Indianapolis Journal, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 January 1887 — Page 7
THE IKDIAlTAPOIilS JOUBKAI SATURDAY, JAKUABY 1, 1887.
A YEAR'S GROWTH OF TRADE.
A Remarkable Increase in the Business of Indianapolis During 1880.
The City's Hank Clearances Ajrgrreate Over Tventj-Five Million Dollars More than, in the Previous Year.
Substantial Evidences of the Upward Tendency of the Real Estate Market.
i. Marked Improvement in Jlannfactnrinj Interests, and a Large Increase in the Volume of the Wholesale and Retail Trade.
REVIEW OF THE TEAR'S BUSINESS.
Remarkable Prosperity in All Branches of Trifle In Indianapolis. In taking an account of the old year's affairs, there is considerable to the credit of Indianapolis. There were some dubious happenings dur
ing the first two months, which enabled the croaker to spin forebodings until the impressible were ready to give the city the cold shoulder. Looking back these few months, one would like to know when the series of predicted bank failures had a chanco to come in after the RitZinger assignment. Many unreasonable mortals about that time daily predicted a general crash, and there is no doubt one or two concerns suffered materially from this careless gossip. But affairs go by contraries, and instead of repeated wreckings of large financial interests, there appeared early in March something like restored confidence. It was slight at first, so much so that even a small loss would have put every one in the dumps. Real estate groaned under heavy tax valuation and the hope that the new sexennial assessment would be made on lower values strengthened -expectations of at least an improved condition in that Ris. Manufactories had little to boast -of, an4 if a proprietor said he believed better times were ahead ho could find little on which to base it. Jobbers had spasmodic chances at something like liveliness of trade, but they would come and go at disturbing intervals of greater or less length. Retail dealers would not dare to do more than keep even with the actual demand. Yet everybody thought there was substance in the promise of early improvement After awhile no one was scary about additional
bank failures. Although money was close, it could be had, and while many small assignments were made they had no significance beyond their frequency and nearness to each other. There is n stock term called rock bottom, and it seemed just at this period of the year that Indianapolis business operations bad reached it. Whatever appeared to mark the upper tendency had nothing of the boom about it Along came the assessor's sexennial appraisetSent at greatly reduced real estate values. It had a marked effect in strengthening that market It , old not do it all at once, but, little by little, the Improvement in marketable values, the increase of money seeking real estate ia vestment and the enlarging of demand for substantial property grew to a prosperous condition. ''There is a million dollars in the city to day waiting to go Into real estate," said a well-informed gentleman. "It is an unmistakable sign of the year's blessings," remarked another, "this demand for business property. One of thebajst-known besiness sites.on East Washington street could have been sold'the other day for $70,000. The owner ia holding it for a higher price, and he will get It There is a corner Dot far away that is badly wanted and the agent of the property was told to fix his own price. He said it was not for sale.
-Qn South Meridian street the demand for proparty is growing. A building the other day that on the west side immediately south of the first alley from Washington street was bought by the Rev. N. A. Hyde for $28. 000. A few months ago property there was seeking purchasers and none could be had." The manufactories that lagged in the early spring have gone through the same gradation of prosperous influences. "Large shipments." said A gentleman on this point, "have gone abroad. The Indianapolis factories that have cent their products into limited territories with occasional shipments abroad, have enjoyed a wonderful Increase in this branch of their business. We send wheels to Great Britain, machinery to Australia and New Zealand, and iron work not only into every State of the Union.
but into nearly all the South American states. The greater part of this trade lias been procured Within the past few months." There is not a man whose opinion is worth anything that will not tell you that Indianapolis has recovered wonderfully and speedily from a depression that at one time seemed to have ne end. All of this prosperity, too, is known to be of the honest and continuous kind, with promises that will once more give the place the firBt rank among inland cities. Money, the one great factor, is abundant, and. under this benign in finer ce, everybody is locking for still better trade; still greater productiveness, manufactories and largely-increased building operations. There have been spurts at strikes, but none became serious, and it is reported that no dissatisfaction exists among any of the workmen. Indianapolis begins anew record with everything to promise excellent showings in all branches of trade, commerce and industry at the end of 1887.
that does not enjoy its share of the general prosperity. Money is in fair demand and its' price easy. In a word everybody is better off
than at this time last year, and 1887 will be one of continued improvement, for there is nothing fictitious about the good times we have been enjoying." "Never, since 1873." said John P. Frenzel, of the Merchants' National, has the city been more prosperous. Notwithstanding our bank failures within the past ten years, there has been more monev than ever at the command of actual business and commercial wants. What purported to have been the capital of those defunct banks is now seen to have been nothing more than an accumulation of bad credits from real estate and other speculations. There is but one thing in regard to the future and that is, the outlook was never better. If money at present 6hows a slight increase in value it is due to the late activity in stocks, but that influence is reflected slightly, even under the worst circumstances, on the money centers of the world. At no time during the past few months has money been close, nor is there any indication that it will be hard to get in the future." All of these gentlemen reported collections
good, a phase of the prosperous season that William Wesley Woollen, manager of the clearinghouse, strongly supported by saying that there has been verv little protesting of paper. This
year it does not amount to more than 60 per cent of the protested obligations a yea? ago. "Scarcely any paper, except when some question arises as to the amount or form of indebtedness," he said, "now goes to protest This, of itself, is a sign of solidity. About the time the Union Depot enterprise became a certainty the increase in clearances began, and has continued without an instance of decrease in the monthly aggregate. The clearances for October, November and December were more than double those for the corresponding months of 1885." In supplementing this expression from the manager of the clearing-house, a leading banker put it very tersely in saying: "Business has been good, and the outlook for the coming year points to still greater improvements. Money is easy and collections never more prompt" The Indianapolis clearances for each month of the year, compared with those of 18S5, were as follows:
1885 January $6,131,359.96 February 4,501,841.43 March 4,500.080. 63
April 4,956,231.80
May ...
