Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1922-05-20
Prosperity Signal on
White House Rnmpdrts

parts. The leaders OF the nations Key
industry brought him chapter and verse
evidence that the tide has turned and Is
now in full flow in the right direction.
Barring unforeseen developments and
arbitrary tariff blows at the import
trade, the President sees a business re-
yival of irresistible and incalculable
dimensions.
For the first time in many months,
the President now is informed, that In
fallible barometer Of better times Is
visible.-a shortage Of common labor.
Virtually all localities and all branches
OF industry are thus affected. The busi-
ness Of the soup kitchens is about the
only one that Is falling off. Applicants
for aid and registrations for unemploy-
ment funds are lessening. There Ia a
development OF even healthier character
a resumption Of eagerness for work. The
steel men told President Harding that
where men are now working on the
eighteen-hour shift plan, common labor
Is systematically seeking an oppor-
tunity to do twelve hour In preference
to six hour stretches. Indeed, the diff
fculty Of abolishing the twelve hour
scale Is due mainly to the reluctance Of
working men to abandon 1t in favor of
a shorter day.
What the White House hears of re-
sumed prosperity in the steel trade Is
characteristic Of reports from many other
industries. The Detroit automobile
trade, as an important example. Is de-
scribed as being back, or almost back,
to boom times. Throbbing Chicago, with
Its dozens OF diversified industries, is
said to have taken on an entirely new
Industrial aspect, compared to conditions
49, 1DI At univ IF ha
year. From his own busy State Of Ohio
the President gets bulletins no less rosy.
Everything he can learn induces Presi-
dent Harding TO believe the Industrial
revival liz real deep seated or lasting
quality 1t Is an open secret the Presi,
dent fears unscientinc tinkerIng with the
tariff That Is one OF the things cata-
logued ut the White House as among
the unexpected events that may arrest
a trend otherwise not TO be impeded
Not only In the manufacturing and
merchandising branches is business on
thu march, according to the Presidents
information, but farming conditions are
on the upgrade, too. Such complaints
Ms now are heard from the agricultural
districts concern almost exclusively the
stock growing branch. That great key
trade of the Far West has not yet re-
covered Its difficulties are those OF
finance. and the banks are tackling them
with all possible yigor. The industry OF
grain raising is described as pretty wen
rehabilitated.
1t is conceded that the business news
which Is OF decidedly "bullish" tendency
IL bringing welcome comfort to Repub
Hcan party leaders The state OF the
times was ever factor Of dominating In
fiuence In election years. The President
and his political contrerees are under
stood. therefore, to be deriving deep sat
isfaction from the strides which the
back to normally movement Is making.
The pace will be crescendo. they feel, be-
tween now and the time OF the congress
sional elections. The net results, 1t is
hoped, may be such that the country
will be prepared TO forget the short
comings OF Republican Congress and
engrosscd In prosperity reborn under
Republican national administration.
vote accordingly.
Samuel Gompers, president Of the
American Federation Of Labor, attempted
to pour cold water on what President
Harding described as his harmonious
and progressively sociological discussion"
with the steel men. Judge Gray says
that all favored the abolition of the
twelve hour day, f and when practicable.
statement which means absolutely
nothing" said MIR. Gompers.
GOMPERS UNABLE TO
SEE ANY PROGRESS.
If the White House conference was
called to discuss the twelve hour day
am unable to see where any progress was
made We may take the conference as
being something OF an indication Of the
public condemnation OF steel trust prac-
tees, but 1t Is difficult to see any sim
certify IN the II and when practicable
formula.
1.-The production Of steel can and must
be placed on a basis where Il affords an
American standard Of living with an
American work-d day Of eight hours. The
steel trust has a reserve fund of $500.
900 900 in undivided surplus, which in
dicates its profit making powers.
1.-THE meaning Of Judge Gary's state
ment is that the steel industry intends to
abolish the inhuman twelve hour work
day when 1t gets ready and not before.
1T is typical Of the present day colos-
sal effrontery Of big business that 1t
should use the White House itself as a
rostrum from which to give to the coun-
try It's latest example of cynical decep-