Masonry Magazine February 1969 Page. 18
Washington Wire
(Continued from page 17)
prices would offset some increases in other categories. This might hold a rise in the Consumer Price Index to under 3%, and establish a new trend.
THIS WILL STILL BE A PLUS-YEAR FOR BUSINESS, the forecasters contend. It may even be a healthier one since measures are being taken to root out inflation and return the economy to a more sustainable pattern of growth. But there will be less-than-happy reading in some of the coming statistics. Profits are expected to decline by about 5%, after the 9% increase of 1968. Interest rates may come down later on in '69, but not soon or by very much.
NIXON IS GETTING HIGH MARKS FOR HIS PERFORMANCE in his first weeks as President. Old Washington hands see few mistakes they can charge to him. On the contrary they applaud the quiet tone of confidence he has displayed. They are impressed with the methodical way he has taken over the government. Observers feel that this is precisely what the country needs at this point.
There are pitfalls in this low-keyed approach, many Capitol veterans warn. Orderly administration does not, by itself, meet the nation's pressing needs. The problems still remain. Nixon promises to come up with solutions to all of them.
The new Chief Executive faces rough times with Congress and the world. As in the case of inflation, he'll need to get his full share of the breaks. But, net, the verdict is very good so far. He's off to a fine start. He has the momentum that could carry his first efforts to success.
WANT TO KNOW HOW TO SELL GOODS AND SERVICES to the U.S. Government? Then get a copy of the book published by the Small Business Administration. It's the revised edition of the "U.S. Gov't Purchasing and Sales Directory." The Directory provides detailed information on selling to the U.S. ... what is bought by whom and where.. and how bidders can get guidance on meeting government specifications and types of property disposed of by the U.S.
To get a copy of the new edition, just send $1.25 to the Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
CONGRESS WON'T IMPOSE QUOTAS ON IMPORTS IN 1969-if other countries will cooperate by establishing tighter, voluntary restraints on sales here. Most Members oppose quotas. But they don't want U.S. industry hurt, either. And that is about the attitude being displayed by the Nixon Administration. Without White House support, the drives for quotas are certain to stall.
Look for a new approach to imports by Chairman Mills whose Ways and Means Committee in the House fixes tariff rules. He wants other nations to set dollar totals voluntarily on all shipments of a class of goods to dispense with limits by item. He would also make it a little easier for American firms to get relief under the "escape-clause" provisions.
This scheme would work for steel, lead, zinc and, of course, textiles. But Congress would get much tougher in the end if all the other trading nations refuse to act voluntarily.
THERE WILL BE A TOUGH ANTITRUST POLICY pursued by the Nixon regime in the years ahead, according to highly placed officials. They remind you that this will not be new or surprising; after all, the late Eisenhower Administration did launch one of the most vigorous antitrust campaigns in decades. Keeping industry competitive clearly fits Republican psychology.
Key thinkers in the Administration believe strongly in the free enterprise system-Nixon himself, top Economic Adviser Arthur Burns, and Attorney General John Mitchell. They feel that they must not permit free markets to be hobbled or let the corporate giants grow big for the sake of market power.
Conglomerates will come in for major attention. There is growing opposition to the trend toward catch-all companies in Congress and at the downtown agencies. The lawmakers do not like the way outside influences acquire firms in their home districts and make decisions harmful to the community.
Officials and legislators think the chances for action -by law and by the Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission-are substantial this year, after further study.
Among the approaches being considered:
-A ban on further acquisitions by the bigger conglomerates.
-A ban on use of convertible issues in acquiring companies.
-A ban on any acquisitions by, say, the top 200 companies.
-Perhaps some suits to break up certain existing giants.
Some of this may be too extreme, but something will be done.
YOUNG TEDDY KENNEDY IS PRESSING WITH LIGHTNING SPEED to make himself the front-runner for Democratic Party leader and for the nomination in '72. His recent success in becoming his party's whip is only part of the story. That, of course, will give him a lot of exposure and prestige automatically. But he also plans to offer legislation to solve the nation's major problems. It will be there for the voters to compare with that which Nixon submits. Observers note that Kennedy is running a risk of over-exposure. But they note that Nixon began his drive to victory right after Goldwater's defeat.