June........ July August September .. October November. . . December...
4,451.870.55
5,161.883.33 5,087.242.75 5.840.019.54 5,904,111.11 6,053.829.10 6,572.911.70 6,706,912.59
1886. $5,981,399.26 4,433,521.62 4,829.051.82 4,818.266.37 4,559.860.59 5.533,755.92 5.729,702.17 5.294,828.39 8,911,799 42 12.445,598.86 13,264,639.88 15,090,214.00
THE MONEY MARKET.
An
Iacrease of 37 Per Cent in the Year's
Banking Business.
Bankers without exception agree that Indianapolis begins the new year under mostfavorable financial conditions. Money has not been affected by the recent stringency in Eastern markets cansed by activity In stoeks. It is easy and in demand. This feature of general prosperity does not lessen tbrough forces favoring one line more than another, for the money dealers say that in every branch of manufacture and trade in which the city is Interested are f onnd the evidences of substantial improvement "I never saw the closing of a year," said Theodore P. Haughey. of the Indianapolis National, "attended by more encouraging circumstances. "When I say money is ia demand I mean that the askings for it are backed by good collaterals. This all shows the excellence of the season's re suits in trade. Taper is being promptly met Indeed , we have far less trouble than usual in making colleetlons. Manufacturers tell mo they bave a large demand for their goods, and that they have no difficulty in making sales." "Mssufacturing Interests have enjoyed an exceptional year." Volney T. Malott, of the Indiana National, remarked yesterday, "but so Lave all lines of trade. The conditions of pros
perity and the effects so far are better than in j your buoinessf the year preceding our period of long depression, i "Between 15
Our business men are going ahead on a basis Stronger than I have ever seen it There is no speculative fsver about this prosperity. It rests on a solid conservatism. A noticeable fact is that labor ia better employed, aud this improvement promises t continue through the coming JTear. Thre ban been a marked increase in the olame of business and an abundance of money for all legitimate purponen is at command. We are notffected by any stringency thatmav occur in New YorK through ttock speculations." "Produce meetg better prices," said W. P. Gallup, of the Meridian National. "Labor has no trouble in finding employmept, end I have yet to learn of the line of trade or manufacture
Totals $65,831,29 4.49 $90,895,638.30 The increase is about 27 per cent on the year's aggregate. Taking the monthly returns as indications of financial easiness, January did not give much hope of early good times in its decrease of $149,960.70, but February imparted a slight strength to probabilities, by confining its corresponding decrease to $71,320.81. A slight showing of recuperative forces came with March and more than offset the losses in the preceding months. April caused Bevere depression again, with its decrease of $238,975.43. May did not allow it to get any worse. She showed a substantial increase of $107,790.04, but in June the progress of prosperous conditions was sufficiently marked by the increase of $371,872.59 to give character to the hopefulness of trade. The net increase, $89,276.88, during these six months, was only sufficient to keep the record from going below the average. It was enough for a good beginning on the last half of the yar, which July very materially helped by
an increase or ?b4i:,4oy.4i A decrease in August, however, cut into this handsome sum by taking out $555,191.14, but September's
splendid showing overcame th:s with millions to spare. It was ia this month that the good times really began, in clearances showing a corresponding increase of $3,010,688.31. The advance of October was more than double, with its $6,311,769.76
increase. .November, with her $b,bUZ,zs increase, went -a few hundred thousand dollars better, while December made a vastly better showing in her comforting increase of $8,383,301.41. It will be seen that the prosperity has been fixed during the last six months and principally during September. October, November and December, which furnish nearly all of the ereat aggregate increase of '86, compared with '85, of $2o,064,343.3a THE MANUFACTURING INTERESTS In Better Condition than for Several Years, with Bright Prospects for 1887. The manufacturing interests of the city, according to the united judgment of the representative men in all lines of the business, have not
been in better condition for several years, if ever, than they are now. One year ago there was a general feeling of distrust among all the firms of the city. Sales were made slowly, on a very email margin, and nearly or quite all on time. Collections were difficult to make, and all these, with numerous other causes, were very discouraging. The first few months of the year brought little relief, but gradually the demand began to increase. The last six months have brought marvelous changes, and the beginning of 1887 finds the manufacturing interests of the city on a firm foundation, with encouraging prospects. The number of men given employment in the different manufacturing establishments is about 5 per cent more than on the 1st of January, 1885. The volume of business done during the year is 15 per cent, greater than in 1885. Several new industries
have sprung up, and the number of men to be employed during 1887 will, it is estimated, be 10 per cent greater than in 1886. The rolling-mill alone, which will be in operation soon, will give employment to several hundred men. "It has been a much better year than we expected," said Mr. George Merritt, of Merritt & Co.'s woolen mills, to a Journal reporter. "There has been an increase or at least 10 per cent over
