Jasper County Democrat, Volume 17, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 May 1914 — THE BUSINESS OUTLOOK. [ARTICLE]

THE BUSINESS OUTLOOK.

A dispatch from New York City, which quotes certain labor leaders, indicates that the employment situation is better than ever before. This is the opinion of Hugh Frayne, a general organizer for the American Federation of Labor, and Timothy Healey, president of the International Brotherhood of Stationary Firemen. Conditions viewed by these men apply more directly to the eastern states. A forecast on May day in the neighborhood of New York city has more significance than one elsewhere in the country, for the reason that many labor contracts in the east expire on that day. If relations are harmonious at this time it is probable that little trouble will appear in the immediate future. For this, all states should be glad, as satisfaction and prosperity in so influential a region as New York state and New England are bound to have an excellent influence generally. Certainly unemployment is by no means the troublesome question it was a month ago. The “army of the unemployed,” which the itinerant Kelley recruited in SahFrancisco has dispersed. “General” Coxey’s second “army” has dropped completely out of sight. Farm work requires help from the city. Building is brisk in most parts of the country, and in New England the textile industries are reported to be operating on a comfortable 1 and fair basis. With regard to other business, however, neither present conditions nor immediate prospects are as encouraging as could be desired. The three powerful factors of doubt are railroad rates, war possiblities and financial and trust legislation. It is believed, however, that business confidence will increase as the danger of a prolonged armed conflict in Mexico diminishes.

The National City bank, of Chicago, which can scarcely be said to be the most fervent or optimistic of the administrations supporters, significantly attributes to the '‘Mexican situation' much of the business uncertainity which has been manifest in the United States since the beginning of- the year. The possibility of war. perhaps; more than fear of renewed trust legislation or bickering with the railroads, has heted as a drag on expansion. Now that we seem to be making headway toward a better and more lasting form of peace than could have come through war, we are justified in expecting a stimulus ip business and investments directly concerned with the future of our relations , yith Mexico. “The fact is," says the National, City bank in its circular for May 1 ‘‘that the. whole country Is preparing to take a. more hopeful view- of things if given half a chance.. The outlook for winter wheat was never better, and weather conditions through most of the crop territory have been, relatively speqking. all that could be .desired. What is more, business is on a safe basis and there is no speculation in Securities,' in trade? in the building industry, or in the <-oiiiiii<j<lity mar-kets,-—lndianapolis News’. «