South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-05-28
Judge Ebert Gary, in Address
Before American Iron and
Steel Institute, Outlines Ba-
sis For Future Prosperity.
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR
A MERCHANT MARINE
Declares Governmental EnCOur-
agement Will Enable Nation
to Maintain Place on Seas
After War.

dress as president of the American
Iron and Steel institute at its eighth
general meeting, held here today at
the Waldorf Astoria. Ebert III. Gary.
/. chairman Of the board Of the United
States Steel corporation, said.
There has recently been manifested
deposition TO blame the business
men of the country for not openly
and vigorously protesting against infiu-
cnces which we're calculated TO pre-
vent the natural and reasonable prog
rcss Of economic effort Men of prom
inence and recognized ability have
stated I'm unmeasured terms that il is
not only the right but the duty Of the
business men of this country TO boldly
and persistently advocate their claims
and defend their rights. They have
been charged with undue timidity for
neglecting to appeal To the sense and
fairness OF the general public when
ever assailed without good cause.
That there has been some ground
for these criticisms viii not be doubt
ed: but there is another side to this
question. The business man has not
been alone i'm his seeming cOWardice.
There are others largely responsible
for the general conditions, and there
fore under obligations 20 work for the
advancement of the public interest,
who have been reluctant to express
their real convictions. Reference is
made TO some of the statesmen of
prominence and ability whose dispO-
sitiOn for fair play is unquestiOned ON
occasions when their voices, If heard
in legislative halls, would seem to
have been influential, they have re-
NAMED silent
\ Change for the Better.
In times gone by there have been
reasons for the hesitancy of the bus
mess man in boldly proclaiming his
rights. The conduct of business by
many men Though small in number
compared with the t0tal has not al
ways been up to the standard of
prOpriety. This is not a new subject;
ii has been frequently adverted 10 by
many Of us during the last 10 years.
AS a consequence there has been CON
siderable prejudice against business
interests. particularly the larger ones;
indeed, it has been worse than useless
TO speak in favor of the protection
and growth of business, for the words
would be ineffective. So il is not diff
fcult 10 understand why. for a period
of years business men in this country
suffered in silence.
There is no intention at this time
20 modify or minimize anything that
has heretofore been said by way of
admission that there was need of re-
form in business methods on the
contrary. the fact should be emphasiz-
ed that we must be honest and fair in
our treatment of all questions submit
ted 10 our consideration and decision.
But as / have said before more than
once there has been in this country
a decided change for better business
methods and. therefore i'm the atti-
tude of the general public towards the
men in control There never was any
such disregard of the rights OF others
by business men generally as was fire.
r.Fff fnr ranf al NnH IgE
the effort of the large majority to be
decent; but all suffered more or less
for the misconduct of a few. How
ever, in recent years there has been
little cause for complaint. and the
general public understands and APP
preCiates these conditions.
Now the time is come when the bus
mess man. even If he represents large
interests, may speak frankly and free
ly about any of the important QueS-
tions which affect him or those whom
he represents. When and while our
attitude and conduct are above re-
preach. others viii be willing 20 heed
what we may say concerning any
question ia which they or we may be
interested. Indeed. as heretofore sug-
gested. the leading newspapers OF this
country have been fair and reason
able in their advocacy of whatever
makes for the advancement of the
and in their opposition 20 the efforts
OF unwise or untninking or vicious
men 20 the contrary. What follows
in my remarks VIII he said from the
viewpoint OF those who MAY be direct
ly connected with and particularly in
terested in the consideration OF econ
omic questions
Some Reasons for Lack OF Prosperity.
The material strength and growth
OF the country is OF high Importance
Food raiment and shelter are absO-
lutely essential TO the lie and health
OF the individual This interviewer
with all other questions A nation of
individuals who are poverty stricken
hes little influence throughout the
world. III cannot add much TO the
happiness of It's citizens. If they are
deprived OF the necessities Of life they
viii not listen long 10 the advocate Of
mere morals. nor 20 the speaker on
the stump who seeks political prefer
ment It therefore behooves every
one occupying q position OF influence
20 give his best thought and endeavOr
10 the promotion OF business success
In this country 90 the fullest extent
consistent with propriety.
Attention is called Go the attitude Of
governmental agencies during the last
few years toward the business OF the
country and toward It's attempts 20
develop trade Has it been wise and
iudicious2 Has DC been fair and rea-
sonablee Has it been broad and un-
biased, OF narrow and prejudical2 Has
IL been calculated 90 benefit an cit
liens alike
With the advantages possessed. this
country by reason of IT'S location. cli-
mate. natural resources and immense
wealth, 10 is not too much 20 insist
that 10 should have been continuously
more prosperous financially CONNER
cially and industrially than any other
nation on Tine face ~ the globe. Cap
tai should have been protected. labor
constantly employed az liberal wages.
Cuisines ENTERPRISE encouraged. extern