Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1914-08-28

able to command the seas and bring
in foodstuffs from abroad, the war
may be indefinitely prolonged. Adj
miral Mahan has expressed the opin-
ion that it will be a long war.
Additional light viii probably be
thrown on this vital question by the
events OF the next few weeks.
A striking feature of the situation
is the uneven influence of the war
on American industries. We shall
probably see, if the situation CON
tinues, certain industries and COM
mercial organizations working at
top speed and making enormous
profits, while beside them will be
the empty offices and deserted fac
tories of other industries. 1t is, Of
course, impossible to estimate at this
time in dollars and cents the profits
and the losses that will come to the
people Of this country. But, this
fact stands out clearly. that even
though the profits and advantages
we reap oyerbalance the losses, we
must expect severe retrenchment on
the part of many firms.
To further complicate the situa-
ton, we must consider also the prob
able sharp rise in prices of food and
clothing as they will affect the wage
earners and salaried employees of the
country, The present nigh cost of
living will in all probability be far
higher within the next few months.
In the midst OF this unexpected
turmoil, it is necessary that Ameri-
can business men should be alert
and should think quickly. A pitched
battle on the other side of the ocean
can have a great and almost immedi-
ate effect on the price of provisions
IN some country store; on the policy
OF manufactures who is consider
ing changes in his products or his
markets; on the decision Of an ad-
yertising manager to extend or can
Gel his advertising; on the willing
ness OF an employee to ntinue at
his present salary.
There has never been period in
history when great world events
came closer to the daily lives, the
practical business affairs, the ambi-
tons, the fears, and the hopes OF
everyday people
With events moving so rapidly, it
is necessary for the business man
who is to take advantage Of them
also to move quickly. There is
scarcely a business in the country
that does not need immediate read
justin ent. 1t may not be radical in
most cases, but i; will be enough in
thousands of instances to make the
difference between profit and loss,
between success and failure. Tie
feadjustmepo may consis, simply IN
revising orders for sto ~ pad raw
naterials; 1t ma consist III reduc-
ing CT eXtendIn& sales ar office ex-
penses; it may consist of securing
additional capital for ,n'ae big,
timely expansion. Every business
needs more than ever be'"l. hawk
eyed watching and quick decision.
1t is equally important not to be
led into false moves. The crisis IN
the war may be reached shortly.
Profits that are to be taken must be
taken quickly and without large in
vestment of fixed capital.
Whatever losses have to be faced
should be quickly reduced to a mini
mum, but without becoming panic
stricken and giving up valuable CON
nections and organizations.
Each man must analyze his own
business at once, make up his mind
whether he will garner benefits or
suffer reverses and take steps to
meet the situation.
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STOCK RANCH SACRIFICE