The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1934-11-22
Defining a Goal


Some idea of the real cost of the
slowly disappearing depression is
given by the report of a govern
mental committee appointed last
March to survey the nations poten-
tial productive capacity.
It now comes forth with the amaz-
ing statement that this country has
lost $287 600, 100000 in goods and sery-
ices since 1929 because of the faulty
organization which prevented our in
dustrial organization from working
at top speed. We have all known that
the enforced jdleness of millions of
men and women or their assignment
to piddling and productive tasks,
constitutes a tremendous waste of
well-being and happiness for the
American people.
No one can question, fer example,
but that the American people would
be far better housed today had the
carpenters and other builders been
able to 60 ahead at full speed dur
ing these last five years. II we had
used our ability to the full, every
home would have a modern bath tub
and every housewife kitchen equip
ment Of a much higher grade than
now is the rule. The same thing
holds true for almost every item of
household or office equipment as we'll
as for items of personal use, such as
shoes, clothing and the so-called lux
uries.
In short, everyone recognizes that
this could be q land of milk and
honey, such as all peoples have en-
visioned. The task is to SO use our
resources Of mind, money and mate
rails that the end is attained.
The survey, although it brings lis
little nearer a workable plan for max
ing the necessary adjustments, does
shed light on the ends which must
be attained II the ultimate goal is to
be reached. Thus It asserts that the
wants of every family could be filled
without capacity industrial produc-
ton, but to do this each of the ma
tons 27,000,000 families must have a
minimum buying power of $4,70O q
year without any increase in living
costs over present standards.
It Is interesting to note that the
survey was made by men of prac-
tical experience as we'll as theoretical
training. committee members having
been drawn from the business and
industrial world as well as from the
ranks Of college professors. Among
them, however, it must be noted, was
Harold Loeb, a leader in technocracys
early stages and friend OF Howard
Scott, chief technocrat.
Taking each phase Of production
in turn. the survey Indicates actual,
possible and desirable production fig
ures on the basis Of the 1929 output.
Possible capacity production esti-
mates have been influenced by
changes made In the last five years.
It Is shown that In 1929 $685.
100000 worth Of food was produced,
but that with 50 per cent Of the fam
lies earning less than $4,000 q year
they were forced to maintain diets
showing too little meat and too much
consumption Of starch and sugar. #
production had been increased BY
$4,000. 900 1000, it was found, every
family would have had a liberal diet.
In the clothing industry in that
year, 67.O00.000 men and boys pur-
chased 100000 suits, s,27oooo coats
and women and girls l73,06O, 900
dresses. 6l4,000000 pairs of stockings
and 259,000,000 pieces OF underwear
The industry was capable Of produc-
ing 100000 suits, 100000 coats,
3e6.ooo.ooo shirts, 4S5, 100000 dresses,
LOGS. 600, 900 pairs OF stockings and
5l0,000,00o pieces of underwear. A
desirable production, the survey de-
termined. would have been $1,000 OoO
suits. 28.000.000 coats, 1853 900 ooo
shirts, 275,ooo,ooo dresses, 6sl 900 ooo
pairs Of stockings and 427 1000 ,0oC
pieces Of underwear. This produc-
ton. 1t was said. would have insured
decent and well-fitting apparel to
every citizen.
Housing was found to require the
greatest advances in production. The
annual average Of building units
estimated at five to six rooms each
constructed from 1920 to 1880, was
1884, Or . replacement Of about ID
Per cent. This IS held to be far too
little n view Of the fact that les.
than % per cent Of the people are
able to afford proper housing condi-
tions.
The budget set up by the survey
calls for the building Of l,550,000 such
units each year. Construction ia
tilities and rsw materials available
could more than MEET such pro-