davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08

I to contribute in the form of loans as
much money as the Federal govern
ment. Each province was called upon
to submit to Ottawa for approval
general housing scheme which meets
the minimum standards of the Federal
government.
The Federal loan is repayable by the
provinces over period of twenty
years and may be advanced for build
ing houses on sites owned by the pro
vincial governments, by housing So
cletles and companies designed to pro-
mote housing and owners of lots for
the purpose Of erecting houses for
their own occupancy.
In its essentials the Canadian plan
is as follows, according to a report
drawn up by the Governor General and
recently approved by the government
general
l. The success of the housing move
ment depends upon the requirement of
suitable land at its fair value and at
a cost which workingmen can afford to
paw
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08
City Planning
On National Scale

2. Where housing schemes are pro-
posed the sites as we'll as the buildings
should be properly planned so as to
secure sanitary conditions, wholesome
environment and the utmost economy.
3. In those cases where loans are
given to workingmen owning lots care
should be taken to insure that the site
proposed to be built upon occupies a
healthy and convenient situation, and
that suitable provision can be made in
such situation for the erection of
sanitary type Of dwelling with ade-
quate provision for open spaces.
a. In order to insure that the money
shall be lent to those who most need
it no person in receipt of an income
exceeding $4,000 year should be
eligible as a purchaser or tenant of
house erected with the aid of govern
ment funds in any schemes carried out
by provincial governments, municipali-
ties, housing associations and owners
of lots.
5. In cities and towns local improve
ments should be constructed as far as
practicable prior to the building of
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08
Where Adrances
Are AlI0,red

l. Advances should be made for (a)
the purchase Of suitable land for hous-
Ing schemes; (b) the construction Of
the necessary local improvements on
and IN connection with the development
OF such land as part Of a housing
scheme; (c) the erection Of sanitary
and economical dwellings.
S. The proportion of the money lent
IN respect of the capital value of the
bare land should not, as a rule, exceed
one-tenth, and in nc case should exceed
one-eighth of the gross cost of tbs
dwelling.
9. All dwellings erected in cities and
towns should face on streets so con-
structed as to provide dry and con-
venient means of access to such dwell.
ings or on approved courts opening
on to such streets, and in no case on
lanes or alleys.
10. Provision should be made for Sc
curing ample garden and air space sur.
rounding the dwellings to be erected.
In cities and towns each dwelling
should occupy lot comprising at least
1900 square feet, and in villages and
rural areas at least $500 feet.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08
High Prices for" Food Are
UnaUazvanted, Merchant Saws
H. ~ Douglas Beieres Reduction in When Prices ould
lie foiio'ced BY General Decline the Cost OF Lining

agriculturist. A reduction in the price
OF wheat would carry with it CORE
spending and sympathetic fall in the
cost OF all grains, and consequently in
ell meat, poultry and dairy products.
Ihat is, it would in most any times we
can conceive OF, especially when a win
ter wheat yield of Oo0O0,000 bushels
is increasingly immnenx
The same story Of the continued eff
feet Of government regulation and con-
troll Of prices, when the necessity for
them is past, is seen in the price of
hogs, which have been ranging the
highest IN years. and yet there are
more hogs to-day in the country than
ever before in its history. Now, these
are the things which be, and which
seems to have overcome us. like sum-
mer cloud, without our special wonder.
Inc only answer to be found is OF q
possible enormous demand from Europe
IN the near future which may justify
the present figures and render unwise
any present change in the price of
wheat, lest 1t go still higher.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08
The Situation
In .Sfeek

Probably very few on this side of
the water have any intelligent concen-
ton Of what the European demand
really is or what it is likely TO develon
into. But on the face of the general
facts most students Of the situation
..rc mentally from Missouri as 20 the
possible potency and influence Of
F'urope's needs.
In the steel and iron business there
were sharp declines in the spring, as
was generally anticipated, but the vol
ume Of production gradually fell off
and to-day is about 55 per cent Of
capacity Yet there is much talk about
hrmer prices and maybe advances be-
cause Of somewhat better demand
and the likelihood of this demand
growing steadily. All of which
prophecy seems likely to be realized.
wow, ordinarily on 80 low basis Of
production there would be great eau
lion IN making advances, at least until
larger output was assured, when adj
vances might be ventured without the
danger Of chilling and sitting the new
porn demand. Meanwhile in general
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08

were reduced to a point that is com.
pe1llng retailers to place orders
freely, and it is doubtful whether
during the next six months. that is,
until after the holiday season, there
will be sufficient amount of mer-
chandise to meet the demand.
"The American army under the
selective draft act consisted of the
man from the farm, the mine, the
mill, the machine, the bench and
other occupations. In brief, our
army was an industrially democratic,
one, consisting Of men engaged in
every field Of endeavor. A short
age of workers resulted in a shrink
age Of raw materials, and conse
quently also a shrinkage Of manu-
featured goods"
W. Lloyd, treasurer of the Ben
Jamn '. Harrison Company, manu-
facturers Of leather goods, drew at
tention to a short supply and large
demand in that industry, saying:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08

