The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-04-05
GOVERNMENTS PRICE
FIXING IS DOOMED
- -
Continued from Fwst Page.

change Its mind would seem to Indicate
the likelihood OF a patching up of
differences tomorrow and get to-
gether In the conference on a price sta
bilization plan that can be generally
approved and adopted.
Statement Made ON Pine Prices.
The Industrial Board took cognizance
or the reported decision OF the Southern
Pine Association to decline any price
agreement in the following statement:
In view OF the despatch from New
Orleans dated April q to the effect that
the Southern Pine Lumber Manufac-
turers had declined a proposal of the
Industrial Board of the United States
Department OF Commerce that they en-
ter into joint price agreement as a
means for stabilizing market conditions
Mr.. Peek, chairman of the board, states
that the Southern Pine Association or
any other representatives of industry
have never been invited to enter into a
price agreement, but have been invited
to cooperate with the Industrial Board
in an effort to stabilize prices by getting
the industry voluntarily to make prices
as low as present cost and labor condi-
tions will justify. Below is quoted a
letter from the Southern Pine Associa-
a. ., ".
indorsing the plan:
II am instructed to submit TO you
the resolution below which was adopted
by the manufacturers of Southern pine
in the annual meeting Of this association
held In New Orleans, February 25 and rs.
RESOLVED. That this association in
dorses the general purpose OF the plan
of Secretary Redfield as announced in
the public press and pledges itself to
lend its efforts to the furtherance OF a
programme that looks to the betterment
OF Industrial conditions: and be 1t further
"'Resolued, That this organization re-
commend TO Secretary Redfield for his
consideration the selection OF John II.
Kirby as a man well qualified to advise
on maSsrs OF national import wherein
lumber products are concerned.
This matter IS respectfully sub
m!tted for your earnest consideration.
beg to state that the lumber manufac.
turers of the South not only appreciate
and endorse the plan which you have
proposed for the sterilization Of prices
but would be glad to do anything within
their power to assist you in carrying out
same
Coal Men Want Fair Prices"
J. d. A. Morrow, general secretary OF
the National Coal Association, issued q
reply to-day to the statement OF Di
rector-General Hines with respect e
railroad coal purchases. Mr.. Morrow
denied that the coal operators were en-
deavoring to maintain a high level o.
prices and declared that the operator,
asked for q single fair price for every
body only because "under present con
ditions grave matters OF public interes
affecting the industrial peace of tn,
country are involved"
The statement cites alleged punching
OF orders and points to the possibility
of such punching to the great detrimen
of the Industrial situation through tn,
purchase plan adopted by the Railroad
Administration
The coal operators want the Indus
trial Board to adjudcate a price a
which all railroad coal shall be pur
chased.
WASHINGTON. April 4.--Acceptance o.
the uniform prices was put squarely VI
to the Navy Department to-day wher
bids were opened for 10000 tons o
structural steel. In compliance with thu
law competitive bids we're asked. bu
when they were opened all were fount
TO be based on the prices announced b!
the Industrial Board. Department Off
cials declare the principle OF uniform
prices has neither been accepted nor re
jected.
The Shipping Board reiterated its &C
ceptance OF the new steel prices as
basis for future contracts, but it wa
pointed out that yards have bought stee
for many months ahead and that few
new contracts are being let. Opinion
was expressed. however, that the new
and lower prices would stimulate ship
building.