Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-10-06
Sees Bright Promise
in Future Years
BIZ Frederic J. Hdskin.


probability of this country's entrance
into war, but what the final results OF the
preparedness program will be in the
event war does not come. The interest
is deep seated, for whatever may be the
eventualities, business of the Nation will
be vitality affected and the country gen.
orally will undergo many changes.
The present situation has no parallel
in the history of the United States; there
is no former pattern by which the out
come may be forecast. The situation is
entirely new, and possibly in no period
of American life have politicians, econ
omists and others been so far apart in
their views as to the future of the Re
public.
But while there are no parallels or
patterns by which the outcome of the
Nations preparedness program may be
measured, the last century, when re-
viewed in periods of 20 years, may serve
as a guide as to what may be expected
from events that are now starting a new
chapter in history.
For example, since 1910 the United
States has passed through five 20-year
periods from which it emerged with
greater outlook, each period bringing the
country into a new and better cycle Of
economic life.
There started in 1910 the greatest era
of industrial expansion the country had
ever witnessed. 1t was time OF railroad
and canal building, and when present.
day large cities made the broad outlines
on which they have been constructed.
The period embraced the famous gold
rush in California, which turned the eyes
of the world not only toward this newly
discovered wealth, but upon other natu-
raj resources of the country. Although
industrial expansion Of this 20-year
period was temporarily checked by the
panic of 1857, the country as whole
made forward strides.
The trek of many thousands to Cali
fornia in search of gold brought about
the moving of vast numbers of people to
the West for other purposes, principally
agricultural and cattle raising pursuits.
And so, from 1860 to 1880, expansion of
the West meant a new opportunity TO
millions and added new wealth TO the
Nation. Reconstruction of the South.
necessitated by the Civil War. became a
part of this countrywide economic up
surge.
While new horizons of the West were
vanishing. manufacturing in the East
was expanding 1t was during this pc
Rod that the country's first great indus
trial plants were constructed, when mass
production showed its first signs Of be-
coming giant and when new occupa-
tons in industry began to develop.
Then came the period from 1880 to 1900,
and although it included the business
recessions of 1884 and 1893. it was an
era which saw remarkable and substan-
tial advances. For one thing, this 20
year period brought the greatest i'm
provement in farm machinery. the use OF
which enabled the country greatly to in
crease its exports of farm products. This
increase was gradual and resulted in the
best period of farm prosperity of all
times
Although the automobile was invented
prior to 1900. it was still in its infancy
for several years after the turn Of the
century. But the phenomenal develop
ment of the automobile between 1900
and 1920 marked another new period and
changed the whole pattern of American
life AS a consequence of the automo-
bile the country began the development
of the greatest highway system known
to any country which has not only add
ed to the education of the masses, hut
has been instrumental in expanding
commerce.
The years that embrace 1920 to 1910
stand out as the most remarkable of all.
These two decades saw the greatest pc
Rod of prosperity since the California
gold rush, and in contrast, saw the worst
economic collapse of the century. This
period also witnessed the development
of the most radical social and economic
changes of the Nations history. There
are many predictions as TO what history
will record as a result of these changes.
The practical American is now most
interested in what the next 20 or more
years will mean. He sees, vaguely at
least, vast undertaking which will have
its repercussions in all parts OF the
country. Billions of dollars are being
spent and millions of men are to be
trained in the arts and sciences of war.
The individual sets his compass and en-
beavers to survey the immediate and
distant future.
He sees industry being stimulated by
Government contracts, and this in turn
is calling for skilled workers. AS the
employment cycle expands, the curtail-
ment of Government expenditures for
relief seems possible. Since most of the
contracts require raw materials. the ex-
pectancy is that many unskilled workers
will soon be able to obtain employment
in their procurement and transportation.
However, it is now doubtful that the
national relief program will Immediately
be solved.
But while the present period seems to
be one in which industry will be stinu-
lated and the relief load ightened, a
deeper thought ensues. For years many
have believed that the United States was
one of the best prepared nations Of the
world. Scarcely any one now believes 1t,