New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-02-12
Broader Viewpoint Held by
Convention Delegates in
Attempt 10 Gain Favor;
British Tour Discussed

Through general discussions and res
olutious introduced yesterday at the
closing of the three-day convention of
the National Retail Dry Goods Asso-
citation, it is apparent that the retail
merchants of the country, individually
snd collectively, are planning to reduce
their expenses of operation through in
creased efficiency, to try to establish
q closer contact with the buying public
and to justify their position in the dis
tributive chain with their customers,
and to take larger activity in the ro-
litical affairs of this country, and even
bring their influence to bear upon
world politics. Throughout the entire
convention broader viewpoint has
been held than was noticeable at pre-
vious gatherings of the retailers
Some of the principal resolutions
passed by the convention were the rec
emmendation of national campaign
of education in order TO bring about q
better understanding on the part of
the public with regard to the aims,
methods and functions of retail distri-
button; the support by the associa-
ton, individually and collectively. of
be presented to Congress in the near
future; that Congress be requested to
proceed with the revision of the inter
nal revenue laws before the revision
of the tariff is undertaken; that a com
E1ittee be appointed to represent re-
tailers in a conference with wholesal-
crs to work out mutual understand
ing with respect to the sanctity of
commercial contracts, and that great
efficiency be applied TO the advertising
Of retailers in daily newspapers, so as
to make it more economical.
The necessity of foreign trade to the
wclibeing of our commercial and pri-
vate lives, together with plea for the
support of the Foreign Trade Financ-
ing Corporation, was impressed upon
the retailers by William G.. Redfield,
president of the American Manufac-
turers' Export Association and former
Secretary of Commerce. He gave a
graphic explanation of our dependence
upon the rest of the world for various
commodities and then discussed the
present foreign trade situation, in
which, he said, America had great
surplus of many comm odities urgently
needed by other countries, but that
these countries had no way of purchas-
ing them, either for cash, credit or
through the exchange of their com
modities.
Asked directly what he thought of
the future course of foreign exchange,
Mr.. Redfeld replied that in his opinion
they we're all due for improvement, al
though in individual countries diff
ferent influences were at work tending
toward uneven recovery,
George w. Coleman, president Of the
Open Forum National Council of Bos-
ton, spoke on the subject of Get To-
gcther or Perish" and urged the closer
cooperation Of retailers among them
selves and with other classes Of trades
people. He also urged the adoption of
the open forum in industrial and COM
mercial plants, asserting that it had
worked successfully in the Filene store
) n Boston and in the McElwain shoe
factory, where he had inauguratcd
them.
Following the close of the conven-
ton the members of the association
who will visit Great Britain this spring
IN response to an invitation from the
British diapers, who sent delegation
to this country last year, met for q
get-together dinner, at which some Of
the plans for the tour we're discussed.