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About The Evening herald. (Klamath Falls, Or.) 1906-1942 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 21, 1942)
t PAGE SEX THE EVENING HERALD. KLAMATH FALLS. OREGON Jnntinry 21, 1012 Fair Break Asked for Auto Dealers in War Emergency (Editor a Vote Xlaatth't aotoawbtla aalcr bava loof pUjad aa taportaat part to Ut ttrU lad acoooralc Ufa at tba eoja aaualt. Lara numbara of families ara auo portad Uiroufh Uia work proTl.1rd by tha autorooblla aatahluhmanu her. Uka rlealrra avr)hra to tba li. 8., Ui local autotno tll mw arr. enfrwitl wttb a critical altuatloa to tha war emcrceocy. Tha follow lac la a atalcmeat of L. Clara Cariila, prealdeat of Uia National ADtomohlta Iral ra aaaottatlon, bora tba aeaata araall hn.lr.Ma eommlttta. It dtacuisca tba dealcra proMrra and ollara aaaitloDa aa to Ita aolnlloo. It la carried la loll b'ra berauea ol Uta larga number of crar raadrra vitall; Inter eatcd la tba automobtla iaduatry. The automobile dealers of America are typical mall busi ness men. They number 44,000. They have a half-million em . ployes with many, many more dependent upon them. They are located In every city and town of Una country. They are a part of the very warp and wool ox the nation. Ever since the bomb ing of Pearl harbor, they too have known that this country now stands united as never be fore, and they have upon every occasion pledged their support to the prosecution of this war to a glorious victory and they shall continue to do so regardless of the hearing that is accorded this plea. It should be emphasis that the automotive industry consists of two distinct units of outstand ing importance. One is the manu facturing plant which has pro duced cars and without which this nation never could carry out its vast war program. The other end equally Important unit is that of the dealer. He not only distributes cars and provides service to keep the major trans portation system of the country running, but he also has made the very existence of the manu facturing plant possible. The dealer has been necessary in the past to build up these plants; he will be necessary during the war to keep cars running, and after the war he will be neces sary to help restore the nation's transportation to its peace-time efficiency and the nation to prosperity. Manufacturers Get Work Yet although these two units are. of equal importance, only one of them is receiving any con sideration at the hands of the government in the present war emergency. Motor car manufac turing plants are obtaining enor mous contracts. Their total is un known, for the government, un der an order dated December 26, 1941, refuses to make the total of these contracts public. One of' ficlal figure shows, however, that during a moderately active production period, from June 1 to October 15, last, automobile manufacturers of the United States were awarded war orders totaling $2,759,400,000. An un official report says that to date the war department alone has given these same factories a total of more than $4,250,000,000 worth of business. Recently, ac cording to the newspapers, these same manufacturers were prom ised an additional $5,000,000,000 In war contracts. These figures are not quoted with the intention of reflecting in the slightest on the nature of ' these awards or the group to whom they were given. They are pointed out to make clear that while one part of the motor car Industry is being provided for by the government with cost-plus contracts, another and vital part is being swept, virtually without notice or consideration, into bankruptcy. Surely there is reason to save the dealer. He has been render ing a necessary service to the na tion's 33,000,000 motor car and truck owners. We should at least stop and inquire if he goes, who is to serve in his stead, and if no substitute service is m-ovided. Just what are his present cus tomers going to do to keep their cars running. Prepared For many months, the auto mobile dealers of America have sought to place themselves in such a financial position that they could continue to render the necessary service to the motor vehicles upon which our war effort is dependent. They were fearful that the time might come when there would be no cars to sell and that they would be able to do their duty only if they had prepared for it in ad vance. The dealers of America have, therefore, sought to prepare themselves, and following the advice of a member of the agency which has been deslg nated to administer the ration ing of cars and their products which have been frozen by the recent order, have attempted to build up a stock which might be properly rationed out to the best welfare of the country. Late In the afternon of New Year's day it was announced that the freezing of all new cars and trucks had been ordered by one of the defense agencies. This found the dealers of this coun try with 450,000 units which they could not sell