The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1946-03-01
LOOKING
AAEAD
Y GEORGE S. BENSON
| pnesident--Harding college
Searrg. ArkaHsas
All to Gain

Strikes in the automobile industry
since VI Day have cost the nation
half a billion dollars in purchasing
power already this year . and
none of the big threatened strikes
have occurred: This is the SUBJ
stance of a statement made to the
press late in October by George
Romney of the Automobile Manu-
facturers Association, in position
to speak for the whole industry.
In his supporting statements, Mr.
Romney quoted figures which he is
able to get in advance of any other
news source. He declared that, on
account of strikes in the plants OF
suppliers and makers of automobile
parts, $50, 900 fewer cars will be sold
this year. Anybody old enough to
drive a car knows this means $50
million dollars less money spent for
cars this year.
Everybody Hurt
Cars on the road are symbol of
money in circulation; people going
places and spending. Hotels, health
resorts, oil stations and motor
maintenance shops are having bust
ness turned away from them by
disputes. Prosperity follows the pro-
duction of things useful and desir-
able for people who buy. Probably
no useful thing enjoys greater
popular demand today than the
automobile.
The strike, during the progress of
Americas worst war, actually re-
tarded military production. Our
generals said it hindered the deliv-
cry of machines and munitions to
help Americas fighting men win
battles. And now it is interfering with
the chances of those same men for
getting steady jobs at good pay aft
er they have finished winning the
war. This is the road to economic
ruin.
Let Wages Advance
Speedy recovery is more impor-
tant to the American people now
than any money consideration or
any point of pride being commended.
l am man Of relatively small earn
ing and I believe I can speak for
millions of Americans who don't
care how high wages go so long as
they don't upset national economy.
Moreover my faith in working men
makes me believe they want no
wage scale that will destroy jobs.
Ever since the automobile bust
ness grew out of it's awkward age,
it has operated on sound American
principles: Q Large investments in
equipment, (2) more output per
worker on account of the invest
ment, (3) lower prices per car be-
cause of the big output, (4) more
sales because of the low prices, (5)
bigger profits because of the vol
ume sales, and (6) higher wages
made possible by more profits.
Minutes Matter Now
The demand for automobiles is
such today that car production per
worker might exceed all records
and still not satisfy the public ap-
petite for new rolling stock. Until
production rates dwarf all previous
records, there is no visible limit to
the earning power of a skilled auto
mobile worker. But there is the
rub An enemy intervenes. The
strike has thrown a brake on pro-
duction.
A war-impoverished world is look
ing to the United States to win
hard game. Uncle Sam has passed
the ball to Detroit, and it is down.
on the second yard line. Invest
ments, yes; production, no! The
opposition's squabble-play can de-
feat us. America has everything it
takes to win but teamwork. Why not
produce now to meet the needs of
a desperate public, with the disputes
to be settled later?