The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-09-21
MUST SPEED UP
Producers of Nation Are Not
Producing, Says Lane.
Former Secretary Of Interior
Makes Survey of Conditions.

Washington. Sept. 2I.-That both
political parties have overlooked the
chief issue of the country is a. part OF
the statement made by Franklin X.
Lane, former secretary of the interior.
in what he calls thezfirst comprehen-
sive. carefully made and approximate
~ accurate survey of national condi-
items of the United States. MT. Lane
declares that the real issue of the
country today is the cost of living and
prices may in any way be affected will
be by a revision of our present dis
tributing system
The survey Is based upon the re-
tives of the Fidelity & Deposit COM
rany of Maryland and covers eve =
section: of the country. Manufzcsu--
Gle, merchants, chambers OF COLI
n e.ce, bankers. lawyers, business mn
and farmers were questioned In the
effort TO mirror the immediate eco
nomic and political situation and sb-
tain a consensus of representa- e
opinion as to the future. The rerllvs
from all localities were made stimuli
taneously by telegraph.
Trend Is Republican.
at is too early to tell the possible
outcome of the November elections."
declares Mr.. Lane. Three mon q
ago there was a stronger Republie.,n
sentiment than there appears to bo
now. The trend has been. and is. Re-
publican What IL will be in Noyem-
Der these gentlemen do not prophesy.
Perhaps the greatest outstanding
fact in the reports is that the greatest
campaign issue is being overlooked by
the eampaigners-the cost OF living
think this conclusion win be justified
but the blame should not be cast upon
the producer and certainly the farmer
has not received his share of the
weclt which he creates.
The cost of living and foreign rela-
lions seem to be the main issues Tax
alton and Industrial relations also oc-
cupy a space in the general Political
thought Least interest appears to be
shown in the railroad policy OF the
present administration, radical move
ments and prohibition.
TT is clear that the country is on
sound economic basis and there is gen.
orally o. spirit of confidence in the fu-
ture, regardless of the outcome OF
the election.
The business outlook appears to be
good in every section. Wholesalers
and retailers view the fall and winter
optimistically. The retailer is finding
that the consumer is looking forward
without fear to the winter. and his
purchases from the wholesaler are
! founded upon this optimism. From
the simple toiler up thru to the trades
men. to the industry and the financier
! there runs the connected AeSihs VI
confidence.
Labor Not Spced.:sg Up.
"A shortage of coal and the failure
of labor to increase individual ITo-
ductivity appear to be the only two
unsavorable aspects in the immediate
Industrial situation. The Rocky
mountain and Pacific states report Il
sufficient supply of fuel. All other
sections of the country are feeling the
shortage but 1t is apparently least felt
by the South Atlantic states.
Attic labor is costing still more
than it did last year, it apparently is
producing no more. Wages have ad-
Hanced from 10 to SO per cent in the
last twelve month" and yet nowhere is
there reported incI ease in productivity
per man. ] am rot expecting that Tho
cost of In Dor Will fall off even in ths
" oi-st of lime & to its pre-whr stage, Tor
1 believe that tie real differei.tiai be-
tween directing labor and manual
tabor will nver again be as great as
it has been"