in steel and iron there are still oc-
curing declines, mostly moderate, in
the lines of finished material, and ap-
parently they may continue for time
that is, until there is some definite
advance in the cost Of raw material.
In copper, lead and spelter there
were material recessions from the
high peaks reached during the war,
all due to the certainty that produc-
ton, at its height, could more than
take care of any possible demand. This
certainly has not changed, and yet all
of these metals are firmer in price
than a few weeks ago, and, in fact,
have registered advances. In copper
there is still a great surplus, and the
mines are running only half time, and
these facts bring into the story that
second factor-the invincible reluc-
lance of the producer. whether indus
trial or agricultural, to go back to the
pre-war level Of prices or anything like
them, and instead to hold his prices
or to advance them whenever possible.
Nor does the distributor differ in any
way in this tendency, for the days of
prosperity are always those of high
prices. Finally, it harks back to the
consumer, who is buying as never be-
fore, not even during the war, because
his purchasing power in general is
greater than ever
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08

abundance of money is in itself great
temptation to speculation and imitation.
We have not yet adjusted the proper
relations of prices and purchasing
power, and we shall not be on sound
foundation until that is done, even
though we may pcrforce postpone the
solution of that problem for the time
being. There is only one way to ac-
ccmplish this and that is by the aboli-
ton of all control of prices and of
supply, and by allowing competition
and supply and demand to have free
and unrestricted play.
The third factor is found in the
growing favorable balance of foreign
trade and the sinister and significant
fact that Europe has about exhausted
the credits we extended TO her. Either
VIC must extend her new credits or else
our volume of exports must decline.
with the probable usual effect of de-
creasing production and causing a fall
ing in prices in this country in the
lines and commodities so affected
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08
Demand for Silk
Goods Exceeds Supply

The Duplan Silk Company, re-
porting an exceedingly large de-
nand, said:
We wish to report that our per-
sonal experiences with present bust
ness conditions confirm the opinion
that, in a general way, in silk goods,
the demand exceeds the supply. The
fact of the matter is that while the
demand may be more active than
normal the main cause for the lack
Of equilibrium between the two
factors lays in the fact that pro-
duction is greatly hampered by la
Dor shortage and difficulties in Sc
curing prompt shipment of raw ma
terial"
Hara & Co., dealers in raw silk,
said
las is usually the case at this
time of the season, the Yokohama
market stocks of raw silk are re-
duced to a minimum. Arrivals
from the interior are small and not
in keeping with the demand from
this side. This is particularly true
of the high grades, of which there
is real shortage. The reason for
the increased demand for high
grade silks is due to two causes;
one a question of production and
the other is that better merchandise
is being made and demanded by the
public.
THE shortage Of silks will be re-
lleved entirely when the new crop
commences to arrive in July. In
our opinion there is not likely to be
a shortage thereafter. At the same
time our views as to the prospects
Of the silk business for the next few
months are that the demand will
continue good, with resulting high
prices for raw material"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08

Such state of affairs is the best
possible foundation for the general
welfare Of the nation, so long as it
lasts and provided it is on a sound
basis. Just how long it will last or
which way it will tend depends upon
several things, Of which the most i'm
portant is the harvest A disappoint-
ing and unfavorablc harvest will GER
tainly put a crimp in the volume and
prohts Of business. Moreover, it will
preclpitate an acute situation because
o' the continued high prices Of both
products. without any corresponding
enhancement of general prosperity. On
the other hand, a generous harvest
such as now seems probable, will clear
the situation Of many of our present
troubles and make certain an unusual
~ prosperous fall SO in general the
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08
Minority Report
CiUes Other Side

The other side of the picture was
painted by three rubber concerns
and one automobile accessory house.
Horace De Lisser, president of the
Ajax Rubber Company, took a mid
die view. He expressed unbridled
confidence in the future of his in
dustry, but merely testified that the
supply in rubber as a result of the
relaxation of government restric-
tons was becoming adequate.
Speaking now as regards the
rubber industry" he said, 1--WE GER
tainly view the future with the
greatest of confidence. Ajax Rub
Der Company's supplies Of raw ma
terlals are getting more and more
liberal. Since the removal of gov
ornamental restrictions our produc-
ton has mounted to a new maxi
mum, and we are finding ready
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08
Canada Lends Funds TO
Build Homes for Workers
Dominion Places $685. 100000 Disposal Of Provinces to Ouecoe
the Shortage Houses; Standards Set to lnnor ondonx

