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Show DON'T LOOK FOR A MIRACLE Current forecasts as to future price trends are very cautious in tone the experts Rave been turned in tne past, and they're naturally trying to keep from going too far out on a limb. However, the general concensus is that there will be relatively little change, either up or down, in the lor-seeable lor-seeable future. This may be bad news to those who have been anxiously awaiting a return to "normal'prices. But it is as absurd to expect a return to 1941 prices, for instance, as, in 1911, it would have been to expect a return to the level prevailing in 1900 or any other year. The factors which have made inflation inevitable are as strong as ever. As a matter of fact, we're lucky that prices aren't even higher than they are. And a large part of the credit for that must go to those thousands of retail merchants, chain and independent, who have been the innocent targets of much consumer resentment. The typical merchant has voluntarily vol-untarily cut his margin of profit on each dollar of sales to a point smaller than that which existed in OPA days. He acts as the consumer's champion in dealing with producers, as ways and means are tried to get the most for each dollar spent. He keeps a sharp eye out for items which he believes overpriced in relation to competitive items, and doesn't stock them. And, to the limit of his ability, he keeps his shelves loaded with goods in all price brackets of the best available quality. : Whether prices go up or down in the days ahead, your merchant will be working to give you the best break possible, because it is sound business practice. No pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage-ground of truth. Francis Bacon. There is no evil we cannot face or fly from, but the consciousness of duty disregarded. Daniel Webster. Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind. Absolve you to yourself, and you shall have the suffrage suf-frage of the world. Emerson. Such additional revenues as are needed to meet the pressing needs of the state and its municipalities should come from intelligent and effective economies." Gov. DriscoII. Now that democracy has freed itself of salutary checks and balances, it stands revealed as a government by mass bribery, where the biggest bribers will usually be in power." Dean Inge of England. |