The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-09-02
NJ .E.TracySays

CATISFIED with results on the wheat and
- cotton sectors, the agricultural adjustment
administration now proposes to move on the
pork sector. A million sows and four million
little pigs are going to market, with your Uncle
| Samuel acting as buyer and a process tax to
foot the bill.
AS tentatively outlined, the program appears
simple and effective. An extra half-cent on
each pound of pork consumed by the public will
provide the $55, 900, 900 necessary to pay for the
pigs and sows.
Elimination of these pigs and sows then will
raise the price of pork 25 per cent, maybe. Con-
sumerS who pay the extra half cent a pound, as
we'll as the promised 25 per cent rise in price,
eventually will get their money back through
improved business.
Meanwhile, the agricultural adjustment ad-
ministration will sell edible products of its pigs
and sowS to the relief administration, but in
such way as will not interfere with private
business. 1t will dispose of the inedible prod
ucts as best it can, but also in such way as
will not interfere with private business.
II II n
TUST how two or three hundred thousand tons
j of pork can be dumped on the market by a
government agency and not interfere With prl-
vate business is one of those mysteries about
which the lowly consumer is not expected to
bother his head, even though his chops, ham
and bacon may cost a little more.
He is expected to eat and rejoice in the gen.
eral good made possible by the higher price.
Maybe he will, but there is a chance OF his
turning to veal or corn beef hash.
On paper, it is easy enough to prove that
the immediate slaughter and distribution of
1000, 900 sows in farrow and 1000, 900 little pigs
would advance the price of pork, make all pork
raiserS prosperous, increase buying power, and
repay the public through improved trade, but
only because the average housewives marketing
ability is left out.
The housewives marketing ability is some
thing which no expert has yet been able to put
on paper. If you don't believe it, just ask some
butcher, or grocer who has tried to sell her
something she didn't want. When the price of
pork goes up IS per cent, there will be a rush for
brisketS or hamburger steak.
TT is amazing what trif1es can do to the retail
l. trade or how powerfully such a small item
as I cent can popularize products.
The American people have become large and
consistent eaters of pork, mainly because of its
modernistic price. Jump that price and heaven
only knows what their their appetiteS will take.
Gentlemen at Washington are betting on
everything except the average reactions OF hui
man nature. Their plans, especially in con-
nection with farm relief, provide for every
contingency except the consumers God-given
right to buy or not TO buy.
That right always has, and always will, de-
termine the success of every commercial enter
prise. whether operated privately or by the
government. Increased consumption, as made
possible by courage, confidence and a happy
outlook, is the basis of prosperity.
1t never has been, and never will be, brought
about by compulSion. We must not forget that
the American revolution was precipitated by a
comparatively small tax on tea