eur Dusiness or leao. uooas are oeing sold on a low margin, but there is a much better market than for several years. Ths prospects for the business of 1637 are fully 50 percent brighter than Jan. 1, 1885." Merrill A. Potter, treasurer of E. C. Atkins & Co., saw and tool manufacturers, was glad that the time had come when the manufacturers could rejoice over their prospects. "Our sales in 1886." said he, "were fully 25 per cent greater than in 1885. and 10 per cent greater than in any year of tho thirty that we have been in business here. We have greatly increased our force of employes over 1885. Wages have been slightly advanced. Collection have been fair the past year, much better than in 1835, but still they are not, what they should be. Our largest sales are i the South, and our greaUst losses will be there. People are not so ready to pay as they are to buy. Credit has been extended too liberally, and ia this can be found one of the main causes for the business depression from which we are just emerging. We ,im expecting a still larger business for tho coming year. All the disturbing elements we had to meet the first of last year have fled, and the outlook is certainly encourages" In the line of founders, machinists, boilermnkers and mill furnishers there is the same encouraging outlook. In response to the inquiries of a Journal reporter last evening. I.athram Davis, o the firm of Sinker, Davis & Co., said: "We have a!l the business we can do. The only complaint is in prices. We are working more men than ever before 15 per cent more than we employed in 1885.
W hat per cent, of increaso has there been in
Journal reporter last evening: "The volume of our business for 1886 is more than doable that of 1885. Profits are only nominal and prices very low. We are doing more of a cash business than ever before. We have been driven to the niuve because we found collections so difficult We started into 1886 under very unfavorable prospects, but about last June the tide began to turn, and we have been pushed since. We are now employing nearly one-fourth more men than we did at the beginning of the year. Our prospects for 1887 are at least 50 per cent better
bunii tuoy were u bug ut-iiiiiau ui iuw. "You may say," said D. Hazzard, president of the Indianapolis Coffin Worke, "that our business has increased 20 per cent the past year, according to our invoice, which we have just finished. Our sales are all on credit and collections have been very good much better than in 1885. We are employing about the same number of men, but are giving them steadier worfc. It has been our custom to shut down at this season of the year, but this year we are kept running continually. Our men have received bettor wages during the past year than ever before. Understand that the increase in our business is not due to bad healtn among the people, but to the extension of trade. The prospects for 1887 are much more favorable than at the beginning of 1885." John L. Ketcham. secretary of the firm of Haugh, Ketcham & Co's. architectural iron works, of Haughville, said to a reporter last evening: "We have not made our invoice yet, and it is difficult to tell just how our business has been. Bu there has been an increase in
volume of at least 10 per cent over last year. The margins are smaller than ever before, for the reason that competition is greater. We are employing an increased number of men, but their wages remain about the same. The belief is that prices will rule higher next year, and all the indications are that it is going to be a splendid year with all manufacturers." Said Hugh H. Hanna. vice-president of the Atlas engine works: "The first six months of the year business was very dull with us, but the last six it has been exceptionally good. Taking the whole year together, business has been very satisfactory. The only complaint we have to make is that we are compelled to sell goods on such a small margin. In collections we have found a considerable improvement over 1885. We are
employing about the same nujmber of men did in 1885, and they are receiving slightly vanced wages. I think the prospect for
business of 1887 is very flattering." Said a member of the firm of Nordyke & Marmon yesterday: "Our trade in milling machinery has been much larger than during any previous year. We now sell machinery in nearly every State in the Union. So great has been the increase of our trade that we have had to increase our force of working men nearly one-third. We have found money matters much easier than in 1885, and have been enabled to make our collections with little difficulty. The addition of the electric-light manufactory has been the occasion for the employment of a great many men, and the indications are that we will have to at least double our force the coming year. We have never begun a "year's business with brighter prospects than we now have." THE WHOLESALE TRADE.
we ad-the
5 and 20 per cent Collections. I
should say, are ro better than in 1885. We are beginning to tee that the cash system is the safest and best, and we are working to that as rapidly as we can. There is a tendency to better prices, and evidences of a sounder feeling,
financially speaking, all around. We now 6ell for half cash. Last year the only way we could sell was all on time. For the spring trade we have more inquiries and more estimates out than ever before, and we see no reason why 1SS7 should not be a splendid year." There is net another city in the Ye3t that builds more engines than Indianapolis. Speak -fng for this branch of the trade, Thomas E. Chandler, of the firm of Chandler & Taylor, engine builders, said to a
A Marked Increase in the Volume and Profits of the Year's Business. The wholesale trade in Indianapolis never bore as bright and cheerful an aspect as it does to-day at the close of the best year's business Meridian street has ever known. The term "Meridian street" has now a more comprehensive meaning than it onee bad. Formerly it applied only to the business actually upon that street, but as the wholesalers increased in numbers, lack of room forced them upon side streets,
and now the term "Meridian street" as applied to wholesale merchants, takes in neighboring houses on Maryland and Georgia streets. There s but one voice among these wholesalers, and that is of satisfaction, coupled with the declaration that 1886 was ia every respect a good year.
