The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-11-22

~Se~AA2SASeS
 "I thought being in the gOv-
 ernment was hell," the big Irish
 production wizard remarked 8
 little whimSically to 9 friend,
 "but this is worse"
 However, Charlie Wilson is sticking to his guns. He made a speech in Atlanta, recently, pro- posing low prices after the war and high wages. The reception from Big Business was the chilli est he has ever received. The automobile people were especial ly irate. Word from inside the industry is that they planned to ask OPA for a 30 per cent price rise over 1942, perhaps settle for 20 per cent. So they have been calling Charlie Wilosn all sorts of names, beginning with traitor and going on up.
 Wilson spoke in Atlanta before a group of General Electric dis tributors, plus other businessmen. His two chief points were:
 l. Industry must have the full cooperation of Labor after the war. Wages must be higher. "The take-home pay on a 40-hour week basis after the war must eventu- ally represent the higher level of earnings that now prevail" In other words, Industry working 40 hours should get what it now makes in 48 hours.) But Labor, in return must give Industry more output. It must do some think ing to help Industry, instead of promoting the showdown. That's the only way we can make the system work.
 2. Prices must be low, within the range of Labor to buy.
 "'ThiS worlds got to be built around the boys who have been
 fighting this war;" Wilson said
 in conclusion. We've got to give them jobs. This is the day of the common man." GIVE FEM MONEY TO SPEND
 Afaterward, a friend joIingly remarked: What have you been doing-talking to Henry Wallace?"
 Wilson's reply to this and the criticism of his business friends is: How am gOilng to sell my refrigerat0rS if we don't give 'em wages to buy with?"
 General Electric sold $500,000, ,000 worth Of goods in 1940, expects to sell $80O,O00 900 by paying high wages and keeping prices down after the war.
 NOTE - After his Atlanta speech, Wilson got frantic wire from Under Secretary of War Patterson and Secretary of the Navy Forrestal urging that he make no more. Patterson was afraid Wilson would get peoples minds distracted from war work, cause people to leave for private industry. Forrestal didn't feel as strongly as Patterson, but was persuaded by Patterson to sign anyway.
 BYRNES FORESTALLS BARUCH
 It was largely the persistent, persuasive charm of Barney Ba- ruch that caused ex-Justice Jim- my Byrnes to change his mind and remain as War Mobilizer. The President very much wantde Byrnes to stay and several times told him so. But Baruch, who has been able to wield a powerful, hidden hand in the government through his fellow South Caro- linian, pulled skillful, energetic wires to that purpose.
 One wire was Harry Hopkins. A few weeks ago Baruch had told a friend that he considered Hopkins one of the most sinister influ- enceS in government. But that didn't prevent the charming Wall Streeter from calling on Harry and having him use his infbluence to keep Byrnes on as War Mo- bilizer.
 Baruch also talked to ByrneS himself at great length. Finally he cIimaxed it all with a call on FDR.
 As Baruch was leaving the Presidents office, call came through to Byrnes' office, at the extreme opposite end of the White House, saying that Bernie was on his way. Whereupon ByrneS picked up the phone, called the President and told him he had decided to remain on the job until the war with Germany was over.
 asNUlnu did voal dn fhat2"