The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1919-11-26
SEES NO
HOPE FOR DECREASE
IN PRICE OF SHOES
BY WILLIAM r. sANeoRN.

1t would indeed be a pleasure to sit
up all night to write the story of a
reduction in the price Of shoes, either
present or prospective, II such a story
could truthfully be told. A review of
the entire field sheds not a single ray
of hope of any lower prices. this year
or next spring. The trend is still UP
ward for all deliveries up to next
April, which means all the shoes avail.
able for wear until next fall.
Some pessimists are even insisting
much higher prices q year from date.
than will rule during the next few
months. This not being the open
season for shooting prophets Of evil.
we have spared their lives, and ara
paying little heed to their rawlings, es.
pecially Of those predicting high-cost
shoes for the next years, as some
are doing
Those among US who toll and spin
are naturally anxious to see a mater
tal reduction in the price Of all classes
OF footwear. To note continuous ad-
vances In most Of our table supplies,
and also nearly every essential In
dress. more than a year after cessation
OF hosttlities. calls for a whole lot OF
explanation.
But who is responsible7 From whom
shall we demand explanation or
apology? Are any prohteering? Perish
the thought. The largest manufacture
er and the smallest retailer, will freely
admit that their hands are clean: that
they are victims of circumstances over
which they have not the least control.
They tell US that hey would gladly
give more for the money but that the
fates forbid, for they too, must live.
Facts About Footwear.
American shoes are the worlds
standard Of artistic excellence and
quality. All except freak lasts and
overly-ornamented novelties are ap-
proved by the Style Committee Of the
National Shoe Retailers association.
Lasts and models are submitted to this
committee by the leading manufacture
ers, and among the members are men
who can design and fashion shoes. Tho
designs and lasts are made well in ad-
vance Of each season and the style
selections, more especially as to wo-
mems wear. have the endorsement of
the committee who meet for that pur-
pose. long before the accepted models
are presented to the trade.
Our Export sa,es.
Little wonder that American shoes
are in growing demand abroad. nor in
view Of the conditions, at much higher
prices than obtain in this country.
High priced as we may now consider
our footwear. the fact Is urdentable
that our highest figures on f1ne shoes
would really appear cheap in any
foreign city.
We have exported a great deal OF
footwear during recent years, and IN
ever increasing quantity TO open ports.
even during the war. You viii! find
American shoes in old Damascus. at
Bombay and Calcutta. India. In Cairo
Egypt. and in every European city
once more accessible. where they have
the money to buy and facilities to i'm.
port from America.
The best dressors in Australia, New
Zealand erd IN many South American
countries know the excellence Of our
shoes. and their sale has been Unite
only by our lack Of persistence in
seeking foreign markets. although
many manufacturers are represented
!. by branch houses or brokers and sales
men abroad.
Many foreign countries are supplied
by London and Paris exporters. who
have American buyers in this country
It is worth while TO note that Enelan,
has Recently SOult).eteiV IdlSeu me Gil
barge on American shoes. effective i'm
mediately after the close of the war
and partially lifted later on
Fact and Comment.
While the foregoing IS all true It I:
also true that cur shoe exports are Z
comparatively small fraction OF ou1
output. Many manufacturers have re
peatedly turned down offers OF foreign
buyers. simply because they are givinf