The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1919-10-02
Let's All Pull Together

Dear Editor
When things 90 wrong when
the great Industrial machinery Of u
nation does not run smoothly how
prone we are to give all the blame
to the other fellow" This is one
of the chief characteristics of human
nature. We fail to observe that
sometimes a part OF the error lies in
our own short-sightedness It is so
much easier when stalled. to sit on
the seat and U.s. the lash. than to get
out in the mud and put our shoulders
to the wheel. The pole horses" are
the nearest We can reach them the
easiest; and SO they come in for the
hardest walops.
When the price OF food scars sky
ward. we blame the retail grocer.
When the prices of shoes. clothing
and other necessaries of life go apar-
entity beyond all reasonable bounds.
it is the retailer who gets the bene-
fit OF our righteous Indignation.
Yet is this always justified? The
retailer fills an important niche in
the industrial world And the posi-
ton is not always an enviable one.
He has his own problems to work
out. Not only in the increased prices
which he is compelled to pay for his
goods, but also in the increase in the
cost of rent, light, fuel, etc He us
ually has several delivery teams to be
supported He is compelled to pay
his clerks nearly double their former
salary. He also has family to sup
port and home to be kept up. Yet.
as matter of fact his profit on each
dollars worth that passes through his
hands, is, in many cases. less than
heretofore. When sickness and
trouble comes, he is the first on whom
we call for credit; and usually the
last one whom we feel disposed to
pay.
Neither is the blame always JUST
fled which we heap upon our execu-
tive officers. They are the men
whom we ourselves picked out as
best fitted for the positions they oc-
cupy. And, with but few exceptions.
are doing the best they can under ex-
listing conditions No The real
blame for these conditions lies in the
spirit of jealousy. selfshness and
greed which is being fostered
amongst all classes. And each of rs
must take his full share home to him
self. Until we each take an i'm
partial view of the situation. until
we each put our Shoulder to the
wheel; not in furtheranee of our own
selfish ends but to promote the gen
eral welfare of all. these conditions
will continue to prevail
When war was declared. the most
of us put aside selfish aims and petty
iealousies. and Joined in the com
mon cause. History records what
was accomplished.
Why not take an object lesson
from this as to what may be brought
about by all working harmoniously
together toward great objectiye2
The problem with which too many of
us have to contend is not the high
cost of living" but the cost of high
living. We do not stop to consid-
er that in reducing the hours of la
Dor, production is materially de
creased, but put the blame on the
other fellow for the resulting high
prices. Not only do we want to
keep our cake and eat it also, but we
put up mighty kick when we cant
get sugar to put in the frosting.
Isn't it about time we stopped
kicking over the traces cast bitter
ness and i'll feeling from out our
hearts and all classes settled down
to pull together toward the great OBJ
jective? Better living conditions.
a. NJ. FOLSOM
Skowhegan, Maine.