We know of nothing which can
quickly relieve the present tempo
rary scarcity of materials or bring
about lower prices for shoes for the
coming fall trade. Shoes sold in the
spring of 1920 must bring still higher
prices, based on the present estab
lished prices of leather and labor,
far beyond any past experience."
This gloomy forecast for the im
mediate future is given when, by com
mon knowledge, warehouses are bulg
ing with raw material and finished
products awaiting shipment to hard
pressed Europe, where folks will be
forced to pay any amount asked. Mr.
McElwaine has a reason for the con
ditions. He says:
"The cause for the situation is
easily discovered. The stocks on the
shelves of merchants have been de
pleted by the lessened production
made necessary by wartime condi
tions. All classes of people continue
well supplied with funds and eager
to obtain their usual supplies. The
increased price so far established has
not in any way checked the steadily
Increasing demand from the con
sumer." A large leather manufacturer said
that tho above paragraph from Mr.
McElwaJne's statement shed a flood
of- light on the situation. Having been
made, he said. In view of the known
fact that production ' will break all
records, it was Illuminating to know
that "all classes of the. people con
tinue well supplied with funds" and
are not complaining overmuch about
the great boosts.
