The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-08-15
LITTLE INTEREST
IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Montague Criticizes Retail
Merchants for Failure to
Grasp Situation.
BEST WAY TO ADVERTISE
Do Not Make Announcement
Unless Ready and Prepar-
ed to Deliver the Goods.
Witness Germany.
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Visiting and local merchants in at
tendance upon the conference at John
Marshall High School auditorium were
RECALLED yesterday with many bright
speeches from men well posted on the
subjects which they handled. and at
times tho audience broke out into
Itumaltuous applause as some express
sion struck them forcibly.
Logic and reasoning combined in
creating an awakening among those
who have not yet taken the war seri-
ousls except insofar as II had proved
"a money-making affair for many of
them.
The speakers urged more serious
thought concerning the events Of the
time, and they besought cooperation
and the awakening of the latent spirit
of conservation and fellow feeling. II
was pointed out that the war was not
brought about for the benefit OF in
terested business men WHO might reap
rich profits from the citizen. but was
entered into for the very purpose OF
terests-
Must Awaken Interest.
Congressman Montague was the
principal speaker.
The government before the war. as
well az now. he declared. showed itself
concerned regarding business condi-
tions. The speaker brought q mild
against business men OF
the acuntry when hs sid that they
had not tAken the 1nteree3 m kovern-
ment affairs that they should
You have not been the politicians
you should have been" he said This
those holding ethce to entertain an
and INSCRIPTIONS business conditions.
Congressman Montague occasioned
much applause when he referred to
the work OF American forces In Eu-
rope. IT was In speaking OF the rail-
roads that he said America does not
know what a great railroad was until
IL heard OF those great transportation
lines in France.
"Germany's policy ia that man ia
made for the government; In this
country the government is for man.
This 10 now being emphasized at the
point OF the sword on the hattlenelds
Oh Europe
Norman johnson. one of the live
into his address, and put things
squareiy before his audience.
This world does not owe you a liv-
ing. you owe the world a life. There
are but two things for the American
these days. He Is either to live to
serve or die to save. The government
expects every business man to make
money. There must be raised $4,000
100000 In taxes from business con-
Germs. This is $4,000, 100000 more
money than there Is In the United
States. The concern that does not
make money and help pay these taxes
is helping the kaiser.
Day Of Large Profits Over.
You have got to work harder for
yourself than you have ever worked,
merged with the greatest business
problem Of today. which il that we
have got to win this war. The coun-
try has made sacrifices, but business
has never prcspered SO greatly as dur
ing the war period. The day OF large
profits and war profits Is about over
While merchandise will not decrease
In price to the consumer. the profits
that dealers have made will be con-
stderably reduced.
More than 80 per cent Of the mills
Of the country arc making goods for
the soldiers and, In consequence. mer-
chandtse will be more scarce than this
country has ever known. The gov
eminent Is going to regulate the price
of staple merchandise. and. while they
are going to be higher than at pres
ent. profiteering is going to be elimi-
mated"
Mr.. johnson told his hearers that