Imperial Valley press., 1941-01-03

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prices
What About Wages?
In certain lines such as among
tool markers, shipbuilders, and plane
makers, there will be wage increases
in l94l. If by chance the number
of unemployed is reduced from l.
100000 to normal figure of 4,000,-
600. then other wage increases are
inevitable. Generally speaking, how
ever, the cost of living should be
the answer to the wage question.
If the government acts sanely about
taxes and if employers are reason
able about profits, then improved
manufacturing processes should keep
down the average cost OF living Ger
tain materials such as metals. for
which there is a great foreign de-
mand, will increase in price: but
other items, like cotton, the export
of which has BEEN severely cut,
should show little chance in price
In short, if we will be reasonable
and keep down the cost of living,
most wage workers will not ask for
more money. 1t is true that labor
leaders usually feel they must get
something for their union members
each year in order TO hold their
Jobs as labor leaders and collect
dues from members. In 1941 however
these leaders will have a good ex-
cuse and fine alibi for not doing
this. They can pass the buck" to
the government and to Hitler! I am
very serious about this. Let us all,
whether employers or wage workers,
act in 1941 as if we were in the
army. whether or not we have on
a uniform.
Higher Pay Rolls-Fewer Strikes
Total pay rolls will be bigger in
194l than ever before in our history.
Even today with 100000 unemploy-
ed, total pay rolls are higher than
at the peak of the past period of
prosperity, and much greater than
during the silk shirt era of World
War I. There are three reasons for
this: ID The United States has
100000 more people CD The
working week has been reduced from
48 to 40 hours. (3) Hourly wages
have increased in nearly every line.
Also, inventors and research en-
gineerS are making our dollar &C
further. Hence, when turning his
pay envelope into food, clothing.
and shelter, the man with a job
is better off than ever before.
I do not believe any sensible labor
| leader, wage worker, or employe is
going to think of striking during
l94l. If the cost of living goes up,
then let wages be amicably adjusted
correspondingly l surely forecast
no industry strikes during 1941.
| AS to the Communistic element. the
vote on last November 5 shows this
is declining. Even the most radical
know what has happened already
| to labor unions and their leaders
| in every country but the United
States. believe labor will show ap-
| probation for its blessings by being
extra fair during J941.
Farm Income Uncertain
Ordinarily, farm income from
marketing and benefit payments in
1941 should exceed the 1910 figure
of around $4,000 100000, but I cam
not promise this. Weather is very
unpredictable and important factor.
Exports will be so severaly cut and
such large surpluses already exist
that 1 am not too optimistic on
farm prices. Yet, if the cost of the
things which the farmer must buy
is kept down, he should be at least
as we'll off in 1941 as in 1910. Inter-
est rates will be in his favor, and
should not hurt him. There will be
no new gadgets, such as automo-
biles, refrigerators, and radios, Of
fered TO his family during 1941 which
he must buyl Furthermore, if Ger
many and Great Britain begin to
use arsenic next summer to kill
each others crops, U. S. farmers
may save the situation and really
prosper Considering all things, I
think the farmers cash income in
1941 may exceed 1910 by $3.50 100000
or about per cent, despite the re-
duced exports of cotton, wheat, to-
bacco, and fruits.
All of this means that present
benefits to farmers will continue
throughout 1941 at around S800000,-
900. In addition to the existing rea-
sons for such benefits TO continue,
there is the additional pressure of
South American diplomacy. The
people of South America have only
wheat, cattle, and other agricultural
products to SELL We must help sell
them to keep their good will. This.
however, puts a real handicap on
U. S. farmers. If our farmers are
to accept this burden, it surely is
up to the rest of us to help them
carry it. Hence, farm benefits will
be more logical in l941 than ever
before.
Business and Taxes
Every cloud has a silver lining.
The need of huge taxes by the gov