until a ra tioning order could be issued. Some of these cars had already been sold but not delivered to people who are now sorely in need of them and who had paid part or all of the purchase price for tham. A few days later It was an nounced that 200,000 more cars would be made Jn January, but this announcement was accom panied by the implication that only a part of them would be available to dealers for resale. It was also announced, upon high authority, that there was a pos sibility that private cars might be requisitioned, effectively shutting off the used car mar ket which was the last hope of the dealer to secure cash which is necessary for the operation of his business. It has been hoped that the parts and service business might furnish some small income to prolong the survival of dealers. but now we know that this source of Income will not be suf ficient to enable the dealer to long remain solvent because if the freezing of tires continues, the subsequent use of cars de creases the income from the sale of parts and service will become negligible. In this connection, we also hear rumors of an im pending freezing of parts. Support War Effort We yield to no group in our patriotism and devotion to the country or our determination to support the entire war effort. We submit that the cost of this war should be so far as possible spread over all the people, and that it is unfair for this single business group to bear so large a part of the burden. Nothing we have said, nothing we shall propose will affect the prosecution of the war, nor will it take so much as an ounce of any critical material away from the armament program. We respectfully request that we be permitted to submit the following specific points as being consonant with the remarks which have been stated above: 1. That the government shall permit the delivery of all bona- fide orders dated prior to Janu ary 1, 1942. Many buyers prefer for pur poses of bookkeeping and be cause of the provision of license laws in some states, to accept de livery on new cars after January 1. The cars affected by this con dition are but a small part of the total of 450,000, probably no more than 5 per cent, but much confusion and irritation is being caused by reason of the inability of the dealers to make delivery. It is our belief that delivery should be permitted on which sizeable down payment or trade- ins had been accepted. We know no other way in which the equit ies of both parties can be pro tected. 2. That if prices on new cars are frozen, that one of the for mulae proposed by OPA at the meeting of the panel, December 1. 1941, or the formula later de vised by OPA providing for a four per cent handling charge and sixteen and two thirds per cent of freight mark-up be used. We also submit the special situa tion of dealers who have large investments in freight. On December 1, 1941, OPA as sembled a panel of 82 dealers of their selection to whom they pre sented two formulae. They stat ed that either one of these would successfully control inflation. We are advised that they later de vised a compromise formula be tween the two. Inasmuch as OPA has officially announced that any one of these formulae will successfully attain their ob jective of controlling inflation. we suggest that one of them be used, if and when prices are frozen, but suggest that full re gard should be given to the spe cial situation of those dealers lo cated far from factories who have large investments in freight 3. That if any ceiling be placed on used cars, full regard may be had for the above state ments and that the prices deter mined upon may enable the deal er to retrieve a fair return for handling. There is a possibility that some dealers may be able to survive lnoger and thus render needed service to motor vehicles if the ceilings be placed high enough to encourage some trading in used cars. A liberal ceiling would Latest U. S. Ship Torpedoing They Survived Allan Jackson l.kA Telrnholo) Survivors of the third merchant ship torpedoing off th Atlantic Coast, these men survived the sinning at the tanker Allan Jackson off North Carolina. Twenty-thr ee members of the crew of 36 apparently drowned or burned to death in a sea of blazing oil. At Norfolk, V a., are. from left, front row. Teague Burke. Elmo Bur den, AraceUo Lopes. Rear, Rolf Clausen, Ross 8. Perreu. Jeremiah O. Donovan and Onus May. Carole Lombard's Body Begins Last Homeward Journey rV 1 A sad task was that of rescue workers who suited the return trek to Las Veyas, Nev, wlth'he chirred'body of Carole Lombard, who died with 31 others in an airliner crash. Tangled wreckage Is In the background also enable such dealers as find it necessary to more easily li quidate their present stocks, which in some cases furnish the only source for the steady inflow of cash which is necessary to the maintenance of a business. It is also clear that in the case of many dealers, the liquidation of used cars furnishes the only op portunity for securing cash with which to pay income tax due March 15. That all automobiles and trucks produced, except those designed especially for military service, be handled through deal ers regardless of their ultimate destination. This paragraph has reference to the inference made by a high governmental official that some vehicles would be handled di rectly from manufacturer to government. We submit that all motor vehicles should be handled through dealers. 