The Greeneville daily sun. (Greeneville, Tenn.) 1918-1920, 1919-04-17
INDUSTRIAL LETHARcY.


been made by the National Association of Manufacturers
among 4,40O large firms engaged in practically every line
of industry. The result may be epitomzed thus Con-
ditiOn, lethargy; cause, uncertainty.
The concerns canvassed divided into % groups,
Of which five reported prosperous conditions The lat
ter represent ewely and sverware musical instruments
vehicles rubber and tobaccoa of which may be placed
in the general group of Injuries indicating that at least
there is plenty of money in the country Of the
teen remaining groups sixteen report business below so
per cent of normal the exception, leather and manufac
lures, reporting conditions from fair to good
AS the principal factors entering into this stagnated
condition. eleven principal assigned including
delay signing the peace treaty high cost of labor and
materials sudden stoppagc of government buying, gov
eminent control of railroads heavy taxes, labor un-
rest etc But when these analysed they may
be collectively summed up uncertainty.
This constitutes anomalous situation, the solution
of which calls for test of the Wanted energy and enter
prise of America The elements of great prosperity
here Money is available, labor is waiting materials
industry hestaes held back by lack of confidence and
fear of the future The following extracts from the
associations report on its survey:
The production of iron and steel is universally re-
garded as the most reliable barometer of trade
dtions. With respect to present business in this in
dustry the replies indicate that these important trade
factors in comparative state Of ethargy due.
mainly to market and price conditions, as we'll
general lack of buying on the part of the railroads.
Practically every industry in the % groups report
ing on the conditions of manufacturing stocks in the
hands of retailers pobbers compared with the
NAL prewar supply showed that stocks in such hands
at the present time far below normal due, first, to
wartime curtaiment of production in many lines:
second, general stagnation of buying and market
demands
This note through the entire report giving evil
dence of general lack of confidence in the future which
is lettering industry from resumng its normal activities
What then is necessary supply this confdcnce What
must be done to put ginger into industry and make it go
to work?
clearly evident that the plan of the industrial board
of the Department of Commerce to bring about agree
ment to fair prices for basic commodities would prove
extremely helpful in stabilizng conditions And it is
equally apparent that the refusal of the director general
of railroads to cooperate in this plan and agree to buy
at the prices determined is powerful factor in pre-
venting the solution of the problem What greater Ser
vice could the render the people than sup
ply the required impetus that will send industry upon its
way and spread prosperity throughout the land?
Business is marking time says the report waiting
resoutely and hopefully for general turn for the bet
potential market for all calsses of commodities, the log
cal and ordinary basis for trade depression is lacking"
The manufacturers have very fixed ideas of what should
be done to improve condtns Here of the sug
gestions given in their replies:
Stop wartime extravagances.
Return the railroads and wirest to their owners.
Modify taxes on industry.
Let the government bear the loss on wheat-the foun-
dation of food prices
Abolish war-period regulating agencies.
Let increased production justify high wages.
Have the government pay its war bills
lnaugurate public works.
These suggestions we'll worthy of consideration, for
they undoubtedly have direct bearing upon business
conditions. The solution of the problem does not rest
solely with either the government or private enterprise
but will be found in wise and patriotic cooperation be-
tween them. May it be reached speedy.-Wa Washington
Post.
The We of oth town and the in