Evening star., 1931-12-17
R|TCH|E HITS j. s.
TENDENCY TOWARD
ROLE IN BUSINESS
Tells Board of Trade Issue
Win Be Prominent in
'32 Campaign.
GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC
BODY IDEA HELD FUTILE
Federal Costs Grow Is Times
Faster Than Population,
Governor Says.

Modern tendencies for invasion OF the
realm OF private business by the FED
eral Government were criticized last
night by Gov. Albert c. Ritchie OF
Maryland in an address before the
Board of Trade at the Willard Hotel.
The potential Democratic presidential
candidate was the outstanding figure
on a Maryland night" program, al
which 1,1O0 persons were present. He
was proceed by Maj E. Brooke Lee,
Montgomery County Democratic leader,
and State Senator Lansdale G. Sasscer'
representing Prince Georges county.
Both Maj. Lee and Senator SasScef
told of the growth of nearby Maryland.
Gov. Ritchie said he liked to feel
tone of intimacy exists between Mary
land ana the District He said the
border separating Maryland and the
District should not be line OF geog-
raphy, but one of frient ship. He de.
clared it is organizations like the Board
of Trade which foster such sentiment.
Richie Sees Issues in Doubt.
Conceding he is interested in politics
above all other things, Gov. Rltchle
said it is difficult to tell what the
issues of a campaign will be eight
months ahead.
Il think, however" he said, that one
of the major issues to be brought out
will be the great question OF the lnVa-
sion Of the Federal Government into
the field of ordinary business This Is
a modern tenCency Of American govern
nent This question of public business
versus private business is the major
issue on which the public will have to
take sides.
If you happen to be a Socialist or
a Communist" he ADDED. Il suppose
this increase of government in business
is pleasing to you But If you believe
in maximum of private business and
minimum of government interference
in business, this problem will cone home
to you as dangerous. The Government
these days is regulating everything
the land, the sea and the sky.
Government Costs Mount
Cost of government in recent years
has grown IS times faster than popu-
lation. Private business has to pay the
bill. Government officials now enter
every phase of your life, from your
cellar in your home to your wallet in
your pocket"
Gov. Ritchie said he had heard much
talk Of solution of the business depres-
sion at one stroke by some governmental
controlled economic bocy that would
control production and consun ption,
stabilize prices and regulate profits.
That" he said, "is an alluring idea,
born of hard times. It's a natural
thing in this age of science to decide
what we ought to do about it. I sug-
gest that We cling to the idea of self
enterprise whereby each of us is en-
titled to the just rewards of our own
energy. That's how America became
great. After it's all over the fellow
who showed pluck, self-reliance and
ability will receive his just rewards.
This makes for safety. sanity and fu-
ture of our country. ANY Government
the expense Of the less of American
initiative"
Retaliation Bar Urged.
The Governor said the tariff, regard
less of Individual views favoring pro-
lection or free trade, should be regu-
lated on a basis that would prevent
foreign countries from practicing re-
taliation against America. He said the
present tariff had driven many Ameri-
can firms to open factories abroad,
ploymeslt.
Nov, take prohibition, he concluded
"It never should have been in the field
of politics at all. It's strictly a moral
and social question. The big argument
in favor of the eighteenth amendment
at the time of its passage was that it
would improve morals. Now all that
is changed. Instead Of improving the
morals OF the young prohibition made
them worse. When prohibition passes
it will be because of these conditions"
Maj. Lee said the framework of a
great city had been completed in Mont
gomery County. He pointed to such
improvements as parks roads, schools
coming, fire and police protection and a
water system. He said taxes in Mont
gomery County were reasonable. The
speaker declared the population growth
had been greater than anticipated, re-
gardless of the depression.
Yufe Savings Cited.
Prince Georges County residents,
Senator SaSscer said, recently received
$226,000 in Christmas savings, most of
which would be spent in Washington
He declared many old estates in his
county were being restored. He said
the county has one of the lowest tax
rates in Maryland.
Senator Tydings of Maryland, an
honor guest, was introduced by George
W: Offutt, jr, the president, who pre-
sided.
DR.. Luther H Reichelderfer, presi-
dent Of the Board of Commissioners,
welcomed Gov. Ritchie.
Resolutions praising Brig. Gen. Pei
ham D. Glassford, superintendent of
police, for the manner in which the
So-called hunger marchers were guarded
during their recent visit to Washing
ton were adopted by rising vote at
the suggestion of Odell Smith, chair
man of the Law and Order Committee.
MIR. Smith deplored recent attacks on
President Hoover made en- the floor of
the House.
Several songs we're offered by the
Georgetown Glee Club.
TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS