Newspaper Page Text
Here s Proof
of Prosperity
Business in the United States is sound. America faces her greatest
commercia! opportunity.
r
ihis country is on the eve of an awakening—due
yto a wholesome state of affairs at home and to a
condition abroad that will establish our trade
supremacy beyond question.
The above statements' represent a summary of the
replies received by the Taylor-Critchfield Company,
E. Mapcs, Secretary,
Cream of Wheat Company,
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“I see no reason why, if business is not hampered
for political reasons, ibe United States should not
see great commercial prosperity during the continu
ance of the European war. This, however, is a
time when the utmost latitude should be allowed
by the government to all legitimate business in
terests. Upon that, coupled with wise action toward
the establishment of mercantile marine and ade
quate banking facilities, I think the question de
pends entirely. 1 think this is the greatest chance
for the American manufacturer and businessman
that will probably come in several lifetimes, and
think the business man of the United States can be
safely trusted to take advantage of it if not ham-
too much hy unreasonable government re
strictions. Of course there will come a reaction
after the war, and how much the same will affect
the United States depends entirely upon how firmly
we have established'our footing during the continu
ance of the war period.”
Windsor T. White, President,
The White Company,
Cleveland, Ohio.
“Business with the White Company has steadily
improved since the scare following the first, an
nouncement of war al.ro^c 1 . 1 believe general busi
ness will continue fair . ;!:;s country and will boom
if our surplus farm products and manufactures can
be shipped to other countries."
United Cigar Mfrs. Co.,
New York City.
“In the main the present disturbances in American
business are due to financial and merchandising re
adjustments made necessary by the European upset.
This readjusting process is already well under way.
in the meantime it would be a mistake to fear that
the real fundamentals of American business are
endangered. Even the cotton losses are already
offset by grain increases. American business will
emerge stronger from the present crisis than ever
before, while other countries now at war will
emerge badly weakened. Speaking for ourselves,
we are following our normal progressive policy.”
The Bartholomew Company,
Peoria, Illinois.
“Our trade this year will exceed that of last year
and previous years. The war has had no effect on
the sale of our automobiles, and with the increased
prices that farmers will receive for their products
we look for still larger business in ail rural com
munities in the Central West.”
A. J. Lavuer, Gen. Mgr.,
Burroughs Adding Machine Co.,
Detroit, Michigan.
“General conditions in America do not warrant the
slump in business which is being felt all over the
-country. The uneasiness created by the sudden
(changes made necessary on account of European
disturbances is responsible for the lack of business
activity. However, I believe that as soon as the
business public decides as to the best way to pro
ceed under existing conditions business will resume
its normal attitude and should show a Considerable
increase.”
Woolson Spice Co.,
Toledo, Ohio.
"Or - business is decidedly above normal. Outlook
for fell and winter very favorable. We are taking
advantage o' present opportunity to extend our
interests iu many sections of the country.”
G. M. Sidle*, President,
Ohio Seamless Tube Co.,
Shelby, Ohio.
"My opinion is that this country was never on a
more sound financial basis. If we will all comply
with the President's message to the people, that is
to be calm, cool, level-headed, end not 'rock the
boat,’ this country will continue to dominate the
world.”
Studebaker Corporation,
South Bend, Indiana.
"Our advertisement, 'Optimism and Opportunity/
expresses our views. We believe the opportunities
for business heretofore supplied by Europe are
now open to American manufacturers and mer
chants, and they should units vigorously in taking
advantage of the situation. Fundamental condi
tions of the United States are absolutely sound.”
. E. Rosenbaum, President,
1 Southern Plow Company,
1 Dallas, Texas.
"The farcer the army the greater the commissary
needs. Texas, the world’s commissary, stands
ready to feed the hungry and clothe the naked with
an unusually large feed crop made and a big cotton
crop maturing. We should quickly recover from
the temporary depreesion caused by the closing of
European cotton markets and eventually supply
the world with finished cloth ostead of raw cotton,
Samuel Moody, Passenger Traffic Manager,
Pennsylvania Lines,
Pittsburgh, Pa.
"Business conditions end prospects good. The
European war will, in my judgment, bring out the
Yankee genius to produce the wants of home
manufacturers so that this nation will not be
dependent upon the foreigner in the future as it
has been in the past.”
C. W. Nash, Gen. Mgr.,
Buick Motor Co.,
Flint, Michigan.
“War or no war, there will be 40,000 Buick auto
mobiles built in the 1915 season. We are going to
manufacture 40,000 cars because we expect to dis
pose of that number and we have every assurance
that we will. The present demand for Buick cars
in this country has never been equalled and the
cars we had planned to ship abroad will be sold in
this country. The fact that no foreign-made cars
are likely to be shipped into this country because
of the war will have a balancing effect on the auto
mobile situation, and in a measure affect the
foreign shipments heretofore made by American
automobile concerns.”
