The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-02-03
BAN is URGED
ON CUT-THROAT
TRADE RIVALRY
Maine InduStriaIiSt Wants
Union of Industry to
Revive Business.

By ScriDDs-H0icGrd Newspaper Alliance
LEWISTON, Me, Feb. 3.-Busi-
ness will revive, workers will get de-
cent jobs with decent pay, bank de-
posts will increase, economic dis
tress will be at an end, if out threat
competition can be abolished, in the
opinion of William Bourassa, gen.
eral manager of the American
Bobbin Company
In letter TO the President and
members of congress, Bourassa has
outlined a plan which calls for the
formation Of an association Of in
dustries under such legislation as
practically will compel the indus
tries to become members.
This association, through a COM
mittee of its members, would dis
cover a fair price for commodities,
on the basis of wages, local advan-
tages, etc
1T shall consider a living price,
fair profit and equal opportunity Of
manufacture, but shall not adjust
maximum prices. It's only duty
shall, from time to time, adjust
minimum prices for articles of man
ufacture, but shall not adjust max
imum prices. It's only duty shall be
to fix a price below which no article
of manufacture shall be sold. Com
petition shall begin at living profit"
All Industry Must Join
No industry failing to join the
association would be considered
within the laws of fair business
competition, and all industries would
be subject to a flat-rate tax, wheth-
er they made profits or not.
Failure to pay taxes or the slash
ing of prices below the minimum
fixed would call for government in
tervention.
BouraSsa says:
Il have been studying the matter
for four years and find that to keep
running full time. instead of run
ming full crews at shorter hours,
manufacturers have cut prices be-
low costs.
I'VE have consulted the best adj
vice in America. Each expert has
arrived at the same conclusion.
That ruinous price-cutting makes it
impossible to run at profit in most
concerns.
Change Anti Trust Laws
II have received a communication
from a prominent firm Of account
ants who say that there is no chance
that congress even will repeal the
antitrust laws. Personally, 1 never
have suggested it,
Congress is concerned with fair
competition, but we emphasize fair
competition, and I designate that |
form of competition which leads to |
destruction Of business as being just |
as unfair as that which SoakS the |
public.
MY proposition has been for such |
change in antitrust laws as shall |
permit industries in certain classes
to set a figure of cost plus profit, |
on which manufacturers can agree
as fair price, said price to be sub
ject to advice and control of some
government supervision.
industry Not Pirate
This would be a matter of trade |
practice, and 1 am informed that |
this likely is to be the only part |
of legislation that stands much of
show consideration.
Il see little difference between
the right to stabilize prices in in
dustry, and the right to peg wheat.
1 see little possibility of unfairness
to labor in fixation of prices that
shall insure men and women decent |
jobs at decent pay
All we ask is permission under |
federal oversight. Give the trade !
conference a standing in affairs.
Treat industry not as a pirate, but
as a friend"