and that 1887 will be as good, with the addi
tional and natural increase that comes with a growing and progressive city, the center of a railroad system that makes this a distributing point second to none in the West "The wholesale grocery trade of thi3 city for 1886," s aid W. A. Krag, of the firm of Schnull & Krag, to a Journal reporter, "has increased fully 25 per cent over 1885. I think the nine strictly wholesale houses in this line Severin, Ostermeyer & Co., M. O'Connor & Co., Robertson & Perry, Syfers, McBride & Co., Conduitt & Sons, George W. Stout, Moore & Coughlen and Schnull & Krag have done altogether business closely aggregating six million dollars. In coffees, prices have been higher; in sugars, lower, but the general ran of goods has been about the same, either a steady or slightly-advancing market, and, therefore, good for jobber, retailer and consumer. Prices, however, are narrowing every year by reason of competition. The roasted-coffee trade of Indianapolis is becoming an important feature of its business. This city has become so important a point in this trade that an Eastern house has established a branch agency here for the distribution of its roasted coffees. In 1886 this roasted-coffe trade amounted to $500,000, and it will be double that
figure in 1887, as these goods are going from here to the far West and Northwest" Norman S. Byram, of Byram, Cornelius & Co., said to a Journal reporter: "The three wholesale drv-eoods houses of this street Murphy, Hibben & Co., D. P. Erwin & Co., and Byram, Cornelius & Co. have sold, this year, about three millions of dollars" worth of goods. There has been an increase in volume, but not in profits. Prices are a little higher than a year ago, with a hardening tendency. Collections have been better, and there has been a happier business feeling than in 1885." Louis Hollweg, of Hollweg & Reese, aneensware: Business has increased over last year 25 per cent Our trade covers a larger territory than ever before, having been extended by extra exertions. We go further east and further west, as far north as central Michigan and as far south as the river towns of Kentucky. I think the two houses engaged in the wholesale queensware business in this city will sell about three-quarters of a million dollars' worth of goods this year. There are not as many goods in this line wholesaled in Cincinnati There has been an unprecedented trade in fruit jars, and the holiday goods trade has been enormous. Trade promises well for the coming season. Daniel Stewart, drugs: There has been a large increase in our business, the aggregate sales having been, I should think, 20 per cent, greater than in 1885. I have little doubt that the other houses in the wholesale drug trade have done as well. This increase is perhaps due to the faet that there are fewer houses in the trade. The houses now here are A. Kief er & Co. , Ward Brothers, the Richardson Drug Company and Daniel Stewart I should think the aggregate sales this year of these firms would reach one and a half million dollars.
Augustus Kiefer, drugs: The drug business is healthy and growing. The percentage of losses is less than it has ever been and business has been done at remunerative prices. There is now a disposition in prices to stiffen tip and a nnm-
ber cf articles have advanced. Something has been recently said about the banking capital of Indianapolis not being large enough. This city differs from other cities. Merchants have their own capital. That was shown when the bank failures came. They carried no merchants down with them. Business men depend little upon the banks. They use their own capital This makes Meridian street one of the solidest business streets in tho world. Another thing: Take the business men of this street from one end to the other and there is not a dissipated man among them. The effect of this is that they are wide awake and watch their business closely. Indianapolis merchants loose a smaller per cent of debts than any similar class of merchants in the country. They are mostly young and energetic men and look after their collections sharply and closely. George C. Webster, jr.: Wysong & Co., Moersh & Co., Messick, Cones & Co. and Daggett & Co., wholesale confectioners and candy manufacturers, approximate a million dollars' worth of business in 1886. Prices were not materially lower than in 1835. This city, as a candy market, has a wide reputation, because of the superior quality of the goods manufactured here. The trade covers Indiana and Illinois, and ft
great deal of Kentucky and Tennessee. Some specialties made here are sold at a great distance even in New York and as far west as the Rockies. Mr. Fugate, of Hildebrand & Fa gate, hardware: The four hardware houses have sold about a million dollars' worth of goods daring this year. Business has been 20 per cent, better than in 18S5, so far as volume is concerned; 1887 will be better, because prices are advancing, which will be favorable to both jobbers and dealers. The general condition of merchants throughout the country is better. There were fewer failures in 18S6, and little has been lost in bad debts, compared with previous years. Mr. McCrea, of Fahnley & McCrea, millinery goods: There are now three houses dealing in millinery goods, wholesale, in this city, but the retirement of Wocher, Ritchie & Hanford, with the close of the year, will leave but two Griffith Brothers and this one. The wholesale millinery trade of this city in 1886 amounted to about $750,000. We Griffith Brothers as well as ourselves sell as far south as Tennessee and as far west as Iowa and Kansas. We have a large number of customers in Louisville and Nashville, where we compete directly with New York houses. Our travelers go to all the towns in the Blue Grass region and through central Tennessee. Business has increased about 10 per cent over 1885. Mr. Cooper, of Hendricks & Cooper, boots and 6hoes: There is probably an increase in the wholesale Bhoe trade of this city of 10 per cent over 1885. I think the three houses have sold about $1,000,000 worth in 1886. Prices have remained about the same for three years or more. The outlook for the coming season is considered very flattering. W. J. Holliday, hardware: In heavy hardware there has been an increase in volume of business of 25 per cent over the previous year, and the sales will probably aggregate half a million dollars. Collections have been better, and there have been fewer losses; altogether a very satisfactory year's business. Prices now show an upward tendency. Hendrickson, Lefiler& Co., hats and caps: The
wholesale bat trade of Indianapolis has practically all been made within six years. Henley & Price and this house have probably sold in the aggregate about three hundred thousand dollars' worth in 1886. This is an increase of 20 per' cent over the previous year. Our territory is increasing. Goods are sold in Ohio, Indiana and
Illinois, and business is overlapping on the edges into other States. There are altogether twelve hat salesmen from these two houses on
the road, which is a great many, as those who
understand the business will admit Taylor & Smith, leather: Half a million dol
lars is about the business done in 1S86 by the
four leather houses of this city, an increase of
10 per cent over 1885.
