The Wilmington morning star., 1946-12-28
BY ROGER w. BA4SON

pc a peS1lil1lilS u d hiO'Si1 "
population from the big coasta
cities to the small interior cities
unless definite steps are taken fol
world disarmament.
General Business
2. A year ago the U. S. Babson
chart registered 13c. Today it i!
estimated at 100. The Canadian
Babsonchart registered 100 a year
ago. Today it is estimated at 204.
Sometime during 1947 these Charts
will register higher figures.
8. Reconversion OF industry from
war to peace has been completed
although the great government
surpluses have not yet been dispos-
ed of, leaving much more to be sold
in 1947.
4. Inventories, quoted botn at
their price values and their vol
umes. will increase during 1947.
Both raw material piles and maru-
featured goods will be in greater
supply in 1947.
Commodity Prices
S. Some rationing and priorities
may continue into 1917; but both
will rapidly be eliminated. Govern
ment regulations will gradually be
lessoned. World War II will olfjci-
ally be ended.
6. The retail prices Of most manu-
featured products will be higher
sometime during 1947 than at pres
ent. The prices of some OF The food
products may decline.
7. The unit sales of some depart
ment stores will begin to decline
sometime during 1947; but the sales
OF food and variety chains may
continue at peak figures.
8. The great question mark OF
1947 will be how labor is to be-
have. Higher wage rates and less
production per man inevitably
mean higher prices.
Farm Outlook
9. Pending a weather upset, more
bushels of corn and wheat and of
some other products will be raised
in l947 than ever before in u
history. Although some prices may
slice off, the total farm income
for l947 should hold up fairly well.
But farmers should diversity more
in 1947.
10. There should be an increase
in certain fruits, fish products ana
vegetables with a decline in prices.
The United States will have more
to eat in 1947 than in 1916, prob
ably 10 per cent over the prewar
level.
II. Dairy and poultry products
will continue to increase in volume
with no increase in price; but fats,
sugar and some canned goods will
continue short.
II. Farmers will start in 1947 to
work to extend legislation On their
parity program due to fear of a
collapse in farm prices.
Taxes
IS. Taxes will not be increased
during 1947; and there should be
further reductions. More nuisance
taxes may be eliminated alto
gether.
IA. The Federal Debt will be de-
creased during 1947 and the Fed
eral Budget may be balanced by
June 80, 1948.
Is. The cost of living will con-
tinue to rise during 1947 due large
ly to the lack of interest in their
work by so many wage-workers.
16. Providing jobs for returning
soldiers at satisfactory wages will
be a big political task of 1947.
There should be jobs for all, but
not at the wages desired.
Retail Sales
II. The total volume Of all retail
sales will be about the same as in
1916. Poor quality goods will suf-
fer, but many items now available
will be purchased.
Is. The total dollar value Of all
retail sales should exceed 1916
with an increased demand for wool
en- and cotton textiles.
10. There will be a continued
demand for mems clothing and
especially for shirts and under.
wear.
20. Wise shoppers will buy only
what they need and not grab to
stock up on goods not absolutely
required.
Foreign Trade
81. The United States will own
over so per cent of the world
shipping in 1947 and foreign trade
will increase.
%. We will continue our policy
of making foreign loans, providing
the borrowers will agree to spenc
a fair proportion of the money ir
America.
%. Both the British Empire anc
Russia will keenly compete fol-
foreign trade during 1947; bur car
tells and Government monopolies
will be frowned upon.
"a. Throughout 1947 war talk vii
continue, the thought being that
sooner or later, England-who truly
is in a terrible predicament-wil
shoot to stop further Russian
aggression.
Labor
rs. Even President Truman!
eighteen and one-half cents" will
be forgotten during 1947. The veal
will be noted for threatened strikes
and labor disturbances.
rs. Industrial employment durint
1947 could be up both in hours ane
In pay rolls, labor leaders dis
couraging attitude Notwithstanding
II. Many industries, now operat