The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-02-08

washington. Feb. s.-yyarning to
American business men to- place less
dependence upon the provefbial Amer
lean f'guesss and to begin constr1c-
tive thinking, to become less partisan
in dealing with great economic ques-
lions and to systematically discourage
the prevalent dispaFagement Of the
efforts of men in public life was voiced
by Hon. John H Fahey, president of
the chamber of commerce of the Unit
ed States. at the opening of its fourth
annual convention today.
st arm. 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 this
country OF special interest to us.
VVorkmen in their organiza lions and
the farmers in theirs have been far
better posted on matters of particular
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 independ-
enee can be placed upon the proven
(; bal American guess. We must begin
to do constructive thinking.
Il believe. also, that American bus
mess men would be much more useful
l to the country and to themselves of
I they were less inclined toward parti-
sanshfp In dealing with the great eco
monte questions which SO vitality af-
I feet their interests A number of our
Seen disposed Of in Congress years
ago, but for petty policies
Another thing we business men
should out systematically to discour-
age Is the altogether too prevalent
and continuous disparagemen of the
efforts of men in public life When
the business man himself has a. little
experience with holding. office or when
The comes to understand Congress or
the average state legislature as it
really is he usually begins to change
his views about ubItc servants of he
is at an fair minded
II Congressmen or Senators dc not
understand business questions. fair
share of Responsibility rests with \ the
businessmen, for until we formed this
organization we never employed any
method for advising them what they
could be expected to accept as rep
resenting the business view. I am
satisfied that Congress is not only
ready but glad to be fair to business
and, to cooperate with us in every way
possible in the advancement of the
welfare. But business will never get
fair consideration of its just claims in
Congress but employing roundabout
methods. The day of indire elton pass
ed long ago. know I reflect the SEN
timent of the businessmen of the ma
ton as whole when I say that all
we want is to have our causes consid-
cred dispassionately and we. are conf
dent that the right kind of a verdict
will usually result. Believing this, we
should be alert to call to account any
businessman or businessmen who, by
other methods, would discredit bust
ness an a whole.
Let us constantly keep in mind
also that while being perfectly free to
criticise the demagogues and the bank
in public life we wilJ meyer accom-
plish anything in raising the standards
or craftsmanship unIess we go out Of
our way to praise and support those
who really make sacrifices because
public spirit imply them to give years
OF their lives to the state with very
meagre returns"
President Fahey said that 700 COM
mercial bodies are affiliated with the
chamber which, in membership and in
the widespread character. of represen-
tation far exceeds any similar. organf-
zation in the world" $
Reports Of officers occupied the re-
matnder Of the opening session. The