Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-03

nEFENSE industries represent
~ the next most profitable
phase of war economy, but their
condition is full of contrasts.
Some small manufacturers, who
never did well, are enjoying
amazing success making small
defense gadgets, like noise filters
for tank radios, special gun
parts, and such.
Bulk of big business is in gi-
gantic operations, but profits
have not generally been in
creased, due 10 limitations spe-
Gifted in government contracts.
the excess profits and other
profits tax.
And manufacturers who have
not been able TO convert 10 war
business largely metal shaping,
casting. ornamental chromium,
copper, brass makers) are going
into retirement. 1t is believed
around 10000 small manufac-
turers may fold their cards
within the next year, which
would be roughly one-third of
the manufacturing units of the
country.
THE farmer is doing well His
L income will be up $1,000
| 100000 this year, an increase
of about 20 per cent. He is
buying more and more from
mail order houses and in small
nearby towns due TO the gas
and rubber pinch. In fact some
experts here believe the small
town may be restored to its
preautomobile dignity in Ameri-
can life before this war is over.
The only organizations which
will get rich and stay there,
however, are the union labor
groups. Size of their large in
come increase is secret to them.
but they are not subject 10
taxes and hence will not pay
their war profits back into the
government.
Some carpenters who never
made more than S35 a week in
their lives in rural areas in the
Midwest are getting 500 a
week. Sons Just out of high
school are in some sections get
ting more money than their
fathers for unskilled work in
booming defense areas.
But both real estate and
building industries are feeling
painful pinch. Even in boom
areas. no one wants TO buy;
every one wants TO rent.
DEFENSE building is being
~ handled by a comparatively
small number Of large contract
ors. The little builder was prac-
tically thrown out by shortage
of materials.
Small stores. handling ono
class OF goods. are beginning 10
he forced out (radios. phono-
graphs. hardware, household APP
planes. wearing APPAREL. Also
being eliminated are the small
marginal stores which cannot
get stocks.
The department stores, how
ever, have ample stocks. In GER
tain instances goods are being
sold al less than the wholesale
cost Of reproduction tNew York
area report.
The great bulk Of vacant
stores on Main Street so far,
however, are those formerly &C.
( cupied by auto dealers.
Food and drug stores arc do
/ ing well in most communities.
but in some rural areas. large
number OF people have left for
the army or defense Jobs, and
these sections arc suffering.
( WALL Street is shot. The
/ w amusement businesses offer
| contrasts as wide as industry.
Those in boom areas. which do
! not depend on motor trade, arc
profting. the others arc losing
out. Seaside beach resorts arc
/ living from hand 10 mouth and
so arc the summer vacation
places. Summer thcatcrS arc
dead
Doctors are scarce. due 10
army calls upon the profession.
Those who are remaining in
civilian service are able 20 col
lect their bills. Lawyers, on the
other hand. arc suffering.
The government has discov-
cred more lawyers have come 10
Washington in search of jobs
than any other class
The soft drink industry is
staggering as far as the public
market is concerned. but some
of the largest concerns are So
cretly using their machinery IN
war business under government
contracts. There were about l.
/ COCOON statesmen on the road in
the country perhaps not half
that many now.
Distributed by King Pastures syud Inc.