The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-01-06
Behind the
Ticker
By LOUIS VI. SCHNEIDER

Nv H. VI ~
NEW YORK Top-flight World
War government leaders say
Washington isn't taking advantage
of experience gained during 1917
Is and that's the reason the arma-
ment program is starting slowly.
It's pointed out that inexpen-
enced government employees, poll
tioisns and military men laid out
the present plans and costs Of
getting the country on war
footing basis, and that the figures
are far out Of line.
The belief is that the defense
cost will run considerably higher
than government men estimate,
and that II experienced corporate
technicians aren't soon given
free hand to manage the program.
billions will be spent unnecessarily.
Gold Hoard More gold was i'm
ported by this country last year
than in any since the influx
started in 1884 As result, Uncle
Sans gold hoard amounts TO about
S22 900 ,000,0 900 compared with
$3.50 900. 900 this time last year.
The total is per cent Of all the
known world monetary gold.
Spending The census bureau
says there are $4,000, 900 families in
the United States and that the
average spending in retail stores
annually totals 1925, which in
cludes soda-fountain treats. Auto
mobile expenses are second on the
list, outranking the purchase of
clothes. shoes and furniture. Total
expenditures in all retail stores
amounted to S42,o23,sls, 900 in
1889.
Foods Retail food store dollar
sales last year are estimated at
$40, 700,000,000. That's a gain Of
$4s5. 900 900 or ~ per cent over
1889. The volume was the largest
since 1880 when retail food prices
averaged much higher.
Clarence Francis, president Of
General Foods corporation, pre-
diets that 1871 food consumption
will exceed the 1910 record ton
mage. His conclusion Is based on
increased population. greater en-
ployment and appetites generated
by the defense program and higher
national income.
Fraud Liquor importers have
issued warnings TO consumers that
spurious French champagnes,
brandies. wines. cognacs and cor
dials are flooding the country.
Bootleggers are taking advantage
of the European war and are pro-
ducing and selling under counter
felt labels.
Reports Are That: Abbott Lab
orstories' 1870 net established a
new high record American
Wooden has close to .55 900, 900 in
government contracts Louis
vile q Nashville may show IS q
share for 1910. larger dividend
distributions likely through 1871
L. s. Industrial Alcohol TO
show about So a share for 1910
Pressed Steel Car operating full
time on railroad equipment orders
and munitions for Great Britain
and Uncle Sam.
hesta Mschine's loss OF foreign
business offset by Increased do
nestle bookings Fhntkote TO
show close 10 81 share for 1870
-. Celotex shares liked by invest
ment managers; on price dips g. .
Paraffine Companies 1880 sales
volume ahead OF 1889 figures
For greater trading appeal there's
some switching from Proctor A.
Gamble into Colgste-Pslmoliye-
Peet. and from spicer Msnufsctur-
ing into General Motors
Ritter Dental has close 10 $50. .
600 in government contracts
Interlske Iron will show 81 ?
share for 1910 Borden viii
report net Of sl70s share for 1910
against sIs1 for 1899: this est
mate official 49,. National Acme e
order backlog il the largest n 20
years And. that investment
MANAGERS are lonK-pull scsle-doN r
buyers Of oil company securities