The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1941-08-21
Economic . . d.
National and International Problems
Inseparable from Local Welfare

Uppermost in many million Ameri-
can minds right now is this question:
|"What effect will defense priorities
have on the supply of goods for civil
ian use?" At this time, it is impos-
|slble to give an exact answer to that
question. But, judging by informa-
ton from Washington and the indus
trial centers, it looks like were going
to have enough of all the necessities
keep US going in comfortable style.
There will be shortages in some lines,
but there will be no grave disruption
Of the American economic system or
THE American standard of living, un-
less some unlooked-for cataclysm oc-
ours. A lack Of some important ma
terials will make the use of substi-
tutes necessary, but, according to the
experts, these substitutes will be gen.
orally adequate in quality and rea-
sonable in price. Here is how the
outlook shapes up at this writing:
CLOTHING: No serious shortage in
sight, though there is none too much
leather on hand, in the light of mill
tary needs. Prices will probably go
considerably higher for shoes and
suits. In the case of lower price
goods, quality may have to be low
cred. Within few months, silk stock
iings are expected to entirely disap-
pear from the market, and there is
not enough nylon and rayon to sup
|ply the demand. However, new types
of cotton stockings are being de-
veloped, and are said to be excellent.
AUTOMOBILES: 1t has not yet
been decided to what extent produc-
tion will be cut Best guess is that
1912 output will be at least 25 per
cent under the record level estab-
lished in 1941. 1t will be necessary
for dealers to make larger profits per
unit, so trade-in values will be lower.
The expected government excise tax
will up the price Of new cars substan-
italy. There will be little chromium
trimming, and there will be no alumni
mum for pistons, etc, after present
stocks in carmakers' hands are eX-
hausted.
OIL: The industry's capacity to
produce is far beyond any demand
| that can yet be foreseen. But the
transfer of tankers to Britain has
created something Of a transportation
problem in this field. Main shortage
| is along the Atlantic seaboard, where
some think rationing may be put into
effect. In the foreseeable future,
there will be no lack Of petroleum in
other parts of the country.
H o U f ii O l. ID APPLIANCES:
Heavy cuts in production will be
made to conserve metals for military
purposes In the case of washers and
refrigerators, the cut may go as high
as so per cent .,However, the cut will
biles, on the basis of 1941 record
sales. So, for some time to come at
least, production will be close to
normal levels. 1t is reported that the
substitutes being used for aluminium
and nickel are satisfactory. Higher
prices are to be expected.
FOOD: No shortage Of any food is
anticipated. If rationing of certain
foods, such as in the last war, is i'm
posed, it will be very limited in ex-
tent.
HOUSING: In certain areas, nota-
bly, those which contain major defense
industries, there is a very grave
shortage, and rents are soaring. This
is one Of the toughest problems the
country has ON it's hands now.
ELECTRIC C POWER: Shortages
exist in few areas, and utility eX-
perts say this is largely due to the
governments 'anti-utility' polio y
which has prevented much private eX-
pansion. The utilities, however, are
now planning an ambitious develop
ment program, and are confident Of
their ability to meet the demand. In
most Of the country there is plenty Of
Juice for both industrial and house
hold needs.
i What it all adds up to is that we
will have less non-military production
|of good many commodities-bu the
Ipinch will not be anywhere near so
ISeVere as scare rumors might lead Us
to anticipate. 1t is generally believed
that the average price level will go
ten or fifteen per cent higher, and
\ most government experts do not seem
to feel that any danger Of real in
llation has yet appeared. Great hopes
are pinned on higher taxes as a
weapon against inflation-they will
ldepriVe the consumer Of a large part
of the increased income which war
spending is producing. In addition,
Congress will undoubtedly pass some
kind of prcc-control legislation.
| Emphasis is being placed now ON
making goods give better service.
Economists tell us to drive our cars
/ Islowcr to save motors, rubber and
gas; to have our shoes resoled and
our clothes repaired, instead of buy
ing new. That is good advice.
An emperor Of ancient times, after
winning great battle, said this:
zone more such victory, and | will
be ruined His losses of men and