5. That all cars requisitioned or purchased by the govern ment from dealers be pur chased at full list .price as de scribed in section 2. 6. That the government shall pay for cost of financing, insur ance and storage on all cars and trucks carried by dealers after January 1, 1942 until liquidated or released. This request is made because these cars and trucks may be carried in stock by the dealer much longer than is true in the ordinary conduct of business. 7. That the government agree to purchase at retail de livered prices all cars and trucks, frozen or subject to ra tionlng, which may be tendered by dealers on or after July 1, 1942. This request Is made in order that dealers may be encouraged to accept cars as they are ship ped to them in January, and to stay in business, in order that they may render service to the public and attempt to earn a living for their employes and themselves. 8. That no restrictions be placed on the sale of town cars, limousines, convertible coupes, or convertible sedans or trucks that are not standard units. This paragraph refers to cars which it is anticipated might never be purchased by the gov ernment and might remain in the hands of dealers indefinite ly. We feel that each of these re quests is thoroughly justified in order that the cost of the war may be spread throughout the entire business world and be cause of the fact that we, the 44,000 dealers of America and our half-million employes, are faced with Immediate disaster. We freely concede to Industry the right to function lit the man agerial sphere in accordance with its best judgment and in accordance with the policies of the government. W 1 1 Ham Green, AFL. Extension Unit News MODOC POINT "Financial Planning" was dis cussed by Mrs. Winnifred Gillen and unit members at the regular meeting of the Modoc Point home extension group Wednes day, January 14, In tho com munity hall. It was decided to hold an eve ning of square dancing Satur day, January 24, in the hall. Ar thur Davidson will be in charge of the calling for the dances and music will be furnished by local musicians. TIRE CONSERVATION SALEM, Jan. 21 (IP) Officers of the Salem Milk Producers as sociation last night decided to recommend consolidation of milk routes and that milk be de livered only every other day. The measures were proposed as a means of conserving tires. Every plane delivered ahead of schedule, every tank added to our output, will save American lives. Director Floyd B. Od ium, contract distribution dl vision, OPM. We nominate for air raid war den the lady next door who al ways detects anything unusual In the neighborhood hours before it happens. fn, hLL.. "ZtT r. rfgM - JssssrSa 'TUaVw n. UHRU I a I fc iL "". 1 I . .-w- lr SL I j i .... MmM- xaA -HIF I thA,.-. ' f I MM I L 1 ujAVHtr v-. i - it - ' Tl r,t M 7 "fIrSl .... IOWA CWHrt QaW ("aW.NJ V1U aww naUlaa sVaTSk. J aaal ytiro"- m v t I I ' K.cv KY,2-- TTC .,M9. .oil r -a. k r I afi sTTuo6w'.r.-ffiH jta M ' Cra I m.U I I wa . ar A 13.1 - t ,aj..-wnTw- , : V .. 1 I la (Yc.L ill' ..J ' ;ss roG PliSCTT FDW Id . s SOUSSElL fw.t AVp.tHS1.: V- . .tT!:n t a w.i.,VTnJvL BBRANCAS y Jl NOT SHOWN I' Scale ol M.les I ' I - ' ' . L 52352' i i' RinOGOLDTiwi, '' ' TAUOtla, Ou Pont. Dalawara 0 300 BROWr( - I - (Caj Waat BarraekaV ami fjaularmry I ti Wpo V ii':Vi c.ii.Va. Sn Oitjo'atraal., 0SENCRa,t ,Crtlf . tt"a Opto VSbiOht U. i. ARMY FORTS AND CAMPS Forts are wrrttan thui: CEWg Campi ara wrKtan thui! Shalbr OUrge ttora Indlcata atranarh Of mora rhan 5000 aoldiart O Carta Anas J aw Coras Arm Bouarlorlet 8cslt ol Miles These aTe the forts and training camp of the U. S. at war, where troop, are being fitted for battle with the armie , of the axis, HIGH SCHOOL News Notes and Comment By MAURICE O'CALLACHAN Tuesday morning Charles F. Walker, president of the North west School of Commerce of Portland, gave one of the best talks the stu dents of KUI1S have had tha pleasure of hearing in ninny a moon. Mr. Wulkcr, here on bond day pledge busi ness, spoke to o1 the lunlora. sen- lors and sophomores of the high school on bond nlcdglng. He stated that tho high school students should go to the polling places near their homes and pledgo to buy either stamps or bonds. Several, we learned, planned to do Just that after school was dismissed Tuesday. In his talk he told many ex periences he has had as presi dent of the commerce school which were on the funny side. Walker Is a friend of Prin cipal Arnold L. Gralapp and has