The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1934-03-01


pers faced taxpayers suit charging collision in the
letting of the county printing contract Their crime,
in the eyes of the plaintiff, that they had not bid
madly against each other until the contract finally
could be let far below cost frequently done
decade ago.
Although the suit dropped when the truth of
the matter brought out at hearing, the is
interesting in view of the code which newspaper men
and printers everywhere in the United States are
governed by, effective this week.
Like all codes, this one is designed to put bust
ness on healthier basis to the abuses which
have contributed to depressons and caused great
iatons in employment and many failures. Besides
providing that employees shall be paid reasonable
wage it provides that the employer shall take
sonable profit the work he does, unafraid of
scrupulous competitors.
The code specifically prevents cutting prices le
gal printing Since the legal rate is set by the leg
islature and not by publishers taxpayers need have
no fear of exploitation in this regard.
The code also provides for scale of prices on
job printing and penalties selling below COST How
long this has been needed, only country printers
know. Why printers have coveted work so earn
esty that they have been willing to do it below cost
would make interesting book. Another volume
could be written why much work goes to out
side printers, not only tearing down the community
from which the work is sent but building stronger
competing communities.
Since only four industries produce products of
greater gross value and few have widely differ
ent branches, perfection of code is quite accom-
plishment. How it will work remains to be SEEM
General Johnson's call for criticism for the MIRA
and his well-timed announcement of reforms to
be made are news of the week. Many do not agree,
but have always felt the NRA, while not altogeth
practical to depression of the features
of the presidents program which will help prevent
future depressions
1t was optimistic to hope that depression-torn
industry and business could absorb the unemployed
workmen overnight. 1t was futile to hope that plan
of it's magnitude could be old to the public in week
month. Experience has not justified the hope OF
sponsors that human nature had changed sufficiently
to end chseling and profiteerng.
While the NRA has been small factor in bat
Ting unemployment, its byproduct of cooperation in
industry may prove important in the long run.
By setting up fair competition Codes it strikes at one
of the weakest points in economic system.
With sufficient time and effort, the code idea can
be popularized to the extent that known to be
violating regulations will be quickly reported and
punished. Wage scales be kept in line with earn
ings and cost of living The investor will know to
considerable extent, what of competition his
terprise contend with General johnson will get
lots of criticism but his idea is good and should be
preserved.
Heard casual remark lately that just about
sums up all the criticism have felt inclined to make
of radio advertising This person, who knows little
about the subject said the radio is losing popularity
because of the total lack of tact used in its advertis
ing "copy.'
person can tune out tenor soprano, Kate
Smith, the voice of experience Florence Murphy
but when announcer begins telling about beauty
cream, toothpaste or save in the middle of a good
program, it's just to bad.
Best results in radio time we understand have
boop ohf NV at piQc of he
some product is packed in be sent in with prize
test entries get small premium. Not only lack
ing in TACT this plan is racket in the eyes OF most
people, Then there is the who urges you to
buy something to keep Bosco the air and the fellow
who butts into beautiful program to spend several
minutes speaking the same piece he has given ever
since the first time the program broadcast.
Tact is certainly needed.
A Sleepy Eye farmer who had an auction bill prin-
ted recently says at the top, Having decided that
am poor farmer, have decided to move to town and
live off the county like the rest of the goodfor moth
ngs." AS publicity stunt it worthy of Holly
wood writer. That auction drew crowd advertising
doesn't pay Not all who the county this year
good-for-nothing the CWA program has proved
but he right that many county charges year
in and year out generation after generation and they
usually have big families
A rather well-dressed able-bodied fellow
around begging dimes this week of the first
have since the adopted the hobo camp
idea last fall Asked why he had not applied for help
and work at such camp the fellow appeared nsulted,
asked if we knew how much men were paid at the
camps, if he too proud work for that figure
1t is strange pride that prompts man to beg rather
than take less wages than he thinks he is worth.
More Americans wear spectacles than anv other
people, But think Of the strain our eyes have been
under during recent years.