George A. Woodford, liquors: The wholesale liquor trade will amount to one million dollars
this year by the seven liquor houses of this city
dames It Koss & Co.. Mullaney & Hayes, George
flau. ti. Kickhoff, Schwabacher & Seng, Koep
per & Waterman and George A. Woodford & Co. Of course, the sales of alcohol and liquors sold by the wholesale drug houses will greatly
increase this amount we have had a very sue
cessful trade much better than that of 1885
showing an increase of at least 10 per cent
Sales are made, however, on closer margins than
ever before, but our class of customers is better and collections are much better, the losses being
fewer.
John W. Murphy, of Murphy, Hibben & Co.,
dry goods: Trade in '86 has been decidedly bet
ter than in 8o. Collections have been very good
The class of goods has been about the same,
while the buyers have bought freely. I think
the whole street has done exceptionally well,
We do not know until we get through invoicing exactly whether we have made any money or not, but we feel very comfortable under the im
pression that we have. I think the merchants in the country are in good condition; carrying fair stocks of goods not overstocked. The condition of trade was never healthier than it is now. James R. Ross & Co., liquors and cigars: There has been a great improvement in our business over ?85 between 15 and 20 per cent increase in trade. Collections are good and without material losses. D. W. Wiles, of Wiles, Coffin & Co., grocers: I do not know that our business has been any larger, but it has been satisfactory. This street is the key-note of Indianapolis. There is no doubt about its trade being good and admirably handled, because the owners of the houses attend to business themselves. M. O'Coanor, of M. C'Connor & Co., grocers: The business of '86 is folly as satisfactory as that of the previous year. We are selling more goods, but the aggregate amount received will not probably be much larger. Collections have been very good for the year; never have we had them better. Kipp Bros., toys: There has been a large increase in the volume of onr trade and general activity. Our travelers now eovar thirteen States, and we have increased their number. We have, in volume, an increase of folly 50 per cent in onr business over 1885. Layman, Carey & Co., hardware: Oar business has been better In the year now closing than in 1585 at least 20 per cent Collections
have been good, losses few; as healthy a state of business as any one need expect Oar territory is constantly enlarging. We think the outlook for '87 is extremely good. I. S. Gordon, of Gordon, Kurtz & Co., saddlery hardware: Eighty-six has been a good
year on this street, and, with toe rest of the folks, I'm counting on '87 to be the best year we ever had. ' There has been an increase of at least 10 per cent in our trade. If the people of this city would talk as they should but it's coming anyhow '87 will be a boom for Indianapolis. Everything is ripe for it. Iron manu
facturers are now refusing future contracts, and a large advance is looked for. That, of course, means, improvement in business everywhere. There is no better pulse than the iron market
Iron is the magnet that draws everything along
with it Henry Severin, of Severin, Ostermeyer & Co., wholesale grocers: Business has been somewhat better with us than in '85. Collections have been better, and there is a general im
provement in every way; country merchants are getting in better shape, and pay up more . a j l
promptly, ah say tney never naa as good a Christmas trade since they have been in busi
ness.
Mr. McKee, of McKee & Branham, boots and
shoes: There has been an increase in trade, but the most oatisfactory item is the substantial
basis on which business now seems to be placed. The trade in Indianapolis is in a mere substantial condition than at any time for twenty years. Wat. Terrell, grates and mantels: There has
been an increase in the sale of a better elass of goods. My sales are 25 per cent larger than in '85. Our trade is extending These goods go to
iexas, Alabama and all through the South, and
West as far as Utah. We sold six large orders
last month in Texas alone.
Coburn & Jones, wholesale lumber: We have
had an increase of 5 per cent Collections were better than in 1885. Busi'ness which heretofore has usually shut down has kept right up to the
present time, and we are now pushed to meet
our orders.
was large and satisfactory. People are buying
better goods than ever before.
W. T. Marcy, jewelry: I think business was 5 or 20 per cent better than in '85. We sold a
better class of goods. The holiday trade greatly
exceeded that of '85.
