Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1934-08-02
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National Topics Interpreted - STYTTTTTR
by William Bruckart kSn5T5HT
by William Bruckart


to spend our way out of the depres-
sion. Here is one item to show what
is happening.
This road building has resulted in
the construction of enough miles
more than 22,OO0-of new highway al
most to encircle the earth. This money
was voted by congress in the last ses-
sion as a means of creating work. Pro-
ponents of the appropriation, and ad-
ministration authorities, hold that the
$400,000,000 earmarked for road build
ing would provide thousands of new
jobs. Bureau of public roads figures
indicate that this has been the result,
but I find many observers who are
wondering whether the amount Of
money that has been paid to labor for
highway construction has been proper
proportionate part Of the total set
aside, when the purpose was solely
the making Of jobs.
Total figures by the public roads
Office show that $500 miles were COM
pleted and In use on July 1 Of this
year and that $4,000 miles were under
construction, with the probability that
they will be In use by the end of 1884.
Contracts have been awarded, the bu-
reau has said, for the construction Of
about 1900 miles more, and work on
this portion will be under way in the
late summer.
It used to be assumed that when
economic conditions were below par,
many owners of au-
StIlt Use tomobiles would dis
Their Cars pense with their ma
chimes until they
were better situated financially. Such,
however, seems not to have been the
case in the last year. Automobile reg
istrations, while they declined in 1888,
continued to remain at an unusually
high figure as compared with recent
years. Official statistics show that 3d.
$4,000 motor vehicles were in use last
year. This is only per cent below
1892. The decline from 1881 to 1882
was larger, but the point is, according
to officials, that the decline was very
small. The authorities insist that the
reduction in total motor vehicles in
use as compared with 1882 should be
considered as hardly noticeable when
the whole country and the whole num-
Der Of motor vehicles is considered.
Although have not the official statis-
tics concerning the sales of new cars
last year, responsible sources inform
me that this business was very much
improved and they add also that the
sales for 1884 In the first six months
have been exceptionally high. This
would indicate that great many in
dividuals have found money, in some
way or another, which they could
spare for a new automobile.
Washington observers lately have
noticed an increasing tendency among
conservatives throughout the country,
whether Democratic or Republican, to
align themselves under one banner.
The movement as yet is much in the
embryo, but 1 am told by various OBJ
servers who are acquainted with po-
litical trends that the alignment is TAX
ing a rather definite shape.
Some months ago reported in these
columns the belief of many political
leaders that Mr. Roosevelt, as Presi-
dent, was definitely engaged in the
formation of Roosevelt party that
would adhere strictly to liberal stand
ards. Assignments which the Presi-
dent has made, the legislation which
he has proposed, and his general atti-
tude on social matters coupled with an
absolute disregard of old-1ime Demo-
cratic principles, has laid the ground
work for the regrouping Of voters I'M
der liberal and conservative align
ment. 1t is to be noted in this connec-
tion that Mr.. Roosevelt Is continuing
to expand his liberal doctrines under
the guidance of some of the political
leaders heretofore held to be radical
members Of the two old parties.
Another factor and influence that Is
noted now to be at work is the grad
:. ual concentration of
Conservative business interests on
Trend the conservative side
of political questions
under the New Deal. Washington has
heard lately of efforts being made
which would result in the molding of
business interests, or the spokesman
therefor, into a compact organization
as a means of combating policies of
the New Deal regarded by business
leaders as radical in character.
It is too early to attempt a forecast
as to the scope of this move. Never.
theless, 1t is quite apparent that con-
centration of this strength is under
way. Not only will these men and In
terests oppose expansion of such pol
icies as NRA and the AAA but they
are organizing to fight the ever-increas-
ing burden Of taxation and to oppose
extension Of government in business.
It Is a matter of record, of course,
that the tendency of government poll
cies in the United States since the
World war has been steadily to the
left. Conservatives have been unable
thus far to check this trend, largely
because the conservative element
never has stood together. It is i'm
portant and significant, therefore, that
for thp first time We aro ohSorvin0 tha