The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-01-03
BIG BUSINESS SPEAKS.

Among the many expressions of
opinion on the business situation and
the outlook for 1921 that have ap-
peared at the advent of the new year
none is more cheering and optimistic.
perhaps, than that of Judge Ebert H.
Gary, head of the United State Steel
corportion.
1.-THE people of the United States"
says Judge Gary, have reason for
confidence in the business future.
They need not be discouraged or i'm
patient. They have only to look about
them and study the facts and figures"
Among the reasons for a feeling of
confidence he sets forth that ours is
the richest of all nations. We have
the most gold. We have the largest
amount in cash. We are a creditor
nation. The annual productive capac-
ity OF the United States exceeds in
value all other countries. We are
practically self-contained for the pur-
pose of supplying our necessities. With
full and adequate facilities for trans
portation between the United States
and other lands of this continent. we
could, with respect to the necessities
and comforts of life, be perfectly in
dependent of all other parts of the
world. Circumstances beyond our
control or influence placed the United
States in this position.
Neither the United States nor other
countries generally will continue to go
wrong. 1t is safe solemnly to affirm
that capital and position and power
will maintain toward the general pub
lie attitudes of justice and of reason.
for any other course would be sheer
suicide. If capital. position and power
do this, the public will not rise in
wrath to substitute grim lawlessness
for them, but, in the future, as in the
undaunted pluck to rise worthily to
share their great reward.
Judge Gary says further:
I am more optimistic in regard to
the future of this country than 1 have
been at any time during the last six
years If people generally will recog-
nize the possible dangers and will
each for himself and herself do every
thing possible and practicable to i'm
prove conditions. we shall soon return
to basis of living which should be
entirely satisfactory.
Altho this is time for courage,
composure and caution, the business
skies are practically without clouds
AS always, there may be showers from
time to time, but there is nothing in
the atmosphere to indicate the ap-
proach of dangerous storms. 1t is up
to the business men and women to
rV1< int n in - in nd
ness activity in satisfactory volume
with fair and reasonable profits. If
there should be a serious reaction and
depression which now seems improb-
able. it will be the fault of those who
are connected with business operations
or others who, by reasons of official
positions, improperly interfere and
not because of any fundamental def
ciencies in our resources and oppor-
tunities. We may without hesitation
face and discuss any and all facts that
bear upon the subject of future eco
nomic porgress, and we may frankly
and openly admit any truth which con-
Germs the immediate future, even tho it
might, in some respects and to some
minds, appear to be unfavorable.
In certain lines there have been
some decreases in the volume of new
business and also voluntary reductions
in selling prices. 1 consider this de-
cidedly healthful.
The present tendency is toward a
lower, more reasonable and fairer rela-
tive basis. The whole community de-
sires and strives for this. The diff
Guilty is found in the fact that every
individual is perfectly willing that all
others shall make reductions - the
larger, the better. Now a general
public, including particularly those
who are neither sellers nor buyers to
a large extent, will in one way or an
other bring about a fair and reason
able adjustment of prices. The law
of supply and demand will be the
principal factor.