G. L. W. Mack, boots and shoes: Business in
our line has been about the same as in the pre
vious year. People with us call for cheaper
goods. We sold more pairs of shoes than ia '85,
but not as high-priced goods.
The Bowen-Merrill Company: Business with
us has run far ahead of 188o. We have sold more fine goods. Holiday trade, as compared with previous years, was in every respect better. The great amount of goods got rid of showed that people had money and were willing to spend it We consider trade in a very healthy condi
tion. Collections have been tip-top. Our cus
tomers pay almost too promptly; they take off
the discount and remit
Bingham & Walk, jewelry: The year closing
with to-day has been a better year than 1885. Our December trade was 25 per cent above anything we have ever had. We sold finer goods in greater quantity than ever before.
11. .Bamberger, hats and furs: Trade has been
much better than in any previous year since the flush times of the war. There his been a greater
demand for valuable goods which clearly tells
the story of good times. The people of Indianapolis and vicinity demand the best goods. The holiday trade has been better than for years.
Herman Lieber, dealer in pictures and artists'
materials: There has been a better demand for pictures and artists' materials. Our business is 15 per cent better than in 1885. Picture-frames are made here, and we do onr own gilding. I
think there is some falling off in amateur work. The taste in pictures is improving. They are
dropping cheap lines of chromos, and getting a
better class oi eagravmgs.
New York Store, dry goods: w e have no way.
until we invoice, of determining the increase
over the previous year. It was, however, a sat
isfactory business.
L. S. Ay res & Co., dry goods: We have .had
a good trade, and our holiday trade wa3 very large.
H. P. Wasson & Co., dry goods: Business has averaged about as in 1885. The tendency with
us has been to a finer class of goof.s. Our holi
day trade was better than in '85. The trade for
December made up for what was short in Octo
ber, when the weather was unseasonably warm
and our sales fell off.
M. H. Spades, dry goods: I do not think we have done any more business than in '85. Our holiday, trade was better than last year, but otherwise business was about the same. How
ever, we did not find it as hard work to sell
goods. People had more money and were buy ing finer goods.
Eastman, Schleicher & Lee, carpets and draperies: Compared with 1SS5 our business in the past year has been 80 per cent better. We have
done three times the business we calculated upon.
The demand has been for fine goods, especially
in the drapery line.
Albert Gall, carpets and draperies: Our trade during the past year was excellent. We never
sold so many fine goods. This is true of all departments, notably in lace curtains and draper
ies. As to profits, that is a different thing. We
have sold very close.
W. H. Roll, carpets and draperies: Business
was 25 per cent better than in :85. The demand was for better goods. Collections have been
good.
O. W. Williams, of.Pfafflin &Co.. pianos and organs: The general results of business in 1886
are far ahead of 1885. Our holiday trade was at
least 30 per cent better. The outlook for '87 i.
very satisfactory, indeed. Our collections were
Honey, sugar, sorghum Orchard............... Dairy.... Poultry, eggs, feathers. Wool Horses, increase Mules, increase........ Cattle, increase........ Sheep increase......... Hogs, increase Cattle slaughtered Hogs slaughtered ...... Sheep slaughtered..... Coal Stone quarries
859,366 3.785,625 18.261.940 3.980,727 1.153.044 2,767,260 532.030 1,739,304 705.732 16.985.850 6.731.779 12.816,780 227,900 3.5O0.O0O 1,200,000
989,891 4.227.960 17,801.235 4,707,169 1.047.229 2,955,000 567.000 1,667,543 687,098 17,615.290 6.843 817 11.982.880 247.974 3,800.000 1,400.000
Total : $182,071,751 $195,715,317 The volame of business done by the porkpackers of Indianapolis during the past pear has been greiily in advance of that for several years. John Moore, superintendent of Kingan A3 Co.'s establishment said yesterday: "We have killed more hogs this year than in any previous year since the firm began business here.
Business hr.s been especially good the last two months. The number of men employed is 5 per cent more than this time last year, and wages
have been slightly advanced."
"What per cent of increase in your business
has there been in the last year!"
"Nearly 30 per cent " "What are the prospects for 1887?"
"They are not so nattering. There nave not
been so many hogs raised this year as in 1885,
and there has been more disease. The cholera
has raged to an alarming extent in manv por
tions of this State, and, in fact, throughout our territory. Furthermore, the corn crop is short in several States, and all these causes combined
will surely cause a falling off in our business.
W ill you give employment to a3 many men
in 1887 as now?"
"There will, perhaps, be a slight falling off.
but the dismissals will be few. Lately we have begun to more fully manufacture our goods, and.
for this reason we will use more men in butchering the same number of hogs."
DAILY WEATHER BULLETIN. Indications. Washisgtok, Jan. 1, 1 A. V. Special indications for twenty-four hours from
7 A. h. for Indiana Fair; colder.
For Ohio Snow or rain; followed by fair
weather; cold, northwesterly winds.
For Indiana and Illinois Fair weather: cold
er, northwesterly winds.
For Michigan Fair weather; colder, north
westerly winds.
For Wisconsin Fair weather northwesterly .
winds; slight changes in temperature.
Local Observations. Indianapolis, Dec.
