Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-10-12
Group
Agree on Program
Problems to Tackle

Washington, Oct. IA summary
of the more important economic
problems facing the country that
require constructive and immediate
settlement" if recovery in business
and permanent employment are to
be accomplished expeditiously was
agreed upon unanimously today by
the national conference on unem-
ployment when it reconvened after
a recess of more than a week.
A general resolution adopted de-
clared for:
REIMBURSEMENT of railway rates to
a fairer basis of the relative value
OF commodities, with special consid-
Grafton of the rates upon primary
commodities, at the same time safe
guarding the financial stability of
the railways.
SPEEDY completion of the tax bill
with its contemplated reductions, in
order that business now held back
pending definite determination may
proceed.
Definite settlement of tariff legis-
lation in order that business may de-
termine its future conduct and poll
cies.
Settlement Of the financial rela-
tionships between the government
and the railways, having in mind the
immediate necessity for increased
maintenance and betterments, MAX
ing effective increased railway en-
ployment and stimulation of general
employment in order that the rail-
way may be prepared for enlarged
business as it comes.
Limitation of world armament
and consequent increase of tran
guilty and further decrease of the
tax burden not only of the United
States, but of other countries.
Steps looking to minimizing Of
fluctuations lin exchange because re-
coVery from the great slump in ex-
ports, due to the economic situation
In Europe, cannot make substantial
progress so long as extravagant daily
fluctuations continue in foreign ex-
change. for no merchant can deter
NINE the delivery cost of any inter-
national shipment.
Definite programs of action that
will lead to elimination OF waste and
more regular employment in season.
al and intermittent industries not
ably in the coal industry. in order
that the DARN upon capital NAV be
iessened and the annual income of
workers may be increased.
In the field of all the different in
duStfles and occupations" the resolu-
ions said. the rapidity of recovery
VIII depend greatly upon the speed
OF proportionate adjustment of the
inequalities in def1ation."
1T will be Observed" the resolution
continued that agriculture has reach
&c an unduly low plane while trans
portation coal and some branches of
the construction Industries are of the
highest 1t will be also observed that
thefe is an entire disproportion be-
tween the price of primary commodi-
ties and the ultimate retail price, This
dlsproportionate increases in the pre-
gressive stages of distribution are due
to increased costs of transportation.
enlarged profits, interest, taxes. labor
and other charges.
III the buying powers OF the diff
ferent elements of the community is
to be restored, then these levels must
reach nearer relative plane. For
example, the farmer can not resume
his full consuming power and thus
give increased employment to the
other industries until either his prices
increase or until more Of the other
products and service come into fair
balance with his commodities and
therefore within the reach of his in
Ocme."
Discussing the effect of exchange
fluctuations upon the country's over
seas commerce, the foreign trade com
mlttee suggested that the administra
ton be given authority immediately
by congress to deal with the funding
of foreign debts.
The report of the committee on en-
rloyment agencies urged that con-
gress appropriate 100000 to enable
the United States Employment Ser
vice to cooperate in the inter- state
field in cooperation with municipau-
ties, and recommended that the state
be the operating unit for q permanent
system of employment Offices.