The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1913-12-31
BUSINESS MANS INFLUENCE,

There seems Of late to be q whole
some reaction against the scare
interviews n stories about business
conditions ~cmanating from various
more or less authentic sources says
The New York Journal of Commerce.
Even the organized protectionists
of New England, in recent meeting,
are inclined to deprecate the ex-
treme predictions of disaster, ruin and
panic that have been in circulation.
Representatives in congress who have
been sending out II uttering on the
floor Of either house assertions of the
difficulties to be encountered by the
business world, giving statistics Of UNI
employment that cannot by any posi-
bility be correct, and otherwise aiding
the feeling Of depression in trade cir
cles, have clearly OVershot the mark
and are not winning the appreciation
of their constituents. The average
business man evidently knows the
value of a cheerful state of mind, and
is not inclined to create a psychologist
cal condition that is advise to him.
self if he can help it.
This disposition to be conservative,
and as cheerful as facts will properly
i allow is a hopeful sign Of the times.
: Calamities may be brought on by pre-
dieting them. Commercial confidence
is a delicate plant, easily chilled. But
there is a crying need for conservatism
OF statement and for moderation Of
action in a broader field than that
which includes current trade condi-
Tons. Every one agrees as to the
~deslrability Of having the voice of the
business man heard and regarded in
the legislative matters which directly
affect his prosperity, and through him
that of the community.
Yet there is grave danger Of
weakening his influence by means Of
overstatement. The tariff struggle Of
the past summer was accompanied by
the most doleful forecasts of excessive
importations, severe competition from
abroad, and general disaster likely to
be u to the prospective enactment.
None of these results have been
brought to pass and none are likely
to be.
In like manner, there was positive
assertion on the part of bankers as to
the danger of the proposed currency
and banking legislation, and many
statements from supposedly reliable
heads of institutions that they would
not ether the new system. Experts
on banking uttered most pessimistic
opinions.
Now the banks are rushing into the
new system and the experts in ques-
tion have largely rescinded their pre-
vtous views. The effect on the minds
of men charged with responsibility is
similar to that produced by the shep-
herd boy who constantly called Wolf
Wolf!' as a practical joke, and so fail
ed to get aid when the real danger
presented itself. To find hat the ex.
IRENE predictions Of critics have beer
fulfilled in neither of the two most
important matters affecting bushes.
tina have lately been acted upon BY
congress is likely to shake the o / :
dence of legislators in the accuracy
Of those who have committed them,
selves to such threats and forecasts.
1.-THE question thus presented is {
very serious one. There is a prospec
OF radical legislation, likely to trans
form the system of industry now II
effect, and there is need of strong an
wholesome counsel coming from tn,
men of light n leading who repre-
gent the best side Of existing condi.
lions. Polisical relationships are sucl
that it will no longer be possible te
whistle away proposals distasteful Il
those who have been pursuing tn,
older methods of doing business ant
who see their leadership called il
question.
1T is a time. therefore, for sane
analysis Of the different schemes g