New Britain herald., 1916-02-08
WARNING ISSUED TO
 U. 5. BUSINESS MEN Place Less Dependence Upon the
 "PrOVerbial American Guess"
DO CONSTRUCTIVE THINKING
President F'ahey of C. of C. of United States Also Urges Less Partisanship Questions.

Washington, Feb. S-Warning to American business men to place less dependence upon the "proverbial American guess" and to constructive thinking, to become less partisan in dealing with great economic questions, and to systematically discourage the prevalent disparagment of the efforts of men in public life was voiced by John H. Fahey, president of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, at the opening of it's fourth annual convention today.
 "I am convinced" said President Fahey,' that if we are quite frank with ourselves we must realize that for many years we have been very poorly informed as to the real facts involved in great questions before the country of special interest to us The workman in their organizations and the farmers in theirs have been far better posted on matters of par ticular importance to them than have the business men in their field; but we have now come to the period in the history of America when less de- pendence can be placed upon the proverbial American guess We must begin to do constructive thinking. Raps Petty Politics.
 'I believe, also. that American bus mess men would be much more use full to the country and to themselves if they were less inclined toward partisanship in dealing with the great economic questions which so vitally affect their interests. A number of our most important problems would have been disposed of in congress years ago but for petty politics.
 Another thing we business men 1 should set out systematically to dis courage is the altogether too preva- 1 lent and continuous disparagement l of the efforts of men in public life. l When the business man himself has 1 a little experience with holding office l or when he comes to understand con 1 gross or the average state legislature as it really is he usually begins to i change his views about public ser wants if he is at all fair minded Business Men Responsible eff congressman or senators do not understand business questions. a fair share of responsibility rests with tho business men, for until we formed this organization we never employed any method for advising them what they could be expected to accept as representing the business view. I am satisfied that congress is not only ready but glad to be fair to business ana to cooperate with us in every way possible in the advancement of the common welfare. Business will never get fair consideration of it's Just claims in congress by employing roundabout methods. The day of in direction passed long ago. I know T reflect the sentiment of the business men of the nation as a whole when l say that all we want is to have ,,1., causes considered dispassionately, and we are confident that the right kind of verdict will usually result. Be- ueVlng this, we should be alert TO call to account any business man or buSlness men who, by other methods, would discredit business as a whole.
 'Iet us constantly keep in mind also, that while being perfectly free to criticise the demagogue and the mounte bank in public life, we will never accomplish anything in raising the standards of statesmanship un- less we go out of our, way to praise and support those who really make sacrifices because public spirit impels them to give years of their lives to the state with very meagre returns"
 Seven Hundred Bodies.
 President Fahey said that seven hundred commercial bodies are af filiated with the chamber, which in membership and in the widespread character of. representation far ax ceeds in size any similar organization, in the wor1d.'
 Reports of officers occupied the remainder of the opening session. The convention will continue through Thursday, with national defense as the chief topic of discussion on the closing day. President Wilson will speak at the annual banquet Thurs day night.
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