Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-11-16
Trade Trend
And Outlook
tcontinued From First Page.)

for holiday purchases. But statisticians
estimate that nearly $500, 00O, 900 will
60 to merchants between now and
Christmas. The balance, or at least q
good part Of it, will be used to meet
obligations. II. any event, here is an
enormous sum that will soon be put in
circulation. This means increased con-
sumption with corresponding demand
for increased production.
Inventories are low at present. Re-
tail prices also are lower than they have
been in some years. Merchants appar-
emily have awakened to the fact that It
is necessary for them to pass on the
reduced prices to consumers Those who
can afford to do so can make their pur-
chases in what is known as a good buy
eys' market.
Unemployment Problem.
The present state of unemployment
emphasizes that there will always be
something wrong with the industrial
structure Of our country until we are
able to assure job to every man will
ing and able to work. Whether we can
solve this problem by reducing hours of
work, part-time employment in times of
stress or other means remain to be
seen. 1t Is a puzzle for the experts to
work out. Business will be willing to
cooperate heartily in any plan which
makes better economic conditions.
If we could only throw off our present
fear complex, money would be released
in vast amounts to buy raw materials,
and the finished product as well. That
would stimulate manufacturing and
construction, and consequently reduce
unemployment. We don't need to find
way to boom the stock market or to
encourage any freak campaigns on the
buy now" theory. People will buy If
they will only look to the future with
confidence. The condition of the saw
ingS banks, where deposits have in
seven months, indicate many people are
not in threatened distress.
Our return to normal times is predi-
Gated upon maintaining our present
high standard of living. There can be
no drastic cutting off of the comforts
practically ali our households enjoy
without disastrous effects. Continued
use of the one-time luxuries, now re-
garded as necessities, will keep the
wheels of production going, furnish
employment to thousands of men and
women and put in circulation vast sums
If money.
Radio Business.
The radio business is one of our
leading industries now. 1t is no~longer
a luxury to own a radio set. but ne
cessity to many of our people. Through
1t they are provided with entertainment
and education. It serves to furnish en-
joyment to millions of people every day
and night. There are some 100000
radio sets in this country. That is
more than In all the other countries
of the world combined.
Tests show that there are more
listeners-in on broadcasts than ever
before. These reports cover every Sec
ton of the country. Perhaps radio was
once a luxury, but certainly 1t has be-
come necessity with many millions
of Americans. The broadcasting indus
try appreciates this fact and is spend
ing increased sums for programs. They
show greater diversity than ever and
the mail received proves that the pub
lie is appreciative.
Many radio listeners are wondering
when television will become practical
for household purposes. 1t is not here
yet, except in the laboratory stage.
Engineers have been working hard on
the problem and will continue to do
so. OF course, television is coming, but
Just when even the engineers win hesi-
tate to predict.
Perfection of Industry.
When the new art does arrive 1t
probably will be by way Of the movie
film, at least so far as going into the
home is concerned. People are not
likely to be much interested, save, per-
haps, as q novelty, in seeing face or
two. or an orchestra. They will de-
mand scenes of action, such as por-
trayed in foot ball games, boxing con-
tests and other events that arouse
public interest.
Meanwhile radio is learning every
day to dramatic the appeal to the ear
more and more so that television Will
have to make exceptional progress to
do a better Job in appealing to the eye.
We have perfected radio in this
country and we will make television
practical sooner or later. Such feats
as these show what We can accomplish
when we set our minds and our en-
ergies at work along the proper lines.
Likewise, we can snap out OF the
present period of depression, II we VIII
throw OF the fear complex that has
Qripped so many and look to the
future with courageous confidence.
(CopyriRht, 1880 by North American NEWS
paper Alliance.D