.
building and railroads promise Sharply
advancing operations during the Spring
THEATERS-Moderate gains In at
tendance are indicated for 1884. with
profits likely to increase more substan-
TALLY because Of large operating and
financial economies achieved during the
past year.
TOBACCO-Cigarette prices probably
VIII be raised during the first half OF
1884, providing basis for larger profits
than were obtained in 1898.
UTnITIES-A showdown on appli-
cation Of the electric and gas N. r. A.
code to municipal and Government sys-
TENS is imminent. but the administra-
ton is expected to maintain the COM
petitive advantage Of publicly owned
plants. Profit margins will continue
to be under the narrowing influences
of high taxes, rising prices and decreas-
ing rates.
Hester's Weekly