The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1939-1949, 1939-03-09

Entered as Second Class matte
ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS
From business point of view, the
most cheering utterances to come
from a high government official In
many a moon are found in Harry
HOPKINS address Of February "a
Before the talk was made, wore
came along the grapevine that car
ries leaks from official Washing
ton, that it was to be definitely en-
couraging TO business, and was to
point to new and stimulating Adj
ministration policy. But no one
imagined it would be as encourag-
ing as it was.
Mr.. Hopkins dwelt at length on
the utility problem, and strongly
urged real government utility
peace to permit this industry to ex-
pand on big scale. He said that
government should generally stay
out of business. He said that it was
essential to recovery that the rail-
road problem be settled in man
ner that would permit this in
dustry to make and spend money.
He lectured labor for permitting in
ternecine warfare; said in effect,
that it was cutting its own throat,
and that this country is plenty big
enough for two major organizations
to live together in peace and plen-
ty. He observed that there could
be no such thing as prosperity UNI
til the people on relief could get
real Jobs and that could only be
accomplished by invigorating pri-
vate business. He said that indus
try and government could work to-
gether amicably without destroying
the necessary and beneficial re-
forms executed by the present adj
ADMINISTRATION. And, perhaps most
important of all, he intimated that
the period of experimental" legis-
lation was about over-that today's
Job Is to consolidate and make
workable what has been done in
the past.
In brief, Mr.. Hopkins made the
most constructive talk the nation
has heard in many years. The re-
suit was a chorus of plaudits from
all over the country, and immed-
late strengthening Of the security
markets. Many a business man
who was opposed to Mr.. Hopkins
appointment to the Commerce sec
retaryship, in the belief that he
was radical, drastically changed his
point of view. It is highly signif-
icant fact that a number Of very
important industrialists are report
ed to be coming to the view that
Mr.. Hopkins is today their best
friend at court-and that they are
confident he win do an Al job In
his important new post.
So far so good. But there is one
very large fly in the ointment
and that is the burning question as
to whether Mr.. Hopkins notable
talk honestly does mark a volte-
face in administration policy. Mr..
Hopkins, the commentators think,
is unquestionably on the level and
spoke with complete sincerity. But
Mr.. Hopkins, in manner Of speak
ing, is only a hired hand. His only
authority is that bestowed on him
by the President. Anything he
might say or do could be instantly
overruled and changed If the Presi-
dent desired. And in the past, the
Presidents opinions have been
known to vary with bewildering
rapidity. On many occasions gov
eminent officials have made en-
couraging speeches only to have
the good effects annulled by sub
-sequent actions or statements that
discouraged business.
However, there are good reasons
for arguing that the policy laid
down by Mr.. Hopkins may be put
into effect. Administration lead
ers are worried about the swing to
the right shown by the voters at
the last election. Democratic
ranks in House and Senate are
split wide open, and such potent
officials as vice-president Garner
are openly working in the interest
Of conservatism. So thus It may
be, some Of the experts are saying,
that Mr.. Roosevelt IS bowling to the
inevitable, because Of the urgent
need for bringing about peace and
quiet within his own party. Even
as God tempers the wind to the
ahorn lamb. so does good poll
tician temper his opinions to the
conditions that confront him,
ne.