31.
Time. Bar. Ther. Hum. Wind. Weather Rain. 6 A. M... 29.90 21 97 North Lt snow. .24 2p.m... 29.87 24 85 North Lt snow. .10 10 P. M... 30.02 20 85 Nwat Fair. .03
Maximum temperature, 24,- minimum tempera
ture, 19.
Mean temperature for Decembor, 188b, Z5.2. Total precipitation, 1.86 inch. Snow on the ground at the end of the month, 3. S
inch.
General Observations. War Department, Washington, Doc. 31, 10 p. M. Observations taken at the same moment of time at
all stations.
better than in '85. People bought on shorter
time and more paid cash. We have more agents
selling than we had in any previous year. Our
trade is running to a finer grade of pianos,
which indicates that people are getting better off
financially.
D. H. Baldwin & Co.: Our business has been
much better than in '85. Collections have been
better and the year has been profitable. We
have sold a greater number of high-grade pianos than in any previous year. We should
think the piano houses of this city sold 1,200
pianos last year and about 3,000 organs.
ii.mil vvulschner: ftly business in '86 is the
best in sine years. I have sold three times the
number of pianos that I did in '85. I retailed
thirty-eight pianos for the holidays and twenty'
six organs. Cur band-instrument trade extends
almost all over the United States.
ueorge u. rearson: juy trade in 1886 was a
great improvement over '85, the sales being 25
per eent better. The demand has been for bet
ter pianos and organs than ever before. Collec
tions have been fairly good, with few losses.
Bradley Manufacturing Company, W. B. Hoi
ton, manager, agrieultural implements: The past
years business has been much better than ever
before. We have made more money in '86 than
in the last five years. The country financially
appears to be on a sound footing. We look for
a fine business in 87.
H. T. Conde, agricultural implements: Our
business has been much better than in '85. Trade was larger and a better Quality. Collections
were better, losses few and in small amounts.
McCormack Harvesting Company. J. B. Hey-
wood, general agent: We made 500 more sales
the past year than in 8o. Our books have not
been closed, but we think trade was satisfactory.
in purchasing the property at the corner of
Pennsylvania and Maryland streets for the Me
Cor mack Company, I had in contemplation the
erection ef a building adapted to the agricultural
implement trade, dividing it up into four store
rooms, the building to be four or five stories
high. We have not yet completed plans for the
structure, as each store will be arranged to suit the occupant The building vill be of brick, to cost from fifty to sixty thousand dollars. It is
the intention to cave it ready for occupancy early in the fall. The McCormitk Company will
occupy one or the rooms.
W. L. Elder, furniture: There was a decided
improvement over the previous year. We have sold more of the finer kinds of furniture, which
indicates that people are a great deal mon pros
perous. PRODUCTS OF THE FARM.
The Yield of Crops Valned at 813,000,000
More than in 1885 Pork-Packlngr.
The prosperity of Indianapolis and the State
has been chiefly da e to the abundant yield of
all kinds of crops in Indlaaa, whieh, as shown
in the following statement from the State
Bureau of Statistics, were larger than in 1885t
Value 1885. Value 188fl.
Wheat $29,177,617 S32.4lB.738
Corn , a. 120.607 86,793.551 Oats....,, 6,306.268 8,15.789
THE RETAIL BUSINES3.
the
A Generally Prosperous Year Among Dealers in All Lines of Goods.
The sales of retail dealers generally have been
somewhat larger than in 1S85, and the profits have been considerably increased in the aggre
gate of the year's business. The tendency among purchasers has been to buy finer goods in
all lines than in previous years, which indicates that there is more prosperity. The interviews
given below show a general feeling of more sat
isfaction and confidence in retail circles than
prevailed a year ago.
Model Clothing Company: Oar trade in 18S6
increased 25 or 30 per cent over the preceding
year. Our holiday trade was 50 per cent bet
ter. Our customers frequently come from long
distances, and we do a large order business.
shipping clothing as far as Texas. The goods
sold here are as fine a3 any sold in the largest? cities The When Clothing Store: Our trade in 1886 was a greal better than in 1885. We bad a wonderfully large Christmas trade, and trade still keeps up, whereas heretofore it has always fallen flat after Christmas. We have employed more help in '86 than in the preceding year, and have kept them longer. Oar customers come from a distance. The people all over the land are wearing better clothes than ever before. There is no better sign of general prosperity than that " Paul Kraoss, gentlemen's furnishings: Bosi nees has been about the same as last year. 1 bay Bold more fine goods. Our holiday trade
STATIONS.
