for the manufacture of agricultural implements have been
equipped with machinery, and facilities in the Western States, that
indicate more clearly than anything else can do the magnitude and scope
of our agricultural interests. Last year the rolling stock of the
railroads was increased by some 54,000 freight cars, but it is probable
that the additional orders this year will reach 100,000. The managers of
several of the Western railroad systems have decided to erect
repair-shops along their various systems, by which repair work and new
work can be more expeditiously and economically done. The springing up
of so many little industries along these new lines is creating local
markets for farm-products. Last year the opening of coal mines, to the
number of about sixty, promises a sufficient supply of coal to these new
communities at a low cost. These encouragements are stimulating the
outflow of population from the older States, and it is this outflow,
coupled with the better conditions for living in the West through the
development of industries, that is equalizing in such a healthy and
natural way the great manufacturing and agricultural forces. By this
growth of little industries, mechanical, mining and railroad, the
decline in the value of farm-products is checked, or possibly altogether
prevented; or, at least, the demand arising from this cause enables the
farmer to obtain the very best possible price for what he has to sell.
It is not out of place, at the opening of the year, to briefly direct
attention to these forces acting beneath the surface. The manufacturer
and merchant have nothing to fear from hidden destructive agencies.
During the past two or three years several threatening commercial evils
have arisen only to disappear by a self-correcting agency which seems to
develop itself at the right time. The merchants and manufacturers of the
New England and Middle States will find, this year, a much more valuable
market west of the Mississippi than last year. The increasing demand for
all kinds of raw material there during the past few months is a sure
indication of the growth of a great market for the shop-products.

* * * * *

S.J. PARKHILL. & CO., Printers, Boston.

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End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The American Architect and Building
News, Vol. 27, No. 733, January 11, 1890, by Various

*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBO