The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-11

A bitter denunciation Of pack alley slaughterers" and "contemp- tible scavengers" who seek to coral the meat and butter supply features the first radio message of Acting State OPA Director Anthony P. Ar paia. He pledges merciless cam paign against such traitors of American principles.
 In his address to the people of Connecticut MT. Arpaia, who re- gently succeeded Chester Bowles as director, expresses confidenct that the "black markt" can be smashed and calls upon law-respecting Amer ican citizens and organizations to unite in winning the battle on the Home Front.
 His address follows:
 Because I'm new in the job as director of the OPA in Connecticut, I think you have right to know just where stand on some of the problems facing us here on the Home Front. And for that reason, tonight I'm going to talk about the most serious problem with which every Connecticut family must deal today. That problem is the Black Market and 1t must be dealt with quickly and effectively.
 I know we can stamp out this menace because I think that in spite of the good news we have been get- ting from Europe and the Pacific during the last few weeks, Connec- ticut people are more determined than ever before to make sure that we don't lose the battle on the Home Front while We win 1t on the battle front.
 For example, I would like to read you a paragraph in letter re- ceived from a man in New London after my talk last week. He says: T think we ought to stop com- plaining and get on with the war. Connecticut has always shown the way. Just tell us what you want us to do and how and we'll do It."
 A good many letters like those have come along just at a time in this new job of mine when l need them most and can tell you that they have given me, and everyone else in the Hartford OPA office, good deal of courage.
 First let me say that most Con- necticut people are getting sick and tired of going without this and that while some smart aleck down the street gets anything he wants. Only the Black Market makes 1t possible for him to get away with 1t. The question is what part can each of us play in stamping out this evil?
 Now just what is the Black Mar ket, why does 1t exist and how does 1t operate? By the way, why is 1t called Black instead Of Yellow for example? I don't know but if black signifies death, the term Is appropriate because the Black Market certainly means death to the democracy that our soldiers are fighting uo preserve make no mis- take about that,
 For the moment, let's concentrate our attention on the Black Market in food To get food, we go to the grocery store, Let's think about that grocer for the moment,
 Now let me make this very clear at the outset Most grOoerS in Con- nectieut don't want any part Of the Black Market And thousands or them are rellglously complying with every single provision of the price and ratloplng regulations, They do have problems, worse than those that bother you and me, Help Is hard t0 nnd these days and the job ls bigger, what with coupons, point values and strict railOnlng Of pros duets nut your grocer ls a business man, Iio has on investment nt stake When the war ls over, he intends 70 be- ln the same business, Good will is iha greatest of hls assals and good will comes from the respect Of hls customers, So for business Tess h0ns as well as for personal and pas iFl0lle reasons, most Of our gFOesrs want Co play the game according io the rules
 But they are entitled Co our help, They cant do the Job alDDs, benauhs the grocer IA A busy man, . good many violations of ceiling prices Ocs eur through h0nakt mistakes, Your grocer wants you m call lbsm i0 hls attention ln . straightforward man .to.inan fashion in most eaksA yOu1l md that he'il be glad t0 make on adjustment if he's out of llne 'ihk typs 0f man IA not a Black Mafksteef,
 Other violations result from tht desperate efforlA of essentially hon. est men to satisfy their FEeular cuA. toners. Perhaps they are bounded by . few customers who want more than their allowable share Of butter or meat, or this thing or that. Thf