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The business situation is, at present,
anything but encouraging. The hot
dry spell has been relieved in some sec
tions of the etato by local showers, but
in others, extremely dry weather pre
vails. During the last week the most
discouraging reports as to the condition of
affairs in the country were circulated. The
newspaper reports were to the effect that the corn crop had been
totally destroyed; as usual, later reports modified these wild rumors
to a considerable extent In the far western counties -of Nebraska,
we see enacted each successive year, a farce which generally termi
nates in the report of a total failure of the crops in Nebraska. Early
in the season the papers are crowded with splendid reports of the
enormous crops which will probably be harvested as soon as the sea
son advances, the prospects grow more favorable until some time in
August or late in July, the inevitable drouth makes its appearance,
supplemented by hot winds, and the corn crop in western Nebraska
is a total failure. This is repeated year in and year out, and once in
every live years proves an exception to the general rule. The eastern
half of this state, however, has a climate most favorable to the
cultivation of the corn crop. A temporary spell of dry winds may
occasionally do damage to the growing cereal, but a; no time within
the history of the state is there a record of a total failure of 'the
crops in eastern Nebraska. Cuming county, and other sections that
might be named, have never suffered even a partial crop failure in
their entire history. This year we have experienced a period of un
usually unfavorable weather during the last few weeks, but a north
and south lice drawn through the state within 150 miles from the
river marks the boundary of what might be called the dry section.
Everything this side of that line being in fairly good condition. Corn
has suffered some all over as well as in Nebraska and Iowa, but the
immense acreage which was planted this year will largely counteract
the effect of an injury that may have ensued from the dry weather.
Even should a partial failure be the result an average crop can rea
sonably be expected. Reports, unfavorable as they have been, have
had a marked effect on business and will make the same unusually
dull during the rest of the summer.
The tariff bill seems no nearer a settlement than sver.
A striKe was started at South Omaha by the beef butchers early in
the week but it is not expected that it will assume seriousproportions.
The butchers made a demand for an increase in wages, larger than
ever before paid at this point. In addition to this, they state that
they will refuse to return to work until the differences with the
butchers in Chicago, Kansas City and other points have been settled.
In vie of the fact that the managers of the houses at South Omaha
are not running the business of Chicago and Kansas City packers it
is doubtful how soon such settlement will be reached and it is entire
ly probable that the men who struck will remain minus a job each
unless they decide to go to work very soon.
Omaha and Lincoln houses are receiving a large number of orders
these days. At the first blush, this might seem encouraging, but
the facts in the case are, that the orders are so small and unsatis
factory, that there is little comparative profit in the business. Dur
ing the early part of the season orders'showed more inclination of
liberality on the part of purchasers, brought about, no doubt, by the
exceedingly favorable condition of the crops. Warm weather and
the drouth, however, have gradually dispelled the hopes of country
merchants.
Speaking of the labor troubles and the general depression which
has prevailed for some time, a leading business man gave voice to an
opinion which has long been mine: "I believe," said he, "'that this
country is gradually coming to the same level with Europe, and that
it is only a question of time before European conditions will prevail
hero." There is considerable justice in this remark. This country
has gradually become more closely settled; its population has been
on the increase at an almost incredible rate for years. As long as
it was a now country and building up, there were many opportuni
ties for accumulating wealth; labor was well paid and everything
was in a flourishing condition. It stands to reason that a man draw
ing the income from the products of 1000 acres of well cultivated
land, is in a better financial condition than the man drawing from
100 acres. This has been the relative condition of this country as
compared to Europe; a comparatively small population on a large
area of land here, and an enormous population on a small pection
of territory there. By the gradual settlement of the country, increas
ed population, the prices of labor by competition will grow less, the
prices of goods will grow less, or by means of competition, labor will
receive less pay, the business man make less profit, the capitalist
have fewer opportunities and make less interest on his raonej , and
it will cost each in his particular sphere, less to live.
This condition does not prevail now, and will probably not pre
vail for years to come, but come it must. The agitation on .the
part of labor, and stubborn resistance of capital will only hasten
the time when each will receive less for what it has to give; and
the power of each will be limited as it should be.
A careful review of the business situation at this time presents a
rather gloomy prospect for the next few months. Congress seems
to be in a hopeless wrangle over the tariff question. Reports from
the east indicate unsteady fluctuations in dutiable goods. Manu
facturers and importers seem to be in a state of complete uncer
tainty, and It is no exaggeration to say that all lines, directly and
indirectly affected bp the tariff, are in a state of complete demorali
zation. The gold reserve has reached an alarmingly small figure;
the unfavorable condition of the weather in the western states
threatens the crops, and reports from all trade centers indicate a
falling off of business. Not so much the present dullness, which is
natural at this season of the year, as the unfavorable prospects,
are having their effect in unsettling affairs. I cannot help say
ing at this time, that there is good cause for apprehension. At
this time merchants should prepare to meet all contingencies, with
confidence in the resources of the country. Albelt Altjriaho.
"Do you know," said Mr. Hallett, when questioned by the Cour
ier man concerning his diamond trade, "that though the fact may
be surprising, our diamond trade keeps up wonderfully well dur
ing the dull summer season? People will buydiamonds if the times
are hard and money is scarce."
"The diamond must certainly be a wonderful gem," remarked the
reporter, "has it an interesting history?" Mr. Hallett then showed "
us a book on diamonds from which we glean the following:
" 'Here be diamonds' appears in large letters on a mission map of
southern Africa published in 1750, but no attempts at diamond min
ing were made for more than a hundred years.
In 1867 a dutch farmer by the name of Schaik Von Nickerick
of Hope Town District, of Cape Colony, seeing some children play
ing with a pretty pebble, was struck with its lustre and weight.
He offered to purchase it from the mother of the children, but the
idea was laughed at by the goad woman who gave it to him, as it
was considered of no value. This stone was was sent to Dr. G. W.
Atherstoue, an excellent mineralgist of Grahamstown, who, after
examining it for hardness, specific gravity, polarized light eta. pro
nounced i. a genuine diamond of 21 carats weight. The diamond
was sent to the Paris exposition of 1867, and was afterwards sold to
Sir P. E. Wbodenhouse for jEoOO."
When wanting anything in the diamond line you may rest as
sured Mr. Hallett can suit you. He is making a specialty of dia
monds, has the largest and most carref ully selected stock in the city
so that it will pay you to see him before buying.
Mr. and Mrs. Ringwalt and Miss P. C. Hall, of Omaha, Mr. and
Mrs. Oscar Funke and T. E. Baughman left Wednesday for Crete
where they spent a couple of weeks on the Chautauqua assembly
grounds. The will be joined later by Mrs. Shears, Miss Leila
Shears and Miss Gertrude Chambers.
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