The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1946-10-18
SHACK SWEEPINCS
By BILL

" 1I4A1 IL VIZ - $4,000
designed advance the good all the people
Thus from reviewing their actions during the past
few years, it would appear that the COP does have
platforms platform based obstruction to and mega
ton of any and all help the of
Americans, while at the time doing all within
their to sell" this country to the monopoly in
erests which control the greater of economy
On the local level, similar platform seems to be
in existence with Ecton, Rankin and D'Ewart, the
"strawmen" candidates for the large outofstate
poratons who control much of Montanas economy
Compare their mouthings with those of big industry
then contrast with what Montana democratic can
didates doing propose to do to better the con-
ditions of all Montana people. There be but
answer, and that answer from the people November 5
will bea thunderous majority for Erickson, Mansfield
and Holmes
4 \ !.
The other day retail grocer friend was complain
ing bitterly about the position the small independent
grocer is in today the effects of the "GOPA price
troll law his business and the chances of his staying
in business in competition to the large chains when the
economic slump comes Referring to the old price
control law, he admitted he hadn't liked it, primarily
because of the red tape involved but, that truly
effective control of prices all levels distribution
was possible for him to plan his buying for several
months ahead, and have reasonable certainty
that he would be able to maintain reasonable profit
levels He further admitted that under the old OPA
law that allowable profit margins such that his
store could show good return investment
However, this holds such kind feelings to-
ward the present "cost plus price control law For
thing, congressional action items con-
troled items being removed from control change
rapidly that it is impossible for him keep up with
them and also attend to his business Further during
the effective controls in operation his
had less than half dozen instances of OPA violations
however, since the law went into effect two
months ago. his store has been hailed before the OPA
times He says it is impossible to keep up with
the price changes under the present regulations
One further point this grocer emphasized has to do
with Tho "nrioa
longer under government contro-but which are
controlled in every sense of the word by his whole
salers, jobbers and manufacturers. On such items
there is longer any certainty to price,
there was under the law which expired June 80 with
the result that replacement orders of such goods often
find him paying much wholesale for the Same items
he sold them for retail the previous shipment.
This amounts to him having become merely a goods
exchange with margin to meet operation COSTS let
alone make profit Facing the price spiral realisti-
cally he is certain that there be only result
if prices do not stabilize soon and that will be
ruptcy for him and thousands of similar little mer-
chants, since, when the crash does come, he and his
fellow Independents will not be able to compete with
the monopoly controlled chains such as Safeway Arp
The independents will have the cash reserves
to carry them until business once again begins
improving
Safety Jingle Of The Week
"a kiss in a hammock may take mans breath
But a smack in the flivver is flirting with DEATH
!. X X
During the past ten years there has been much pro
and discussion the FrancoFalangst dictatorship
SPAIN but this columnis the cleares explanation
of Spain under fascsm is contained in the recent book
wind In The Olive Trees" by Abel Plenn formerly an
American diplomatic representative in Madrid. Penn
through this very excellent book the history
Spain from the early thirtes the outbreak of the
highest revolt, and then up to the past year. In
tracing he brings out in clear relief the
ments that combined together overthrow the repub
lic-the monarchiss, large financial business
terests the church hierarchy and the Faange corpor-
ate state movement He also draws very conclusive
picture of Franco and the precarous position he in
he plays off group in his government against
other. The lot of the small farmer, small merchant
and the worker under the graftridden coalition
government is not dissimilar fuedastic system
peonage Should you wish to learn about
book store write to Book Find Club" 401 Broadway
New York 10, N. Y for copy of wind In The Olive
Trees.