The Price of Prosperity in the Valley

Notwithstanding its slowness of movement, there is a very perceptible revival in the times, at least in the northwest. No doubt the abundant crops of last fall have had much to do with this, but it is mainly due to the confidence in the rich soils and stability of the country. The period of stress weeded out the wild-cat speculators and some of the weaker businesses, but those tradesmen who had capital invested and carried on their business in a conservative way have little reason for complaint. The ill has not been unmixed with good, for merchants have been taught a lesson as to the extension of credits. Under the influence of speculation and an appearance of thrift and prosperity that was not based on the stable development of the producing country, it was easy for anyone, no matter how worthless and undeserving, to run up accounts at the stores which, in many instances, remain and will continue undisclosed by a transfer to the profit and loss account. With the depression, this practice of permitting goods to go out on which there was a strong probability of losing not only profit but principal, has been curtailed somewhat; but it is still too much in vogue. Owing to the great irrigation enterprises, the known richness of the tributary country, and the development work being carried on in the farming sections, Yakima has recovered from the financial depression sooner than neighboring cities. Yakima is entering upon an era of prosperity such as has never before been known here. Over this prospect we have much reason to feel encouraged, but the lesson of the past should not be forgotten, and the merchant and his patrons should remember that if the account system cannot be done away with altogether, that short credits are most conducive to continued good feelings between the buyer and the settler, and to the prosperity of both.