Northwestern Knitting Company,
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“Munsingwear sales this year are largee-than last
year. We expect a greatly increased demand this
fall and winter. We deplore European conditions,
but believe they indicate long continued prosper
ity in the United States. We ore enlarging our
plant and employing additional help. Those mer
chants will be wise who anticipate as far as possible
the increased business that is certain to come as a
result of good prices for farm products and good
wages in industry.”
Silas McClure, Secy.,
Malleable Iron Range Co.,
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.
“The volume of our orders and the recent improve
ments in collections, with only a limited movement
of crops up to this time, confirm our opinion that
trade conditions are sound throughout the agri
cultural districts of the whole United States.”
Detroit Engine Works,
Detroit, Michigan.
“The best proof of our belief in trade conditions
is that our advertising campaign is larger than
ever before. We believe present conditions, while
deplorable, will increase in a very short time the
already prosperous conditions of the United States.
The crops of this country alone end prosperous
condition of the farmer make anything else im
possible.”
B. A. Fuller, Pres.,
Hercules Mfg-. Co.,
Centerville, lowa.
"Our neutrality, our record-breaking crops, snd
the immense European demand for our surplus
crops are absolute proof that we ere on the verge of
the greatest wave of prosperity in the history of our
country. The treasury department decision to ac
cept cotton and tobacco warehouse receipts as a
basis for emergency currency means the South will
get its share of this great prosperity at once, the
same as every other section.”
Jas. A. Craig, General Manager,
Janesville Machine Co.,
Janesville, Wisconsin.
“With the abundant harvest we have this year
and the positive assurance of high prices for ell
agricultural products, and being at peace with all
nations of the world, we can’t help but prosper.”
J. L. Hamilton, President,
Alabastine Company,
Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“Europe’s calamity is America’s opportunity. We
ere due to witness, and can be instrumental in
securing, the greatest era of prosperity known in
this country’s history. Wise legislation, liberal
financiering, universal optimism, avoidance of
strikes and lockouts, more fuel under the boiler,
mere pressure on the steam gauge, more money
in advertiaing, and we will arrive.”
Detroit Steel Products Co.,
Detroit, Michigan.
“The fact that the buaineaa community has mobil
ised forces and is on guard, associated with strong
fundamental conditions, should Insure a safe future.
The moat serious handicap is the attitude of Con
ires* towards successful business. That has been
sufficient to retard prosperity. If continued during
the strain caused by war we may face hard times.”
W. N. Brown,
Collins Plow Company,
Quincy, Illinois.
“American trade conditions are sound, but hare
been sluggish for a year. A strong revival which
had set in has been temporarily checked by Euro
pean war. We look for a heavily increased de
mand from foreign countries, to be followed by
enormous demand for all oth—■ commodities from
countries and at boms.”
Hugh Chalmers, President,
Chalmers Motor Car Co.,
Detroit, Michigan.
“I believe the basic conditions in this country are
extremely good, and I believe that after the people
become accustomed to the war headlines in the
papers and settle down that business conditions in
this country are going to he of great benefit to us
and in my opinion it will not affect our business
seriously after the next thirty days. A great catas
trophe, such as this war is, cannot help but hnvo a
had mental effect upon our people temporarily, but
this will wear away and then we will realise how
fortunate we Are to be Americans at this time and
what a great opportunity for the world’s trade is
open to us.”
J. Walter Earle, President,
Remington Typewriter Co.,
New York City.
“Our sales are a barometer of trade. Indications
point to an increasing volume of business. Amer
ica, as the one great industrial nation free from
the ravages and horrors of war, should so shape
her activities that she may in increasing proportion
supply the needs of those beyond her shores as
well as her own people.”
James Mfg. Co.,
Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.
“In our opinion the war not only opens great new
fields for business abroad, hut also large markets at
home for goods heretofore imported. Our informa
tion shows enormous crops practically throughout
the United States, with prices high and money con
ditions sound. Farmers, and business based on agri
culture, must prosper. The gates of opportunity
stand wide open to America’s business. Our own
sales were never better. July and August were
both record breakers. Collections are normal.
The war should increase our sales on dairy barn
equipment in the United States, because our cus
tomers, which include farmers and city business
and professional men, will have more money to
spend.”
Stark Bros. Nurseries & Orchards Co.,
Louisiana, Missouri.
“Business conditions with us are highly satisfactory.
Our sales at this date show an increase of 38 per
cent over this same date last year. Prospects for
fall business are the best in years.”
