The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-10-21

Conservatively optimistic - the
view taken by John G. Let's, presl-
dent of the Sanitary Grocery Com
pany, in regard to the immediate
and the future business outlook in
Washington.
Mr.. Let's analizes conditions and
causes and effects with keen
business insight which comes from
many years experience and which
deals with facts rather than with
possibilities. Speaking today of the
out ook in Washington, Mr.. Let's
said:
I'm predicting the future business
growth OF Washington we must not
lose sight of the fact that it is the
chief governmental city Of the great
est and richest nation on earth.
''In other words, the resources
Of the whole nation are behind the
Capital and, as the nation con-
tinues to grow and to prosper, so
must the Capital grow and prosper.
Washington is less dependent upon
Industrial development and indus
trial activity than, possibly, any
other city in the country.
at is less affected by conditions
which influence the progress of
other cities. Nevertheless, it would
not be reasonable, under the cir.
cumstances, to expect anything in
the nature OF a boom here or even
an exceptional squirt in business
or in population.
'"That Washington is growing
steadily is obvious" continued Mr..
Let's. "It is expanding as a resi-
ton and it is impossible to go
behind the records in regard to
the yearly increasing population.
The fact that there Is not at any
time lack of employment, that a
very large number of the residents
of the city are regularly paid by
the Government is a factor of con-
siderable Importance in the business
life of the city.
However, Government is not the
only business which sustains our
commerce al structure.
1.-THE increasing population con-
stantly demands more and more
service Of every kind, more ar
life, more and more of luxuries, and
the providing of these things,
again, adds to the number Of those
employed ard to the wealth and
commercial life of the city.
$50 long as Washington continues
to grow in a producing population.
so long will it continue to find bust
ness expansion necessary"
AS to the present and the i'm
mediate future, Mr.. Let's did not
hesitate to express the view that
business conditions here were easily
up to normal.
1.-THE whole country" said Mr..
Let's, 'is proceeding along normally
expand 'ng business lines.
~ do not believe that there is
situation which can cause alarm
or result in a decrease in reason
able activity.
Washington must, Of necessity,
reflect this generally favorable con-
dition. In addition to this" con-
t'nued Mr.. Let's, Congress will
soon be in session and will add its
stimulation to trade activities here.
/ 1.-The business of Govern ment is
a big business and a growing bust
ness, and, as the headquarters of
| this tremendous governmental &C.
tivity, Washington can meyer go
backward.
II do not see in the immediate
future of the city any indication
of an unprecedented or exceptional
growth, but do believe that we
may confidently expect to see the
city proceed steadily along the path
of progress which it has followed
for century or more.
| at has been the history Of every
great capital city in modern times
to reflect the prosperity and the
growth Of the nation Of which it is
the political center.
&C., HEyI III