The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-15
White Collar Man. Still
America s Forgotten Man
Desire for Decent Standard of Living, Share in
Nations Luxuries, Pleasure May Result in
Upheaval Soon Warns National
Credit Association Executive.

Amid all the talk about increased
national income, there is one group
of people for whom 1914 does not
look too encouraging from finan-
cial standpoint" declared Henry H.
Heimann, Executive Manager-on-
leave of the National Association of
Credit Men, in his Monthly Bust
ness Review for January. He refers
to the so-called white collar class
which he points out has been caught
between a rapidly rising cost Of liv-
ing and a frozen wage level. This
white collar employe seems in a
helpless position; he is and has been
the forgotten man. God must have
loved him because he made him SO
patient and humble" declares Mr..
Holman.
But even the white collar man
has endurance limitations the
head of the credit organization for
the larger industrial corporations OF
the country, points out. This white
collar man desires decent standard
of living and has every right to as
pire to share in some Of the luxuries
of life. There is little wonder that
his patience is becoming bit eX-
hausted, and he no doubt will be
more articulate in the year ahead"
you can rest assured that this
wear his situation will be constantly
called to his attention by labor lead
ership. His group represents one OF
the nations largest unorganlzed
groups"
ut would seem judicious for buSi-
ness leadership to recognize ms
plight and do everything within its
power to improve his situation. Vol
untary action on the part Of bust
ness leadership is preferable to
forced action. There is not much
time to waste"
In reviewing the business prospect
for 1914 Mr.. Hermann named seven
important points which he sees as
assets in the balance sheet for the
year. Here are the seven points he
names:
al. The farmer will undoubtedly
be prosperous throughout 1944-war
or no war.
80. To the extent critical mater
ial shortages are relieved, the vast
backlog of civilian needs will I'LL
the gap of any let-down in certain
types of war production.
"3. The year just ahead will see
the peak of liquidation OF small
business with using psychology OF
the efficiently operated small
business enterprise.
"a. There will be in preparation
large program in home construc-
ton to be partially undertaken
when the first phase Of the war Is
over.
rs. Railroads will come into the
market for replacement material
before the close of the war or as
quickly as critical shortages are
overcome and present war demands
are partially satisfied. =.
IS. There will be credit II
abundance for the deserving.
"7. Foreign trade will present
broad possibilities as the press OF
hostilities slackens."
However, the business picture is
not entirely rosy" Mr.. Hermann
says. because there are several basic
problems which he considers may
cause no end Of difficulty for In
dustry If they are not properly
solved He names the following as
among the outstanding problems:
THE need for fair and equitable
settlement of terminated war con-
tracts.
"a renegotiation policy that is
fair minded and far-Sighted to the
end that manufacturers who have
done such a wonderful job in war
production may start now to set
aside funds for reconversion TO
peacetime production.
Labor must become Of age and
take up a full partnership in the
team with industry.
There must be change in the
attitude of the government toward
business, with the recognition that
the old fable about killing the goose
that lays the golden egg certainly
applies to the governments attitude
toward taxation of industry.
THE business world in 1914 Will
find abundant opportunities for an
unprecedented production. In the
year ahead business must be alert
to its inventory situation, which on
a peacetime demand is not only
relatively high, but presents con-
siderable maladjustment for peace
time needs.
FINALLY not the least of the bus
mess problems will be the reab-
sorption of the military forces when
and If rehabilitation occurs as well
as the reorientation of female en-