The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1920-05-26
INCREASE PRODUCTION

While statisticans tell us that the
crest of the high cost of living has
been reached, dealers tell us that
prices will go higher yet, before they
30 materially lower. And, tautologi-
cal though II may sound, both are
undeniably right.
The statistician bases his calcula-
tons upon the possible supply OF
finished materials which are to evolve
from the known supply Of raw mater
ial. The dealer bases his calcula-
tions on the visible supply of the fin
ishcd material alone.
There are but two logical ways to
reduce the high cost of living. The
first and paramountly correct way Is
to practice economy, to buy only
what you really need. to buy good
stuff and pass up the gaudy. snowy,
flimsy high-price offerings.
The second and also. self-evidenty
correct way is 10 increase produc-
tion. Put these two engines Of price
reduction in practice and the world
will note a gradual. a steady, safe.
q sane and a sure decline in prices
until the normal level shall be reach
ed. Keep up the present methods
Of insane spending and of criminal
non.production, ard the world will see
continued skyrocketing of prices,
no matter how loudly the public may
howl Of profiteers and profiteeing.
There can be doubt that prices are
too high, there can be doubt that
someone is making an unholy profit
out Of the sale OF necessities as well
as from the sale Of luxuries. But the
lavish expenditure Of money on the
luxuries and non.necessities, carries,
unfortunately. the kick-back Of high
prices attached TO other materials.
Saneness in buying, saneness in de-
Ihanding coed goods that are of mod
crate cost. as costs today are figured.
will go far toward bringing about
the price reductions all cry for.
Increased production will go still
farther The two, working hand in
hand will accomplish the desired end.
Everyone knows that the law Of
supply and demand is the law which
should govern and control the prices
o. both the raw and the finished ma
terial. And when the makers of the
fpiS fo1c nf oil LII OF
down to the systematic manner of
production which they followed before
the world war, the fellows who have,
through illegal manipulation, corner.
ed the markets on certain lines Of
raw materials, will find their corners
busted. their little playhouses knocked
into cooked hats.
There is said TO be more hides in
this country today than was ever be.
fore known. The same may be said
Of wool. But the hides are untanned
and the wool unspun and unwoven.
Nanipulators are holding these items
Of raw material off the market while
he prices of shoes and woolens go
higher and higher. This is a crime.
an undoubted and an objectionable
rhine, a crime which should be pun
ished Dy shutting the perpetrating 6
walls Of stone.
But the producer, the man whose
hands guide the shuttles which
weaves the woolens, and the man
whose hands operate the machinery
which fashions and creates the shoes
Is, hard though the thought may
sound. an accessory to the crime. He
Is the man who is aiding and abet-
ling the corner-grabber and is just
rs guilty in the eyes Of the suffering
public as is the man who. with GRIM
nal intent TO boost prices gathers
and hordes raw material until the
finished article reaches the prohibit.
I've price.
Strikes and shutdowns will never
solve the high-cost problem. Strikes
md shut downs will never force the
market manipulation to unload his Ill
\ eotten hoardings and turn loose upon
\ ne markets the necessary raw ma
q" ,rial from which to create and turn
Jut the finished goods needful to cut
iown the high cost of living.
Economy in buying and increased
reduction will spell good wages for
he workmen and normal prices fol
the consumer. The two. working In
conjunction and coordination, are this
real solvers Of the problem by which
.he great American public is today
confronted. the problem Of reduc
ION Of the abnorInally high cost o.