Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-07-25
~ ESS GOVERNED IN
BUSINESS

'1.esS government in business" vas
the slogan adopted by the National
Leather and Shoe Finders Associa-
ton AT its recent convention.
George a. Knapp, secretary and
director. emphasized the Importance
Of improving the workmanship and
the efficiency Of shoe repaircrs in the
United States. lie said that 50 per
cent Of the shoe repairors in the
United states are foreigners minus
even an elementary education and
they bring to their work the most
primitive methods in vogue in tho
Ola World.
According to Norman L. Schacffcr
IF Chicago, Who gave a talk on
farming and Grades Of Leather"
There are four grades of leather. only
two of which have any wearing
qualities for shoe repair, The adj
Instability of giving the public this
: information SO that people could tell
when they were buying good leather,
was discussed.
The Convention endorsed the
Stevens Kelly bill, House bill, Num-
l,er II, which aims to establish staple
pncos for standard manufactured
! products. 1t should he remembered
that this bill has already been ap-
proved by the Federal Trade Com
mission.
Delegates at the convention OK
pressed themselves in favor of 4
strong merchant marine to promote
the leather industry. American shoes
are as popular abroad as American
dentists.
Some Of the tens mentioned in the
report by the committee on resolu-
tons in respect 10 interference Of the
government in business are quoted as
follows:
The Chamber Of Commerce of the
United States Of America has taken
the position that there should be no
encroachment OF the Government
upon matters properly within the
scope of private endcavor.
In line With this policy the Cham
Der las Iii: cctcd the attention of this
association 20 House Resolution
l0Q34, known as the Fitzgerald B.ll,
which, in setting up for the District
of Columbia, u plan for Wo!knlan's
compensation, provides q form Of
compulsory monupoiist.c insurance.
Under tins bill:
l. The employer in tic District Of
Columbia IS left no option in the s.
lection OF an insurance carrier. He
must take Government insurance.
,, TEo commission is empowered
TO determine the rate and premium
TO he paid, the collection OF premiums
and the determination OF the amount
and payment Of compensation, with
10 check whatsoever upon its de-
clslons and actions.
B. The comm .ss.or Uc..d possess
fun authority to REVIEW IS own de-
cs.ons with right Of court appeal On
matters Of law only.
The National Leather & Shoe Find
ers Association does not. through this
action, express opposition to work
mans compensation insurance. but
submits that Government monopoly
Of the type provided in tie pending
measure, can only be justified hy
proof that insurance. under private
direction, has failed to fulfill its func-
ton, and no such proof has been
submitted.
We believe in tho policy that there
should he less government in bust
ness and we recommend to our
membership that they each make
known their individual positions to
their Congressional representative
with respect TO the Government en-
terlng the field OF insurance.
It is to the credit of the shoe in
dustIy that the summer styles Of 1922
combine beauty and comfort. Dur
ing the war in the large file rooms
of the War Department in Washing
ton it was about impossible to find
file clerks who did not succumb to
broken arches or sprained ankles
New England clerks who came equip
ped with New England shoes We're
in great demand One Washing
tonan said TO ono Bostonian, Il be
licve I could do that work if had