~ ANADA is the only country in the
Western Hemisphere which has
undertaken on a national scale
to lend funds for home building Gov
eminent aid in building homes is COM
monplace in Western Europe, but the
idea is novel in the New World.
But the war has left the whole world
short of dwelling places. And in New
York and elsewhere throughout the
country the usual channels for han
ding new construction are not func-
tioning well, because Of the high cost
of materials and the fear that the
present level may not be permanent.
Deferred building during the war years
and the normal growth of population
make the shortage acute, and in New
York State the reconstruction commits
sion. appointed by Governor Smith. is
examining the advisability Of departing
from the traditional methods of fnanc-
ing building to get the state out of
the housing dilemma. Its experts are
studying all tho systems of govern
ment aid in housing programmes, but
the Canadian plan is especially inter
esting, because it is our neighbours.
Canada's scheme for stimulating
building Of homes for workers and
returning soldiers has emerged from
the preliminary stages, and houses are
already actually being built
In appropriating $4,000. 900 to be
loaned through the provincial govern
ments the central government ex-
planned: The object in making pro-
vision for a loan of $4,000, 600 at 5
per cent to the provincial govern
ments for housing purposes is (a) to
promote the erection of dwelling
houses of modern character to relieve
congestion of population in cities and
towns; Ib) to put within the reach of
all working men, particularly returned
soldiers, the opportunity of acquiring
their own homes at actual cost Of the
building and land acquired at fair
value, thus eliminating the profits of
the Spectator; (c) to contribute to the
general health and we'll being of the
community by encouraging suitable
town planning and housing schemes"
many OF the provinces have decided
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08
Actiuify in Building
L;kel, in autumn,

We probably will do a good deal of
building this summer and fall. because
necessity forces, and people must have
houses to live in and not because the
costs and conditions of building are
especially favorable. That is as far
as our experience in the past has en-
abled US to judge such conditions. Yet,
at the same time there is talk of ad-
vanclng the costs O; some of the prin-
clpal materials used in building when
the mills are not running half time.
One of the constant reasons given for
the present high prices in most lines
is the greatly increased cost of pro
duction- 1t has its force and potency
rs an argument and yet it is perfectly
obvious that it is being worked over
time and is often an excuse rather
than the statement of a fact. In many
of the lines | have cited production
does not warrant the prices obtained.
for in the last analysis we shall finally
have to base our prosperity. if it is
to be healthy, upon genuine con-
structive demand That is the princi
pal thing we shall have to be sure of
lest we repeat the unfortunate expert
ences of 1907, when much of the de-
mand was speculative rather than real.
To the extent that we keep our heads.
buying for wants and not for specula-
tive purposes, to that extent will be
the duration of our prosperity. Other
wise we shall suddenly, as in the past,
wake up with a severe jolt with our
business house in ruins about us. We
have kept our heads up to date through
trying circumstances and our safety
and prosperity lie in the continued
practise of that common sense and
judgment which so far have saved the
situation.
SO far, the financial side has not
troubled US, seeing that the Federal
Reserve System has acted both as a
brake and an accclerator. We must
not forget, however, that the very
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08
Crude Rubber
Market Is Dull

Edward Maurer, president of the
Edward Maurer Company, Inc,
dealers in crude rubber, took a pes
slmlstic view, asserting: "As far
as crude rubber is concerned. there
is certainly no shortage of material
either on spot or for futures.
Crude rubber on spot is selling
at about the lowest price at which it
has ever been sold. 1t appears that
there is surplus of available ma
terial and more than the manufact-
urers in this country can consume
in the near future"
Charles E. Miller, manufacturer
and jobber Of automobile supplies.
said: Il wish to say we expert
ence no shortage of goods at the
present time, and in talking with
the manufacturers statesmen thew
are very anxious to get orders, and
from the talk we have had with
them they do not indicate any short
age of material or delay in filing
orders"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08
american Shoes
Sought By Foreigners

c. E. Williams, general manager
Of the Golden Shoe Company, re-
marking that an unprecedented for
eign inquiry for footwear was max
ing merchandise scarce, said:
From every source Of informa-
ton to which we have access there
is convincing proof that there is a
shortage O. raw materials. Aside
from this the home consumption of
shoes for now and year at least is
unprecedented. Again, the foreign
countries are purchasing American
made shoes (for civilian use) in
such quantities as never before con-
templated, and there is every indi-
cation that the demands Of these
countries for our shoes will gradu-
ally increase, and we believe that It
will be at least two to three years
before France and England will be
IN shape for the manufacture of
shoes on any basis rivalling their
pre-wartime Aoduction, which con-
dition largely increases the drain on
our own production.
Prices are high, and are daily
going higher, and yet our largest
manufacturers have sent out in
structions that, for the time being,
no more business can be taken. as
they are ordered up to the very
limit on all materials with which
they are covered"
Contrary to several other rubber
men who reported an adequate sup
ply, J. n" Kirk, New York manager
of the Thermoid Rubber Company,
makers of automobile castings, inner
tubes, brake Innings and radiator
hose, said:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08

