The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-25
Why Does Business Halt?

Nov. in view of the great ad-
vantages presented to our people, why
is 1T that business prosperity is fire.
quently and seriously Interrupted? The
peoples of other nations are asking this
question; especially those who have
money for investment. There are ex-
ceptional cases in which mismanage-
ment has caused distrust or dissatis-
faction on the part OF foreign and do
nestle capitalists; but this is not the
principal reason for hesitancy at the
present time on the part of these cap
italists in making investments in our
securities. They wonder why it is that
with our great and growing wealth and
resources and our superior advantages
we are not more. continuously prosper
Gus; why we are not more stable in
prices and values and in general con-
ditions; why there is ever amy dispo-
sitfon on the part of any one to inter-
fere with the normal and natural pro-
gress/in the development of our coun-
try and its industries. Everyone who
travels extensively abroad is confront
ed with these inquiries by foreigners
friendly to and interested in our COM
mercial and financial conditions and
success; and we assembled in this room
are asking ourselves the same ques
tions.
Il venture the assertion that it is
largely because of much unnecessary
agitation and ill considered criticism
by those who have not the nations
best interests at heart. There is toe
much demagogy, too much mudslinging
The man out of office criticises the one
in office and the one in office in turn
seeks to advance his own interests re-
gardless of the effect upon all others
In many public speeches and in maga-
zine articles the author is influenced
w mn ixrAs - 81 t1tx !.
Appeals are made for the purpose OF
creating feeling of dissatisfaction and
unrest when this is unnecessary and
unJustified. Fortunately this Is partial
ly offset by the conservative attitude
or some of the leading journals; and
the number is increasing
1T is not uncommon in public dis
cussions to treat success as an Of
fense: to consider. the possession OF
wealth. however honestly acquired, as
wrong. Legislation calculated to create
classes Is urged persistently; also laws
to impose unnecessary and unreason
able burdens; to forcibly take from one
something which he has and is entitled
to have, and turn it over to another;
TO prevent or to lessen the success 6f
legitimate enterprise and endeavor
Capital, always timid, has been ser
ously affected by this unreasonable and
uncalled for agitation and attack In
deed, 1T Is becoming frightened. Conf
dence has been shaken. 1t is becoming
almost impossible to secure, on fair
terms. on good security and at a rea
sonable rate of interest. the necessary
capital to equip or literally maintain
going and successful properties. to say
nothing of the additions and extensions
which the interests of this great and
growing country demand.
The stability of business, which isoes-
sential to its proper and reasonable
growth and success. has been interfered
with Our great and growing population
can use -our products; it needs food and
clothes and material to build and il is
willing and anxious to buy them 1t is
in need of railroads and ships with the
best equipment to carry these products
from one point to another and it is will
ing to ray fair rates for the service La
borers are willing to work at a reason
able wage and employers are anxious to
furnish work and to pay liberal compen-
sation. The carrying companies are de-
sirous of providing necessary facilities
for adequate transportation. Producers
in all departments of industry wish to
satisfy the demands for their products
at fair prices and - that end they would