Milford chronicle., 1926-10-15
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OUR WASHINGTON LETTER
(From National Editorial Association)
Especial to Chronicle)


cies of politics is bringing the coun-
trys political leaders into the midst
of the voters. The great, the near
great, and the small fry among the
politicians are stumping the coun-
try in the interests of their respec-
tive parties as the election approach
es. AS a consequence official Wash
ington has been temporarily depop-
ulated. Even the members of the
Presidents "ofiicial family" are on
the high road as orators. Political
strategy is bringing them from their
offices as administrators of great
government departments and into
the field of special pleaders for par
ty supremacy. The Democrats are
likewise training their "big guns" on
the voting public.
While it is generally recognized
that few, if any, Of the present Cab
met are noted for their OratOrical
ability, campaign managers know
full well that their mere presence on
a mass meeting or rally program
could be counted upon as drawing
card for the voters. Their visits in
various Congressional districts
which are closely contested by the
two parties gives the hard pressed
candidates for Office an excuse to tie
up their individual campaign with
the fortunes Of the administration.
These holders of portfolios usually
follow a set line of argument ap-
proved by the National campaign
managers and extol the virtues Of
prosperity and trace the political
connections.
For instance, Mr.. Hoover and DR..
Work, the Secretaries Of Commerce
and Interior, respectively, are spe-
cializing in the reclamation subjects 4
in the West where the issue has
broken party lines. Mr.. Hoover is
endeavoring to have Congress appro-
pirate OO,OOO,OOO.OO annually over
a period of from ten to twelve years |
for the organized reclamation pro-
gram. He claims this will cover 27 |
major projects and bring great pros |
perity to the West. According to the |
versions of various Western groups, |
it is now costing the Government
$65,O0O, 100000 year for so-called
"pork-barrel" appropriations made
with an eye to political effect rather
than economic returns. Mr.. Hoover
also talks about Government aids to
business as part of the administra-
tion's program. The Postmaster
General cites the achievements of
the postal service and connects it
with the country's prosperity. On
the other hand, the Democrats have
been presenting plausible arguments
which give the voter something to
consider.
Washington is now house-cleaning
in earnest, preparing for the advent
of the social season. The visit of
Queen Marie of Roumania with the
incidental official entertainments,
will advance the social season here
by several weeks. The State Depart
ment officials handling these affairs
where precedents and international
society prevail are very busy ar
ranging for dinners and other
events.
With prosperity as one of the
principal campaign issues it is i'm
portant to note the opinion which
prevails in Washington regarding
the prices of foods and other COM
modities. Opinions as expressed pri-
vately by high Government officials
who undertook the study, show that
price cuts are not expected because
it would mean a cut in wages, lower
consumption and retarded produc-
ton. The only thing officials think
would bring about lower prices un-
der existing circumstances would be
general process of economics
through increasing the efficient pro-
duction and distribution.
Combinations, especially in retail
lines, it has been stated, have de-
veloped an efficiency and chain
stores, as an instance, have pushed
some of the small independent stores
out of business by degrees. The
cash-and-carry man was declared to
be getting the benefit of lower prices
for material which he carried home.
At the same time, those who want
this service performed for them are
willing to pay for it, so that there is
less a field for that class Of business
which gives this service and neces-
sariIy must charge for it. The be-
lief is that the situation will settle
down and become stabilized with the
small business man continuing to
operate where he does fit into the
picture but being compelled to make
his exit where he does not do so.
Regardless of whether you use
radio or not, you may expect to read
this winter lot about the problems
| oF fha radio and broadcasfing IT is