Evening star., 1933-08-10
new COMMODITY
PRICE STUDY MADE
Extensive Survey Shows No
General Trend of Change
in Various Lines.

: A new demonstration of the fact that
vhile the average" of commodity prices
fell to new low levels during the depreS-
sion the prices of particular commodl-
ties have actually risen. remained sta
tionary or decreased by percentages
varying from less than 10 to more than
80 is contained in a Government report
recently submitted to President Roose-
welt for study The report shows that
while the index of Wholesale prices
slumped to a record low during the
past four years the prices of 27 COM
mcdities actually increased while AZ
others remained unchanged.
The report will be studied by those
who are considering the various infia-
tionary proposals advanced in favor of
readjusting, through currency manipu-
lation, the price level-or average-to
xcme agreed-upon point. 1t has been
pointed out that the effect of initiation
in rising prices would be felt by those
commodities which have increased in
price since 1929 as well as by those
which have decreased in price, thus
continuing the distortion Of the price
structure that economists feel is che
of the complexities of the depression
period.
The wholesale price survey of the
trend of 784 commodities was under
taken by the United States Bureau Of
Labor Statistics Among the It's COM
moditieS that showed decreases. 43 fell
by less than 10 per cent and by
mole than 80 per cent. The remaining
items declined by varying percentages,
running from 20 TO 80.
The study was undertaken by Com
missioner Lubin of the statistical bureau
to aid President Roosevelt. it was said,
in the development of the experiment
in national planning. 1t covers the
period of between June, 1929, and
June 1888.
In June last The general index of
the Labor Departments wholesale
price table was 3l.7 per cent lower than
the level for June, 1929, according to
DR.. Lubin's survey. In February last,
IT was 37.2 per cent lower than the
June, 1929, level.
Metals Decline Least
DR. Lubn said metal and metal prod
ucts declined less than any other
group when comparing June, 1929,
with February, 1888. The largest de-
cline came in farm products, which in
February was 604 per cent below June
1929, and in June, 1888, 48.5 per cent
below June, 1929.
The statlSticlan said the percentage
OF decline by subgroups oI commodities
since 1929, coke ana bituminous coal
showed the smallest the drop beng up-
proximately IL per cent.
Electricity, gas and anthracite coal
were among the q commodities that
showed increases above the June. 1929,
figures, the report revealed.
The statistical research is made up
IA three lengthy tables Economists
outside the Government, said their
study of this tabulation reveals that
Some industries have no warrant to
increase prices under the national re-
covery act and that as to many prod
ucts, it may not be unreasonable to
lcok for price reductions
DR.. Lubln SaId the survey was to
be kept up to date as the national re-
coVery program develops. 1t will dove
tail with The functions OF the newly
created Central Statistical Agency,
organized for the purpose of keeping
the White House informed as to now
much purchasing power is being Gre
sted. The aim of the Industrial con-
troll phase of the recovery program is
to elevate purchasing power by spread
ing employment
So far. the administration has re-
framed from indicating what price
level of the past it is aiming at in
price restoration, but advisers are
Known to have suggested to the Presi-
dent to consider levels in the years of
1924, 1925 and 1926.
The following table shows the trend
OF the general index of the basic COM
modlties between June. 1929, and
February ard June of this year:
pp cor 1f 60