The Washington times., 1921-03-26
BUILD TOL|M|T,
!. URGES SIRAUS
Business and Moral Obligations
Demand Increased ActiV-
ity, He Saws.

Commenting on the building out
look. s. w. Straus, of 8. w. Straus &
Co.. says:
THE time has arrived when build
ing activities should be pushed for
ward to the limit OF the industry's
possibilities. Those who have been
holding back their projects in the
conditions will gain nothing by fur
ther delay. Build now and build to
the limit where the necessity exists
is our advice.
I'VE believe that as the season ad-
vances the scope or building activi-
ties will multiply rapidly and that
we will soon be in the midst Of most
important operations. All conditions
at this time point to such develop
ments.
Indications are not lacking that
building costs in general will not
60 any lower. They nave dropped is
to 20 per cent below the peak levels
OF 1920. 1t must be borne in mind
that price conditions are affected very
largely by supply and demand. With
a potential shortage of building
material now in the country. coupled
with a greater housing deficit than
has ever before existed, the natural
trend of prices must be upward.
The housing shortage throughout
, the country has become a menace to
health, morals, and sound economic
conditions. People are being driven
into inadequate living quarters. thus
lowering the standards Of living
when 1t Is human nature to aspire
constantly to better living standards.
These conditions make for unrest
The housing shortage. therefore. has
ceased to be merely a question of
business and economics. 1t Is our
'gravest national social problem.
The encouragement OF building
operations therefore is not only a
matter OF good business. but it comes
within the range OF our rightful
duties to our fellowman, and every
agency possible should lend support
to the building movement in Amer
lea today.
"The problem of adequate capital
for the requirements of the industry
constitutes the most serious phase
of the problem. We believe, how
ever, that as the season advances,
there will be ample funds available
because of the substantial potential
tiles Of the situation. 1t must be
remembered that in the hnal analysis
money for building purposes comes
from the public. and that rents will
continue to rise unless there Is much
new building.
Consideration also Is to be given
to the fact that an active building
season will mean revival of activities
in all other lines of industry and
business. Employment will be given
to those who are now idle. There will
be more freight for the railroads,
more work for manufacturing con-
Germs Of all descriptions and consc-
auently more business for the mer-
chants.
with regard to such financial sup
port as may be afforded by s. w.
Straus & Co. 1t may be stated that
we have made a number of changes
in our underwriting policies in order
that we may be as helpful in the situ-
alton as possible. We are making
loans, properly safeguarded, on apart
ment houses and structures of $780,
900 and upward. These structures are
being built with a view of increasing
the supply OF very moderate priced
apartments, and we arc offering
every reasonable and fair encourage
mept to builders to avail themselves
of our accommod ations."