Evening star., 1936-06-30
CIearings, Deposits, Retail
Sales, Building and Other
Lines Climb.
BY EDWARD c. STONE.


the first hah> of this year. but they
will be notably ahead Of the like
period in 1885. In the first five
months, retail sales in Washington
stores were 1914 per cent better than
a year ago. In May they were more
than 13 per cent above May, 1885.
Added to these definite reports are
weekly summaries for the first three
weeks Of June. They were all ahead
Of the corresponding weeks in 1885,
enough ahead Of last year to indi-
cate an advance Of about Is per cent
for the six-month period over the
first half of 1895. The percentage
figure may be even higher when the
final total volume is available.
Exchange Trading Heavier.
On the Washington Stock Exchange
the volume Of trading in the first
half Of this year was well ahead Of
the like period last year.
Trading in the bond division In
the first half Of 1888 totaled approx
mately $25s, 400. while the bond turn
over so far this year has reached
more than $4,000. This involving
trading in large number of different
issues. The demand for bonds has
been strong. prices have also been
firm, in some instances higher than
at the beginning of the year.
Trading in stocks has made SINH
larly striking showing in the six
months. Here, too, volume has
mounted steadily. A year ago trading
in the six months about 1900 shares
So far this year the turnover on
the Washington board has exceeded
II 900 shares. Interest in the Ex-
change has been at the highest pitch
in years as attested by attendance
at the daily sessions. Some months
ago there was the largest increase in
membership recorded in a long time
The new members have proved a
great addition, as they attend the
noon sessions in the Washington
Building every day.
The largest turnover in any issue in
the last six months has been in
Capital Transit, now selling at 1874.
Next in share demand has been
Mergenthaler Linotype. which reached
AZ in the last few days. Washington
Railway G. Electric preferred has
taken third place in the total share
turnover SO far in 1886. These broader
and more active markets are held by
Exchange officials to indicate clearly
an improvement in the financial
situation in the Capital.
Bank Clearings Climb Here.
To date in 1886 bank clearings
have scored notable advances every
month. In April the Washington
Clearing House Association reported
clearings had passed the 100000 900
during the month for the first time
in several years.
Each month this year has seen
clearings pass the mark set in the
corresponding month last year. To
many merchants and bankers, clear
ings are considered the best known
indicator of what business is doing.
Clearings in Washington in the
first half of 1884 were way ahead of
1898. In 1884 they were nbove 1893,
and in 1885 much better than in
1884. Thus, the gains in 1886 re-
veal great progress over a four
year period.
Checks Cancelled by the Washing
ton Clearing House up to the be-
ginning Of June totaled $446, ,055,0 ,076,
against s360,041, ,780 a year ago.
Weekly reports in June have shown
proportionate advances. Furthermore,
these figures do not give quite all the
picture as the bonus bonds are cashed
at the Treasury, and have little to
do with clearing house totals. The
bonus money, however. is affecting
retail trade in favorable way. Back
bills are also being wiped of the
slate.
Deposits in Banks Also Gain.
Deposits in Washington banks in
the first half year have also attained
marked gains over the same 1885 pc
riod. In the first three months of
this year deposits in % Washington
banks jumped more than $4,000, 600
above the aggregate deposits in the
banks here on the same date in 1885.
In the first three months of this
year clearings gained $4,000, 900 over
the first quarter of 1885. The banks
are still loaded with money. The
usual June 80 call by the controller
is expected shortly. On March 4.
this year, bank deposits totaled
1910, 0,007, ,305s9.
That high mark may not be reached
on the coming call. on account of the
personal tax, which always brings
about temporary reduction in ag-
gregate deposits. 1t will be far ahead
of last, indicating further recovery
progress.
Other barometers, such as real
estate building permits, indicate the
same business gains here. AS noted
In The Stars real estate section, build
ing permits so far this year have sur
passed last years figures, particularly
good progress being noted in resi-
Dental building. j
The amount of new life insurance .
and other insurance written so, far
this year has been much better than
last year. With one exception, much,
more life insurance has been sold
each month than in the first half Of
1885.
Postal receipts at the City Post
ONCE, the number of new telephones
and number Of calls made
have put last years figures In the
shade. The electric power output re-
ports indicate the same uptrend.
Further Advances Forecast.
Karl w. Corby, president of the Dis
trict Bankers Association; Y. E.
Booker, president of the Washington
stock Exchange; Thomas G. Montgon-
cry, president of the Washington Bond
Club. and Chauncsy q. Parker, r.
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