New York Citv 129.80
Washington City... n:y.7H
Vicksbure. Miss.... 30.16
JSew Orleans. La...rJV.vo
Shrevenort, La 30.26 Fort Smith, Ark. . 30.34 Little Roek, Ark.... 30.26 Galveston. Tex 30.20
Memphis, Tenn..... oO.xO Nashville. Tena.... 80.01
Louisville. Ky 29.99
Indianapolis. lnd...loti.Ud
Cmoinaati, 0 29 92 Pittsburr, Pa 20.63
Oswego, N.V 29.74
Toledo, o zy.su Escanaba, Mich .... 30.24 Marquette. Miah... 30.29 Chicago, ni. 80.12
Milwaukee. Wis 130.141
Duluth, Minn S0.55
St Paul. Minn 30.53
LaCrosse. Wis 30.42
Davenport Ia 30.82 Des Moines. Ia 130.52
Keokuk. Ia 30.41
Cairo, 111 130.17 Springfield. HI 30.28
St Liouis. Mo !S'J.55
T 1LT- A T
l mmnr, .....idv.-x i Leavenworth, Kan. . 30.54
?maha,Neb 80.64 ankton. Dak 80.70
Moorehftad, Minn... 30.80
Bismarck. Dak 30.91
FortBuford. Dak... 80.93
Ft. Aisiniboine. M.T. 30.7 6 Fort Coster, Mont- - 30.73
Deadwood. Dak 30.68 North Platte, Neb.. 30.58
Denver, Col 30.35
W. Las Animas, Col 80.42 Dodee City. Kaa... 30.57
i'ort Elliott, Tex... 3U.44.
Fort Sill. Ind. Ter.. 30.54
Fort Davis. Tex 30.40
El Paso. Tex 30.40 SaltLake City.U. T.130.40
W o B a
Cf a
o 3 s g-
34 35 31 44 31
N'east
West North
North
Nwest
25; North
27Nwest'
39 1 North
27!Nwest
27
26 20 24 39
23
21 8 7 17 14 8
-10
6 4
8
5 25
IS.
13 7 -6 -6 -29
-23 28
7
6 2
9
cce. tr-3 o g y B
tr i t J
Nwestoj
Nwestl
Nwest
North
West
N'east
Nwest
North
Nwest
North
Nwest
Nwest
Nwestl
North
Nwestt
Northl
Nwest
North! North North North North
Nwest.
North
Nwest
North
NorthJ
East
North N'east1
N'east
14 North
14Calm
11 17 22 26
N'east
Nwest North
6N'east
38iast
06!Lt rain.
,42,Hy.raia.
Cloudy. Cloudy. Cloudy. Cloudy. Cloudy. Cloudy. Thrst'ng
luoudy. Cloudy.
Uieaf. Cloudy.
IA. rain.
Sleet X
Lt snow.
Clear. Lt enow.
Clear. . Lt snow. Clear. Clear. Cloudy. Clear.
Cleat. Clear. Cloudy.
oudy. oudv.
Clear.
Clear.
Fafr.
ear.
.03 .07 .21
.22
.15
.10 .05
.01
.01
!oJ
ci
8125:
Eloudy. t snow.
Lt snow Cloudy. Clear.
Clear.
Clear. Clear.
Clear. Clear. Clear. Cloudy.
The Andover Trial. Boston, Dec 81. Proceedings in the Andover
heresy trial opened this morning with the ad dress of Be v. H. M. Dexter in support of th charges. He claimed that seventeen of tha
creeds of Christendom distinctly condemned the doctrine of future probation.
Here Mr. Smyth arose and explained that his
statement that his doctrine was not condemned
applied to ecumenical creeds, bat Dr. Dextef
insisted that some of these were ecumenical.
Of forty-three churches, existing in 1608. not
one had anything in its creed to favor the doc
trine, while all bat nine contained some statement incompatible with it
The argument for the prosecution was closed
by Jadge Rock wood Hoar who dwelt on the legal S lints involved. The trial was adjourned until on 4 ay, when the eases of Professors Hincks, Tucker and Harris will be Wled and an order made on Professor Churchill's ease.
Barley 141,375 Rye...., 277,126 Buckwheat 44.130 Flaxseed...... 183,849 Clover-seed 1313.471 Timothy-seed 74,764 Clover hav 11.300,716 Timothy Hay... 13.631,250 Irish potatoes. 2,096,751 Sweet potatoes 157,169 Tobacod 1,666,021
The total value of the different products is, according to the reports to the Statistician, for the years 1885 and 1886, as follows: Total Value Products. 1885. 1886. Field....... $101,695,314 $113,898,387 Garden 6,125,500 5.276,814
urn
63.440 360,784 866.060 91.888
14.164,234 17.292.289
1,797,340 133,434 1,424,198
The nineteenth century has been projific f ss discoveries and inventions for the amelioration of suffering mankind, as well as the useful arts and sciences. We live in a faster age, therefore require more and better facilities than they did ia olden times, which bas stimulated 'our ia ventive genius to the fullest extent The tnedt cine which our grandparents used would not be) considered of value in the treatment of diseases of the present time. The discovery of Oooch'a Mexican Syrup was the result of the need ol a more active and certain care for coughs, eori sumption, pain in the breast and all the diseases of the throat and lungs. Ask your druggist for it Every bottle Is warranted.
M ." I n i i n ! ii lj i
for Infants and Children, r "Castorta ia so well adapted to children that I Castort cures Colic, Coostlpation, t recommend it as superior to any prescription I SPV Btotnich, Diarrhoea, Eructation, known to me." IL A. Archer, iL D I EiflJeW)ms "ire lep promotes H1U So, Oxford St, Brooklyn, N, y, without injurious medication. Tm CtoTAra Coufakt, 188 Fulton Btreer, N. Y.. I -I
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