Year: 1869

In other words the banks with reserve reduced


70 only nine millions in excess OF the legal twenty


ave per cent have expanded over six millions or
dollars In the item Of loans In 1868 the excess was
eleven and q half millions. The banks now have i've
minions In specie, three millions less In legal
tenders and half million more circulation than they
haA year ago. The prospect therefore, for the en-.
suing weeks not catering one. But while the
facts and the figures thus show very unsatisfactory
state OF things 1t is questionable, after all II the


situation Is not susceptible Of Interpretation not
entirely hopeless. The great tendency OF the time
has been to anticipate everything. The stock mar
1et was infated months ago In expectation
Of the revival Of spring business. People are
growing wiser gradually and the expe-
Fience Of the corresponding period Of
last year is fresh In the minds Of business and
frequently referred to every day. In obedience to
shis tendency the stringency has been anticipated
and discounted to great extent by those who
counted upon wanting money. Time loans Of thirty
and sixty days have been made as to carry the
borrower into the middle Of April to the FIRST OF
May. The stock market has shown gradual diminu-
zion OF business except for one or two OF the active
speculative shares, government bonds have dropped
and speculation in gold has been very quiet A year
ago as high quarter OF one per cent per day
paid on call loans for two or three consecutive
weeks. The highest interest yet paid that was
general enough to be quOtaDle was an eighth, on
Saturday last, which day is much nearer the crisis
OF the period than the beginning OF high rates
hast year. little resolution and sef-denial all
aroand for the coming week would deprive the
stringency OF most Of its aggravation. II those
who are contemplating engagements and specu-
latlon calling for the movement Of funds would
determine to forego their plans for q few days
the relief to the mercantile community and to that
Class who are neediest would be immense. There
are numerous enterprises which might be postponed
Tor few days to the great benefit Of everybody
Of those who submit to the delay The prospect for
The metropolis and for she country during the spring
and summer is OF the most nattering and encourag-
ing character. The Southern people, who in their
nrst Joy at finding themselves once more In the pos
session Of money, were disposed to keep and hoard
u, are yielding to their natural taste for the nne
goods Of our Northern warehouses and beginning
70 send us the currency which they for their
cotton The shipments during the past week to the
city were 80 large that the falling on IN legal tenders
with the banks was trining. Our own people are IN
comparatively good circumstances. The humber
CLASSES receive high wages The winter has been
nne and open one. The iaboring classes have been
steadily Al work and have money after the winter,
which was not generally the previously, when
1he savings OF the summer went to sup
port their families during the idlencss OF
tbe winter. little effort, resolution
10 be industrious determination to be economical
ana cheerful disposition win bridge tins climax
and carry everybody over 10 the happy time which
must follow. Money will return 10 the metropolis
the second week OF Aprl and the spring trade and
business be inaugurated under circumstances OF the
most satisfactory nature.


The weekly statement OF the associated banks is
mot as unavorable as was expected In some portions
Of The street, the legal tender being essened
only small amount the loss in specie and legal
tenders has been over $4,000, 900, the banks have
expanded TO the extent Of more than $s000O
showing The efYorts which these institutions have
been making to accommodate the mercantile de-
Of the city In the face OF the heavy calls upon
them from the outside country. The deposits have
fallen or TO amount which represents the loss in
specie and the sums paid for customs during the
week The last two statements compare as follows:-