business world is withholding its COM
mitments until the crops are assured
but taking some chance where ncces-
sary of their being all right.
AS to the soundness of the situation,
mat is serious and puzzling problem.
There are some things which seem
artificial and unhealthy. For instance.
there is no question about an abundan.
supply OF raw cotton and wool. Ye,
roth are very high because the supply
end is not allowed to disturb the stu
atlcn. In the finished fabrics of these
comma dities there were declines. fol.
lowed by sharp advances, and the only
difficulty now seems to be to keen the
advances from getting out of hand. So
mat the plentiful supply of raw ma
terial in clothing does not affect the
price either of the raw material or of
the finished Foods
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08

supply All desirable qualities of
upper leather are very scarce, and
there is a very active demand for
sole leather.
In total pairs there are enough
shoes in the country to supply any
demand, but the fact must not be
overlooked that the character of the
shoe business has changed in recent
years and is now very much more
Of a style proposition than it used
to be, and a strong characteristic
of the present times is the big de-
mand and short supply of particu-
lar styles that for the time being
may be in vogue. Relatively
speaking, the supply of raw mate
rails and the finished product is
shorr compared With pre-war con-
ditions.'
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08
Acute Shortage OF Goods
Reported in Many Trades

The Tribune asked a group of
manufacturers, dealers in raw ma
terials and retailers about the con-
dition of stocks in various lines. In
asking for the views of business
men TIE Tribune explained:
apparently reliable reports indi-
cate that there are acute shortages
Of goods, present and in prospect.
Some mills are, in fact, known to be
refusing orders because their pro-
ouctive facilities are fully engaged
for long periods, or because raw ma
terials are scarce
con the other hand, there are
those who assert that supplies are
adequate and that the prospect of
e shortage of goods is remote"
The consensus of replies showed
that the truth was plural, not singu-
lar-that in some cases there was a
shortage and in others not. Most
of those who expressed their obser-
vatlons, however, reported a short
age Of merchandise.
Briefly summarized, the testi-
mony Of business men was as fol-
lows:
l. In some lines, such as silk,
leather and jewelry, there is a
scarcity Of raw materials.
3. In many other branches of in
dustry, where the shortage of
raw materials is not so acute, there
Is a scarcity of merchandise because
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08
Cotton Goods Men
Fear Scant Supply

The tale Of business on a giant
scale was also related by cotton
goods men.
George Walcott, vice-president of
the Hunter Manufacturing and
Commission Company, said
ct is very evident that many
users of cotton goods fear that sup
plies will be inadequate, for, within
the last few days, very large orders
have been placed with the mills for
deliveries running up TO the end of
the year, and these at the highest
prices yet touched.
There seems to US no question
but what with shorter hours, the
possibilities of labor troubles and
the general independent position of
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08
European Finances
Seriously Crippled

Europe as yet cannot discharge her
obligations to US in her securities nor
in goods; even if we were prepared to
take them. There is no use in shut
ting our eyes to the fact that European
finances are in very serious condition
not to say bankruptcy, so far as Eu-
ropes present ability to discharge her
obligations is concerned. 1t may be
case of tidng over q good customer
until he can get on his feet For F,u-
rope must have many more supplies
from us or else she will suffer in her
progress toward ehabiltation AM the
resultant effect upon our domestic
business will be distinctly depressing.
Just how this problem will be
cleared up it is impossible to say, Blu.
the strong likelihood is that something
will happen and that the matter viii
be taken care Of This is not very
logical solution, but it is usually what
comes about in so serious situation.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-06-08
Nations Shelves Bare of Many
Things and Filling Them Up
Will Help Maintain Prosperity
rHE wheels of industry in the
United States are whirring at

THE wheels of industry in the
United States are whirring at
II rapid rate. Men of business
throughout the country are too busy
striving to catch up on orders to de-
vote much time to speculation as to
how long the activity will last, but
outside Observers. many of whom as
sociated calamity in their own minds
with the reimbursement period, are
wondering how long the present
high state Of activity will last.
Obviously, an acid test of the per
manency Of the period Of great pro-
ductivity is the condition Of stocks
of merchandise throughout the coun-
try If the shelves of the nation
were jammed with goods, q slacken-
ing might be expected. But if, on
the ether hand. retailers were sell
ing goods more quickly than they
could buy and manufacturers were
unable to get enough raw materials
to meet the demands on them for
finished products, a slowing up of
industry would be unlikely in the
near future at least.