Yet a certain amount of progress is to be noted. Many of the inhabitants have been to the United States. They have naturally brought back some new ideas, and as a result there is a slowly growing demand for certain articles. Most conspicuous is the increase in the sale of cheap ready-made and second-hand clothing. A large portion of these goods now comes from the United States. The total imports in 1914 amounted to about $25,000, as compared with $6,500 in the previous year. There is also a slight demand for metal roofing, the imports of which amounted to $8,800 in 1914, as compared with $750 in 1913. +Business Situation During the Early Part of Last Year.+ Trade in this district was not especially good at the beginning of 1914. It is allways dull in the interior of Turkey during the winter months. The depression was greater than usual, however, as the country had not recovered financially from its two recent wars. After the French loan was negotiated and the first payment received the prospects were brighter. Concessions were granted in connection with this loan for the construction of a railroad between Samsun, on the Black Sea coast, and various points in the interior of Asia Minor, and work was actually begun at Samsun. As much of the region between Samsun and Harput is very fertile and at the present time it is impossible to export the crops because of lack of means of transportation to the coast, the people were looking forward to a new era. The telegraph and mail services had already been greatly improved. During the spring and early summer there was much building activity at Harput and many new houses were in process of erection. In July the streets here were publicly lighted for the first time. At Sivas plans were made to establish an electric-light plant. Crops everywhere were unusually good and after the trade depression of the first half of the year a revival of business was anticipated for the autumn. The building activity resulted in an increased demand for some building materials. Shopkeepers and merchants were on their way to Constantinople to replenish their stocks, when suddenly a general mobilization of the Turkish Army was declared. Trade ceased, as many merchants and tradesmen had to join the army. Harvesting was left largely to the women and children and a considerable portion of the crops was lost. Grain, animals, and goods of all kinds were requisitioned by the Government. Money was withdrawn from circulation and the banks refused to make payments. +Large Decrease in Import Trade.+