American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1917-08-21
PRICE-FIXING POLICIES NAY
INTRODUCE NEW PROBLEMS
Government and Business in COOpera-
ti0n; Farmers Profit Limited in
Wheat Contract Plan; Trade l. I'm
proving.


NEW YORK. Aug. 1S.-Whie admit
ting that the price-nXing programme
of the government is fraught with
great difficulties and great dangers.
business leaders are confident that.
With the proper degree of cooperation
between the government and big bus
mess the problems incidental 10 the
gigantic war preparations will admit
of solution 1t would seem as though
the governments problem is but an
enlarged 3 tiOn OF that of every man
/ of inco the country today name
: ly. not .cquiring of money but the
/ judicic ppropriatiou OF money after
its e. ,ition. The success of the
/ Libe Oan and the financial prepar-
alton of the country for the loans yet
10 come. are assurance that govern
ment leaders need have no concern on
that score Il is the judiciOus trans
lating of the billions OF resources al
the government disposal into practi-
cal supplies and equipments that viii
call for the most effective application
of the principles of economy equity
and business acumen on the part of all
concerned
There can. however, be no criticism
of the foundation upon which the ac-
tivities of the government, in its war
programme have been based IL is
briefly and simply that all classes OF
b citizens. including those who have pro
{ hted so immensely in the war trade
, with the nations which are now oul
allies. are in unison and harmony witt
! government officials in their desire {,
Q ~f-.. r-fe~ Z
5 nish or procure all materials neces
q sary for that end a g minimum o
cost II is unfortunate that some gov
( ernment officials think it necessar
d 70 maintain an attitude of critical hos
e tility 70 our big business organization
r bur in time they will probably be mad
b 20 see the light Surely the willing
ness of hundreds. even thousands. c
-t industrial and commercial leader
.- to devote their entire time 10 the sci
vices of the country. and In not fe
it cases to place the entire output
d their mills and factories at the di'
posal of the war department. is amp
.e evidence of their desire 90 place p.
triotism above profits. Amy officu
be statement from Washington which dot
lie not recognize these facts and principl
is not doing fun justice TO the situ'
le tiou from the business standpoint
X VIII Be Equitable.
I'm his disposition OF the SubleJ
be- Pres ideut Wilson has enunciated p
~ ncy which. if properly adhered
he viii be- equitable 70 all concerned a.
s- viii not st.fle industry while inslru
maNimum service for the governme.
.By a just price said the preside
In an official statement. Il mean
price which viii sustain the indusJri
- concerned In high state of efficienl
provide 4 liying for those who cond
them. enable them 10 pay good was
ry and make possible expansion OF th'
sh enterprises which from time 10 On
icy will become necessary as The stups
dous undertakings of the war develo
.or Ii is easily apparent that the war
To- dustries board which must be guic
as in its operations by the word fr'
ate higher up" will not promulsate
series OF regulations that Will be
trimental 10 the best interests OF
whole country A peculiar prObl
AT has been introduced. however. by
statement that the war board will
the sist that prices TO the allies must
cid identical with those Quotedrto our 0
re- governmen. ii the stories Of exc
ice profits" which reach us from Lone
for be true. and if English firms are 5
led permitted to enjoy war prices 20 q
vas own government while American III
nen are TO be cut down 10 raw bone, il
,oat eident that a more equitable basis
adjustment must be found.