Milford chronicle., 1947-10-31

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s3 level. The international Shoe Co.
of St. Louis, one OF the worlds larg-
est, announced a general price in
crease (Which will hit the retail mar
ket about January u boosting chill
dren's footwear about 35 cents pair
and mems about 95 cents.
Housewives are reported stocking
up on commodities either in prepara-
tion for new price rises or in anticipa-
ton Of shortages in specific lines later
on. There was run, for instance, on
retail sugar Immediately preceding a
government announcement that It
would pay higher prices to Cuban
producers for the new crop.
The White Collar Lament
Virtually every price change during
the week was up, increasing the vari-
Gus indices that sum up the total cost
bf living. Since every rise shrinks still
further the purchasing power of the
consumers dollar (now worth slightly
more than half its 1925 value) the
wall of the white collar worker and
his mate gathered volume.
The Labor Department in Washing
ton reported city living costs in mid
August were higher than ever before
and said they probably are higher this
week than at that time.
Food isn't the only item. Crude oil
went up 20 cents barrel and steel
scrap advanced at Boston, New York,
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. It is only
a matter of time before these in
creases are translated into higher
gasoline, fuel oil and finished steel
pr.ces.
Weekly earnings in manufacturing
plants hit an all-time peak of $50.42
in September. more than double the
figure of prewar 1899, according to the
Bureau Of Labor Statistics. A Bureau
chart showed that by comparing dol
lar values, however. it represented
only so per cent hike in actual
earnings.
In the field of housing, the Bureau
reported $4,000 new dwellings were
started in September-a 20-year rec
ord Total construction, which in
ciudes factories, Office and public
UttlAd@tASS dhO AOdOos 10 AlOb up W tiiS
1920 level or up to the marks set
during the war
The Krug Report
a report from Secretary of the In
terror Julius A. Krug, released by the
White House, stated emphatically that
tie United States will be able to de-
liver the goods for a 90 billion dollar
s.d program under the Marshall plan
without impairing American re.
sources.
Some shortages will result but it i:
impossible. Krug maintained, to make
a case that the aid program will have
serio1s impact upon American
economy.
from the standpoint of day-to
day drain" he said, "tae export pro
Ersn is just not consequential"
Congressional leaders were sum
monad to the White House later ii
the week. Undel discussion was
new formula to obtain emergency aiC
for Europe without a special session
Of Congress.
Sen. Clsudc Pepper Cd -Fla.), VIII,
does not always reflect the majorit,
viewpoint among his Democratic col
leagues. called the Krug repor
'timid."
That is only nibbling along at tn
Job of winning the people," Peppe
declared. s'The obvious fact is that w
cannot afford not, to help Europe an
the rest of the world and that it
going 10 require some American sac
riice to get the job done"
Republicans Want More Data
Republicans generally adopted
lcts-hear-nnore attitude and indicate
the Krug report, as we'll as others
be filed later, would get thoroug
goag-over by Congress.
Another survey committee, heade
by Secretary of Commerce w. Avere
Hartman, may recommend that tt
Administration ask Congress for
single years appropriation withol
se.sing any final cost figures on IL
Narshall plan.
Sill another report on foreign a
is ceing prepared for Mr.. Truman
his Council of Economic Adviser
headed by Edwin G. Nourse.