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Show Editorial ... 'TRADE AT HOME' GOOD SLOGAN The oft-repeated slogan, "Trade at Home," if practiced, is certainly a good business tonic for any community, large or small. In fact, it might not be a bad idea if big business and even government adhered to the same policy. As prices of commodities continue to inch upward, more and more items such as wire fencing, reinforcing steel, nails, compact cars and automobile parts are being purchased abroad for sale in the United States. This practice is going on, not because the imports are necessarily of better or even quality, but because they are cheaper. A recent governmental report reveals that the Defense Department purchased 65 million dollars worth of drugs for the armed services from firms in Denmark and Italy at a saving of $1.9 million. "We are determined to get our money's worth," said Rear Admiral Wjlliam L. Knickerbocker, Chief of Medical Supply for the armed services. Admiral Knockerbocker explained that the Defense Department De-partment was fed up with the non-competitive prices charged charg-ed by American firms. Trading at home, whether on the local, state or governmental govern-mental level, should not resemble a jug handle, "all on one side." True, purchasers have a responsibility to buy at home; but likewise, wholesalers and retailers have an equal obligation obliga-tion to keep prices competitive. "Soak the Buyer for all the Traffic Will Bear," may be the modern policy of those who have things to sell; but it is a disasterous and short-sighted method of doing business in the long run. When buyers continue to go elsewhere for the things they need, there is always a reason. |