: r --. r. :
THE COURIER
tho powers that are doing their utmost to bring ruin and disaster to
all parts of the country, and make this year a memorable one, for
the loss of life, limb and property. ,
x.j i. swat. 4rp&pmm&y , - -
1 12
a . y v' " - -r r
"" V
,ii-2iS3Sf
:-.-. -. - nZ&rC&3&iZl&&t;JZ?-A
--.".... i-- ; " - m i - ..- --. . .r v-llw.
gJSC(lrCLC5
-0 a-.. j
The rains through the country hare
materially improved the condition of
crops, and with the brightening of pro
spects, trado has shown decided indica
tions of improvement. But withal it is
at present really only a question of pro
spect. Trade has shown no permanent in
crease in volume for the last few weeks, and
indeed there is no reason why it should
Wheat and oats will be almost a total failure in most parts of this
.state and Kansas, and fruits and vegetables suffered irreparable
damage from the late frosts. While corn is admittedly the main
prouast of this region, the partial failure of the minor crops means a
loss at a time .when every favorable condition is necessary to the
improvement of trade, and every loss tends to increase depression.
Ill Add to this the fact that the tariff question Bcems as unsettled now
I'll . t' . . .. . . . ,' . ....
as ever, labor troubles show no sign or decreasing, and it becomes
''plain1 that an improvement can hardly be expected at this time.
The corn crop is a mere prospect, and there is nothing tangible that
would tend to increase the volume of trade until this prospect be
comes a reality. Then and then only will the business of Nebraska
show a decided increase. In speaking of the future of trade early
in the spring of this year, I made the prediction, that with a settle
iment "of the tariff question, followed by a cessation of strikes, with
(favorable' weather and the prospect of a large crop, business would
show a gradual improvement from week to week until affairs once
more assumed a normal condition. The tariff is apparently no near
er a settlement than ever, labor troubles continue, with violence
unabated, a partial failure of small grain, fruit and vegetables in
- this state, is the situation which confronts us now.
The tariff question seems to be progressing a little faster of late.
There is no telling how long tho debate on the woolen schedule will
last. That it will be prolonged and bitter seems to be tactily ad
mitted by the leaders of both, parties. With tho removal of the
five minute rule, long speeches will once more become the order of
the day, and there is little doubt that many concessions will have to
be made on both sides before this schedule is acted upou. It is one
of the most important item of the bill and will have a more decided
effect on the industries of the country than any other, with the
possible exception of the sugar schedule. Its progress will bo close
ly watched, hot only by manufacturers, but by merchants and busi-
nees men throughout the country, and the senators on both sides
. fully appreciate the responsibility that rests with them. It is to be
hoped that the republican senators will stand their ground firmly
and exact the most favorable conditions possible in the interest of
American manufacturers.
The labor troubles continue throughout the country, and strikes
seem to be tho order of the day. The fact that they are not confin
ed to any particular section bears testimony to tho general dissatis
faction which-seems to prevail. The destruction of thousands of dol-
lars worth of property ohly adds to tho general depression. The
settlement of the tariff question, on such a basis as to encourage
the resumption of manufacturing in the east, would have a very per
ceptiele influence on the wage question. The increased demand for
fuel would influence the operators to accede to some of the demands
of the men and facilitate the work of the arbitrators. The resump-
s tion of work at the mills would give work to thousands of operatives
and the feeling of unrest give way to satisfaction. The way of the
agitator is lined with thorns in good times.
The floods have inundated great stretches of land and destroyed
millions of dollars worth of property and eeem to be in league with
Confession is good for the soul at all times, and this is a time
when the truth will do no harm. Having looked on the dark side it
is only fair that the other have its turn. Notwithstanding the un
favorable situation as discribed, business for come time has shown a
decided improvement, and to-day the general tone is firmer than it
has been for some time. Every merchant is aware of the' importance
of the growing crop and confidently looks forward to a better trade
in the fall. The partial failure of small grain has not been without
its advantages. The price has gone up, and the probability is that
it will continue to rise; consequently farmers will receive an increas
ed price for the grain that has been saved. The wheat and oat
fields that have suffered the most have been put into corn, and tho
result is a greater acrcago of that cereal thaj ever before. As mat
ters now stand, there will probably be little change in the tone of
trade during the summer months, with a decided improvement in
the fall, dependent, of course, on the corn crop. Carefully consider
ing the above conditions, favorable and unfavorable, leads to the
conclusion that Nebraska and its wholeiale centers rest on a firmer
foundation than eastern communities. While settlement of the
tariff question and the resumption of activity in the east will no
doubt have a very perceptible effect on general business in . this
state, the trade of this region is more directly and entirely depen
dent upon its own agricultural resources.
"A good crop this fall means improved trade, tariff or no tariff.''
The Steele, Walker failure at St. Joseph is the second large, as
signment at that place within a few weekB, and calls to mind the
fact that there have been no failures in mercantile circles in this
state, of any magnitude, within the past year. Steele, Smith Groc
ery Co., at Omaha is in no way involved in the St Joe failure, owing
to the fact that it is entirely independent of the parent house and is
incorporated under the laws of this state. St. Joseph has for years
borne a Teputation for wealth and solidity, second to no jobbing
center in the west, and its houses have been reputed for their wealth
and conservatism. Notwithstanding this, it has placed itself on re
cord with two of the largest failures of the year, and its younger and
apparently weaker sisters, Lincoln and Omaha, have withstood the
pressure and their jobbers show no Bigns of weakness. In this cou
nection it is interesting to note that the St. Joe houses have made
frantic efforts to maintain their footing in this territory. Sample
rooms have been opened at Omaha, and their representatives have
used every meaiiB to hold trade in Nebraska. That this has been an
expensive experiment and that the extra inducements offered by
these houses have cost them dearly hardly admits of a doubt. In
contrast to this, the local jobbers have continued to do business.on
conservative lines, have curtailed their expenses, bought closely and
sold carefully, and only to the best trade. They have placed-more
accounts on their books than in any previous 6eason, and are to-day
in a better position to stand a continued siege of hard times, than
ever before.
The Platte River Canal project so much discussed at Omaha, has
finally been submitted to the county commissioners with the request
for p special election to vote bonds. The stock-holders have sub
scribed 8250,000 toward the fund and now call upon Douglas county
for a bond issue of 81.000,000. It is the purpose, if possible, to call a
special election at once and if the proposition carries, work will be
commenced early in October.
Albert Andbiajto.
FAMILIAR.
A friend of mine has just had a most unpleasnat experience.- He
has married a widow, and by some coincidence took her to the
same hotel where she stopped with her first spouse. At the table
she said to Charles, the bridgroom: "Will you kindly pass the but
ter, John?" A vision of John flitted before the bridgroom, who 'in
dignantly replied: "My name is not John, it is Charles." Excuse
my mistake, Charles," she said; and then tasting the butter, added,
r eflectively, "but it's the same butter." .
A
4
1
r-c-- --