The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-09-26
BY RAYMOND CLAPPER
United Press STAFF Correspondent
Copyright. 1880. by United Press)

NOOpSilenJ, 1881, py United PreSs)
WASHINGTON. Sept. 26-1f the
average man will continue to buy
the things he normally needs. he
will assist business in its climb back
toward prosperity. Robert P. La
mont, secretary of commerce, told
the United Press today.
He cited evidence from govern
ment reports which he regards as
encouraging evidence that con-
Sumers are buying and thereby
helping to stimulate retail trade.
which he considers the backbone of
business activity.
Though cautious regarding pre-
dictionS, Secretary Lamont finds the
downward course of business appar-
emily halted and believes it possible
the country is on the threshold of
an upturn. He deplored pessimism
IN the face of the facts available.
Buying Is Urged
A business man of long expe-
rience and director i'll many con-
Germs, and now head of the gov
eminent department most intimate-
ly in contact with the nations bust
ness, was asked by the United
Press what the average man and
woman could do to help stimulate
business conditions.
THE business man." he replied,
"has a certain obligation to the
community to keep his men em-
ployed as far as he possible can,
to help hold up general buying
power. Likewise, the individual sal
AIRED person and wage Garner has a
similar responsibility to contribute
to the general business activity Of
his community.
"A multitude of small items large
ly contribute toward the total busi-
ness of the nation The most inn
portant single thing that can be
done now is for each one of us to
continue normal. reasonable buying.
I said that last December, and 1 re-
peat it now.
Banks Are Sound
THE banking system of our coun-
try is sound. The American people
long since. 1 believe, have gained
the fullest confidence on that score.
It is contrary to the general spirit
Of our people to hoard and there is
no evidence that this is being done.
If every man and woman will
continue to buy the things normally
needed, put aside a small percent
age for savings, and buy much of
the additional articles which con-
tribute to general comfort and en-
joyment as properly can be af-
forded, retail trade, the backbone
Of business activity. will move for.
ward steadily. This is what the
average person can contribute to-
ward the nations prosperity"
Evidence in his department re-
ports, Lamont believes. indicates the
average person is doing this very
thing.
There are indications in reports
which we are receiving at the de-
partment of commerce that the
has maintained his pur-
chsses to q rather surprising ex-
tent" he said. IF We disregard
the abnormally high figures Of 1929,
we find retail sales are not very far
below those customary in previous
years.
Sales Hold Up
Thus for the first eight months
Of 1880 the value Of sales of depart
ment stores, as reported to the Fed
eral Reserve board, was only 3 or 4
per cent less than in 1923. due in
large measure to the fact that the
prices Of goods are lower now than
two years ago.
THE business Of mail order
houses and of chain stores also fur
nishes encouraging evidence of the
attitude of consumers toward buy
ing. although for the most part the
statistics for these classes Of deal
srs afe not comparable from year
10 year because the leading mail or
der houses recently have begun the
of branch stores in
various areas for direct sale to local
in addition to their mail
order business"