Evening star., 1938-02-02


chair.
Il do not believe that this Gov
eminent is hostile to business, big or
little" he said. and then added that
he had no doubt that the administra-
ton looks to business to furnish en-
ployment and seeks to help it.
Il do submit, however" he said,
that these laudable ends are not
served by men in high positions who
60 about the country threatening busi-
ness men"
Apparently with presentment of
the turn the meeting might take. Mr..
Roth warned the conferees against
acrimonious discussion. He added
that he hoped that out of the meet
ing the little business people would
be able to form permanent organiza-
tion. such as big business has done
in the Business Advisory Council.
Representatives of retail merchants
from all parts Of the country went
to the first session of the conference
at 1880 Am, expressing determina-
ton to demand action against various
types Of chain store organizations
Some said they were interested in
getting taxes imposed on chain COR
porations. Others sought conference
approval Of varied types of restric-
tions on their big competitors.
Many said they believed these de-
mands might figure in President
Roosevelts efforts to end monopolies
and business abuses
A proposal for Federal loans to
small concerns probably will head
the list of suggestions. Letters which
business men have written the Presi-
dent indicate tight credit situation is
one Of their chief worries
Mr.. Roosevelt said at his press con-
ference yesterday that Government
study Of the credit question would
be reopened
At the same time, the President
disclosed that aid for another big sec
ton of buSineSS-the railroad indus
try-Was under consideration He said
Walter M. w. Splawn, chairman of
the Interstate Commerce Commission,
had suggested a White House confer
ence on ways to help the carriers
and was arranging with rail officials
and others to attend.
The President also gave further at
tention yesterday to the problems Of
the automobile industry. Representa-
tives of the United Automobile Work.
ers asked a s13O,0OO.0OO appropria-
tion for unemployment relief in Mich
igan and reported that the President
had agreed to take up the matter with
the Works Progress Administration.
Relief Rolls Expanded.
In the general relief field w. P. A.
officials disclosed they had decided to
expand their rolls approximately
100000 in February. They ho3ed
that business improvement in the
spring and summer would permit cur
tailment to 100000 by June and
thus offset the temporary expansion.
Enrolment reached 1881 900 in late
January.
The small business men at todays
conference were from stores and fac
tories, men who only yesterday took
oil their grocery aprons and drug
store jackets, and men who usually
wear the overals of cattle raisers.
All highly articulate, they had
asked that they, as we'll as the Ma
tion's leading industrialists and
financiers, be permitted to lay their
problems before the administration.
A delegation of about 100 came from
New York. some carrying placards
telling their intention to bust the
recession"
A few invitations had been sent
to representatives of trade organi-
3ations, and some men were invited
At the request Of members Of CON-
gress. All paid their own expenses.
Asks Credit Agency.
Charles p. Bloomer. executive vice
president Of the Wearing Apparel
Board Of Trade of Pennsylvania, pre-
pared resolution asking creation of
Federal intermediate credit agency"
Mr.. Bloomer and several other trade
association representatives were ready
also to urge approval of legislative
curbs on chain store competition.
Dewitt NJ Emery of Akron, Ohio
president Of the National Small BUSH
ness Mems Association, said:
Il fail to see any need for specific
legislation to help the little fellow. II
the Government would only let US
alone We can pull ourselves out"
Marcus Snyder, a wyoming rancher,
who brought his wife along on their
frst trip East IN ~ years. suggested
that the Farm Credit Administration
boost their ants" On farm loans.