spoken several times at La Grande from where Gralapp came. Gralapp assured tho stu dents of an hour of very inter esting speaking as was later proved by Mr. Walker. a a a As bond pledge day was Tues day tho Quill and Scroll has named Wednesday "Stamp Day." All high school students and teachers of KUHS will have an opportunity to buy stamps on that duy. Even if you don't buy stamps Wednesday the Quill and Scroll will sell them at their room, 318. at all times. Make plans to buy. a The fire wardens of KUHS were given added Instructions for air raids and air raid drills Tuesday. Members of the group were shown over the building and assigned to posts In and on same. On means the roof. , The school has ordered ade quate equipment for the group to use in fighting incendiary bombs, and It will arrive some time In the near future. a o a The band, Pop Peppers, and Girls Glee club mado up tho boiler part of a parade held (or bond pledge rally which marched down Main street Tuesduy afternoon. The group was led by Charles Staufleld, music Instructor. a a a We didn't get around to It In our last column, but we will take time now to say thut pep at basketball gun"'" has Improv ed over the weekend. Wo don't know what happened, but we are pretty sure that it was bo- cause tha team took the In itiative at the start of the game and encouraged the throng to support them from llio sliiuil fit Undoubtedly the cheering of thu crowd aided greatly the continu ous sinking of bnskuts which caused our team lo beat Bond But, no matter whether our team Is out In front or dropping behind wo should cheer them on. It's bur team; we must and will support It. A general economic mobiliza tion plan has to take Into con sideration clvlllun consumption as well as tho armament elfort. Dr. Julius lllrsch,' German price-control head In World war. liaaam.a.3-aawa. - r -J ac a.r inn'.' v nuti-a! 3 V f fi ataa nlnr rit.,1 ...dig, dig, dig all day... but tonight, i SuTr luxury touch by en- I wfcSvj m , "C- , iin OId """"" TlL gc. Surt you descrvo tuit m $125 the best and at this sn.v- I JL PT. price you can afford it. Jpjl"""X $2.40 Qt. ttttaefej. j National Dlatlllrra Produna Corp., N. Y. a J prooj This Newspaper is Filled With DYNAMITE! Dynamite is a useful substance. It blasts out roads and tunnels, clears tumps, defends us against en croaching enemies. But misuse it at your own pcrU! It can blow you into kingdom come. Your newspaper is useful, too. It brings you a daily record of what happens around you and an assort ment of OPINIONS to go with its usually accurate FACTS. But PLEASE do not MISUSE it From your newspaper you can learn how to divorce a wife, how to rob a bank. You can learn the opinions of every Communist and every brutal Nazi who makes news. You are told how crooked politicians oper ate and how to wreck yourself in an automobile. When you come to think of it, you realize that such news is brought you to forearm and forewarn you so robbers, crooks and dictators CAN'T harm you. And you will ad mit that such news is absolutely necessary for free men who want to guard their freedom. Note well that your newspaper contains TWO KINDS of news. 1. FACT '2. OPINION The facts, good or bad, you can not dodge. You may change them, as yqu chango public ofliclnls, laws, customs, habits every dny. But don't deny them or hide from thorn. That is dynamite. Tho opinions, right or wrong, ore there becaut. .vary man has opinions. And, In AMERICA, every man has a rioht to his opinions. But don't acc.pt .very opinion blindly. That Is dynamite. Usually you will find OPINIONS on BOTH SIDES. Weigh thorn, think about them. You MUST. You are a citizen and a voter. What you and a thousand or a million others DE CIDE will decide tho fate of this nation. Thero's PLENTY of dyna mite if you decide WRONGLY. And FACT and opinion aren't merely limited to the nows and editorial columns. Thoy aro both found in the advertisements also. Just the same as you need to know what all candidates for office have to offer so you can choose between them, you need to know what all merchants and manufacturers have to offer so you can decide how to spend your income to the best ad vantage. ' ir' Dictators do not beliove tho poopla can bo trusted with all the facta and all th. opinions and a free right of choice. And thn dictators are RIOHT If lluy tmnt to go on being HtctrtMrtl Any Amoriain newspaper worthy of th nnm. is dynamite dangcroua dynnrnlte for n would-bo dictator, mighty luefoi dynnmito for a nmn who wants In Oarmsny, Italy, Ruitl. ilajaMa, aovarnmant agancy at.ilalss what th apl. shall rasa) ana fcaar. Nat In Amsrka. D. yr)aV pari t. .ratarv. th. Amarltart wary ) Ilia. Vt- Bead, each Tuesday in thU tpaee, the metmget about your liberty and how Anitrtca'i nampapcr help you defend It. Your Utters of comment will be appreciated by the editor and by thit committee Newspaper Publishers Committee, 420 Lexington Avenue, Nejo York City. ' ' - - I)
