The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1921-03-22
BUILDING AS KEY TO OPEN PROS.
PERITY

Construction work, so much needed
in the United States, and upon which
hinges so extensively a restoration OF
more normal business generally, has
started on its inevitable Improvement.
Figures for last month show an en-
couragng increase in building over
the January statistics. The rate OF
advance in this vitally important in
dustry, which is the key TO release
activity in so many other lines, is
contingent upon the adjustment of the
wage controversies and stabiliZation or
commodity prices. In both these prob
lens there are signs of progress to-
ward settlement, as indicated by the
increase in building.
Official reports from 1876 cities to
The American Contractor give total
of 27,261 permits, estimated valuation
s96 ,493,2 ,229, compared with 21,722 per-
mits, estimated valuation s62,l5O,46l,
from 203 cities for January of this
year
While the valuation shows a marked
increase over January, decrease is
shown when comparison is made with
the s113, 3,649,31S valuation of the per
mits issued in the same cities during
the second month Of 1920. However
the number of permits issued during
that month was only 22,140, which
would tend to show that although the
1920 valuation was greater, the con-
templated activity was more restricted.
The shortage of homes in the United
States estimated at from 100000 TO
100000 is one of the foremost prob
lens in the country today. Since
private enterprise has failed so far to
measure up to its obligation and OPP
portunity there has developed agitation
for municipal and governmental aidsin
solving this condition. The consensus
of opinion at present is, however, for
private business to work out the vari-
Gus differences that are holding up
construction and speed up the wheels
of industry.
Far-Reaching Effects
An idea of the far-reaching effects
of this factor as a contributing element
to the general prosperity of the coun-
try may be gathered from this brief
outline. If 900 houses were erect
ed annually, which is far more than
were erected in the past three years, II
is clear that it would take years to
overtake the shortage, and in the
meantime what an enormous quantity
of labor and material would be requir-
ed. If built entirely of frame construc-
ton, an average of $4,000 feet Of lum-
ber per house would be required, or
$500, 900 900 feet in single year. II
built of brick 10000 will be required
for the average house, thus involving
the use of 10000, 600, 900 bricks.
In addition to brick or lumber, vast
quantities of lime. cement, plaster
wallboard, roofing materials, plumb
ing supplies, heating equipment, cleo
trical appliances, hardware supplies
and many miscellaneous materials
will be needed, thereby creating q
demand in many different channels
and as a result placing scores OF
plants in operation at capacity ant
giving employment to thousands II
addition to the workmen engaged
directly in construction work., Exten.
sion of water lines, sewer systems
roadways and other similar municipa
facilities will be necessary. Public
utility plants will have TO be ex
panded to care for the greatly increaS
ed demands. Furniture plants will bt
operated at capacity. In fact, such ac
tivity would be reflected in expansion:
in practically every line OF industria
and commTcial endeavor that thu
country would be likely to prosper a:
never before, for the expansion woult
be essential and normal and wide
spread.
In the meanwhile progress develop!
as men adapt their business to TIN
changing conditions and act in tn,
present instead of standing still b!
clinging to any obsolescence of tn,
past. Banks have been very cautious
loaning money for building whil'
prices were abnormally high, but il il
pointed out that the longer the della!
due to lack OF money, the more, acut'
the housing shortage, and the higher
the already too high, prices go.
Obviously no one factor is respon
sible, but individually, each interes
must, as some have already done, pu
into practice their realization tina