M. W. Savage, President,
International Stock Food Company,
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“Absolute and permanent commercial supremacy of
the world is the present exceptional opportunity of
the United States, and this requires only good judg
ment and cool headness and such a practical, optimis
tic outlook as is fully justified by big crops and
extraordinary markets and large increase in Farm
Product Prices and in the strength and energy of our
people. Fair and Square Commercial War will finally
subdue man’s animal trndency to kill hit feilowmen
and can be made the means of bringing about
Universal Peace. The United States has the brains
and the money and the undaunted ambition to lead
the World in vast business enterprises and will quickly
dominate the markets of all nations of the earth and
help establish permanent peace. Farmers form the
true basis of our prosperity and the present condition
of the termer, both es to home life end finencial
condition, is overwhelming and solidly optimistic
War among nations as well as war on business mutt
necessarily cause tremendous unrest and lost. Mutual
Fairness between business and government and a
strong pull together and the greatest commercial
victory in ell history will be ours.”
George A. Hormel, President,
George A. Hormel & Co.,
Austin, Minnesota.
“In Minnesota end the northwest crops ere good
and we understand the banks are able to furnish
money far the movement of grain, live stock and
legitiir:.;.* business enterprise. Collections good.
Labor is scarce and well employed at good wages.
We see no immediate cause for alarm."
James V. Rohan, President,
Belle City Incubator Company,
Racine, Wisconsin.
“The effects of the war in my opinion should tsnd
to improve rather than to retard the American
trade conditions within the United States and Can
ada, though the export trade may be affected for
a time.”
Bissell Carpet Sweeper Co.,
Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“We consider the outlook for fall and holiday busi
ness very good and beyond this believe this country
it approaching an era of prosperity greater then
any in el 1 its ere.”
Hayes Pump and Planter Co.,
Galva, Illinois.
“Bigger crops than ever before, bettor prices and
tha certainty for increased acreage of all cereal
crops will give the greatest buying impulse this
country has ever known. Surely the coining yes 1
looks like big business.” %
of Chicago, to telegrams addressed to some of the
leading business men of the United States.
Their answers ring with optimism—hope—assurance
—confidence.
Business must be good. Proof of prosperity is found
in the following messages:
Frank D. Blake, Adv. Manager,
Deere & Co.,
Moline, Illinois.
“Agricultuure is the basis of our wealth. With
the greatest number of bushels of foodstuffs in our
history and the best prices in years, our people will
save money, materials and wealth. There is a
chance for greater expansion. Our factory prod
ucts will be in demand, our people profitably em
ployed. We nre a g-eat agricultural people, at
peace with the whole world.”
E. C. Simmons,
Simmons Hardware Company,
St. Louis, Missouri.
“General business is absolutely sound and healthy.
There b© no fear or apprehension about it.
Our August business will 1 think show the largest
sales of any August for fifty years, with promise
of better business later."
John Clay, Pres.,
Clay, Robinson & Co.,
Chicago.
“The livestock business is not suffering from the
effects of the war. It is likely to be benefited, as a
continuance of the fighting will tend to increase the
demand for our product. We are decidedly short
nf cattle and sheep, with a fair supply of hogs, the
latter depending automatically on the corn crop.
We are dealing in a product needed every day and
the country cannot afford to have the streams of
production and consumption seriously interfered
with. In my judgment we are at the beginning of
a long war which will only end by exhaustion. The
enormous resources of the conflicting parties point
this way. The United States is certainly at the gate
of opportunity and hy honest and upright dealing,
payment of her just debts, even although other
nations arn tardy, she will gain immense benefits in
credit and trade by a wise and liberal policy."
C. A. Patterson, Pres.,
Peoria Drill & Seeder Company,
Peoria, Illinois.
“Close attention to business and the new nece*>
sity caused by the existing conditions abroad will
keep farm and factory busy. Opportunity has
been unexpectedly forced upon the inventive minds
of American business men and the splendid results
of their accomplishment will be a surprise to other
nations and an appreciable financial benefit to the
United States."
*
L. Klima, General Manager,
King Ventilator Co.,
Owatonna, Minnesota.
“General outlook for business is very good. The
increase in price on raw materials it more than off
set by the value of farm products. Business gen
erally will be what business men make it. We can
keep the public from buying by talking war. We
will make business by talking peace."
A. L. Haecker,
Woods Brothers Silo &. Mfg. Co.,
Lincoln, Nebraska.
“The business outlook (or the United State, wax
never better. Our crop, are good—our people
are at work end we are mindful of our opportunity.
There it a unity of sentiment for peace end thrift
among ua all. Thi, will ripen into a golden period
of pro,perity.”
W. C. Davis, Secretary,
Davis Milk Machinery Co.,
North Chicago, Illinois.
“We have been extremely busy end buaineaa ha,
hesn vary good with ux. Our volume hat run over
80 per cent in gain ovar last year’s business for tha
aama period end indication, are that buaineaa will
ba fairly good throughout the year.”
R. W. Neff, President,
The Remmers Soap Company,
Cincinnati, Ohio.
“No condition exist, that doe. not indicate that
we Americans should have every confidence in
the present and future. Bumper crops—banka
sound with plenty of money—no overproduction.
Although the war may effect a few, it will build
up so many others that the few become neglible.”
The E. C. Brown Company,
Rochester, N. Y.
“Though our past fiscal year just closing has been
the best in our history, many signs point to im
provement in 1915. While collections have been
tardy, the excellent crop and market conditions
already show improvement and a boom saems
started."
Beechnut Packing Company,
Canajoharie. New York.
“We look confidently to the future, expecting sup.
ply and demand to regulate prices as they always
have in the past. Wa are doing our best from
day to day to promote our business. We feel that
conditions ara good; that the best time* we have
ever bed ere coming soon.”
John Wanamaker,
Philadelphia, Pa.
“Now is certainly a most excellent time for the
American people to find out how much they can
do for themselves of the things they have been
depending upon foreign workmen to do. We not
only can, but must, find out now whether or not
thi* nation can *tnnd firm on its own two hundred
million feet and make its own inventions to meet
it* own necessities and provide its own luxuries,
nnd at the same time feed and clothe a great part
of the rest of the world. We have the youth,
energy, capital, will, the men and women to do
thfte things. We can do everything that we are
called upon to do, but deliver the goods, and we
can’t deliver the goods because we have no mer
chant marine. I.et us get the ships first of all. It
wifi be no trouble to put the crews and cargoes
aboard them. We must start ploughing the seat
for an early harvest."
B. L. Hupp, Sec.,
Loose-Wiles Biscuit Co.,
Kansas City, Missouri.
“Wa look for favorable business conditions in this
country during tha war period, since European
manufacturers are hampered in doing business
here—especially in agricultural sections and in
those manufacturing districts, a demand for whose
products is directly created by tha war. We
anticipate a very satisfactory business this fall.”
Fred Warner, Sales Manager,
Oakland Motor Car Co.,
Pontiac, Michigan.
“Our connections throughout the entire United
States report constantly improving business condi
tions. The only complaints are from the Cotton
states, and the feeling there is that their condition
will be righted very soon. War should in most
lines very materially increase our volume of busi
ness and prestige in world markets. We believe
the next twelve months will show greet prosperity.”
L. K. Wynn, President,
Black Silk Stove Polish Works,
Sterling, Illinois.
“American business and the new banking system
ara concrete. There is no cause for alarm. The
people are the architects of the situation. If there
is any danger, it is in the minds es the people who
might become panicky. Ignore discussion—keep
everybody busy.”
H. C. Phelps, President,
Ohio Carriage Mfg. Co.,
Columbus, Ohio.
“Ourfreat crops, with good prices assured, backed
by our safe and sound banka, make an irreaiatiblt
force. What others destroy we can and will re
place. There is nothing wrong with Ohio or the
United States. We can't be stopped.”
O. E. Sovereign, President,
North American Construction Company,
Bay City, Michigan.
“If we can keep our hat out of the ring we will
have the greatest period of prosperity in history.
Our own immediate business future looks excep
tionally bright. Our Aladdin mills have been run
ning full force twenty hours a day for fivo months.
Orders booked now necessitate doubling our
capacity for 1915.”
Alfred Hanchett, Adv. Mgr.,
F. A. Patrick & Co.,
Duluth, Minnesota.
“The European situation will bring American com*
mercial independence and pre-aminenca. It will oo
a strong stimulus to Amorican manufacturers, a
powerful promoter of foreign trade. Our admin
istration, with keen business foresight, should mak*
opportunities out of present conditions.”
W. R. Wooden, Gen. Mgr.,
Nichols & Shepard Co.,
Battle Creek, Michigan.
“The conservative linos followed by business gen
erelly for the last two or throe years make present
conditions sound. Sgne advantage of present
opportunities insures a period of commercial pros
perity.”
A. O. Silver, Treas.,
W. K. Mullins Company,
Salem, Ohio.
“Business is perfectly healthy but taking a vacation
pending further developments of the European wai
and exportation of crops. An American morchan*
marine now would open the doors of opportunitj
unused by Amorican manufacturers.”
O. C. Hansen Mfg. Co.,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“American inventiveness, ingenuity and push wT
cop. successful l ,, rapidly with any detriment#
conditions tho war between European nation, m.
na?a pracipitatad in this country, and tha naw 01
portunities now at hand will result in a new prot
parity for this countrv nmr kefors raalisad.**