tion or to excite the resentment or envy of the agricultural workers. Lack of housing is discussed briefly, communities are called upon to develop housing programs, and States to institute inquiries into the subject. Upon the subject of wages, the report calls for a living wage, but sharply rebukes any tendency on the part of labor to restrict production. Profitsharing the Conference is unable to regard as an expedient of far-reaching effect; it has proved useful when applied to executives and to sales organizations, but its extension to all the employes of typical manufacturing plants meets with difficulties. In this field, however, the Conference suggests, sincere experiments may

lead to a real knowledge of desirable procedure.

Other subjects covered are Thrift Agencies, Inflation and High Cost of Living, Public Employes, Agriculture, Unemployment and Part Time Employment, and Public Employment Clearing House, which last is advocated to co-ordinate but not to supplant or interfere with the work of the States. Not a word is wasted in this remarkable report. Its every line is illuminating. Yet notwithstanding its brevity and clearness, indeed for the very reason that it is so compact and so much is often compressed into a few lines, it must be read in full to be appreciated at its full value. W. E. B.

The total of the exports of France for 1919 amounted to 8,713,168,000 francs, against 4,722,694,000 francs in 1918. Exports of food products were 969,663,000 francs against 419,683,000 francs in 1918; material for industry, 1,936,830,000 francs, against 997,807,000 francs in 1918; manufactures 5,283,772,000 francs against 2,812,849,000 francs in 1918; postal packages 522,920,000 francs against 492,355,000 francs in 1918.

The total of the imports amounted to 29,778,519,000 francs in 1919.

This figure would appear to show an increase in imports over 1918, whereas there was actually a decrease. The higher exchange rate explains the apparently greater imports, the average exchange rate per dollar being 5 frs. 37 in 1918 and 7 frs. 51 in 1919.

92,000

Total exempt value 645,124,000
More than 72 per cent of the
United States products sold in France
paid no French customs duties at all.

Nearly one-third in value of all United States products that actually paid customs duties in France in 1913 consisted of petroleum products. These products came under the minimum tariff and they paid more than four-sevenths of all duties and fees paid on all United States products that were sold in France that year. A very considerable part of the still remaining dutiable products also paid the minimum tariff.

A LOYAL PROTECTIONIST.

George S. Colton, one of the most active and influential citizens of Easthampton, Mass., died February 18, at his home on Park St., after having been in failing health for over a year.

Mr. Colton was the founder of the George S. Colton Elastic Web Co. Beginning in a small way, as an employee in the local mills, he later went into business for himself and was very successful.

He was a patriotic and public-spirited citizen and gave much of his time and effort to affairs of importance to the town, state and nation. He served a number of years as selectman. In politics he was an ardent Republican and worked at every opportunity for the success of the party in every campaign. He was a strong protectionist, believing that the industries and the workmen of this country should be amply protected against the low wages and cheap goods from abroad. He was for many years a director of the Home Market Club.

Mr. Colton was 76 years old and was a native of Vermont-a "Vermont Yankee," his friends liked to call him, for Vermont and Yankee both stand for something sound in personal traits and American ideals. He came from Sherburne, in that state, in November, 1865, and was employed for about 20 years by the Nashawannuck and Glendale companies of Easthampton, elastic fabric manufacturers. He worked the greater part of that time with the Glendale Co., in the finishing room. For a year

and a half he worked for the Franklin Elastic Web Co., which started in Lowell. When he first worked for the Glendale company the plant was in Glendale village. From here Mr. Colton went to Norfolk, Ct., where he ran braiding machines and also did suspender work of his own in Easthampton. He first occupied his Easthampton mill in 1886. The plant greatly expanded under his successful management, and he continued as sole owner until 1909, when he formed a corporation known as the G. S. Colton Elastic Web Co., of which he was president and treasurer.

In August, 1916, Mr. Colton retired from the business. In his retirement Mr. Colton was able to look back on life well spent, able to enjoy his declining years with the satisfaction that he had done his part and had well earned a rest. He continued to make his home in Easthampton, spending the summer vacations at his summer cottage at Nahant.

Mr. Colton's business experience with good and bad times, convinced him that the tariff was the big issue in national politics. He considered the protection of American industries. the first essential of American prosperity. Among the Republican presidents he voted for was Abraham Lincoln, and it is safe to say that he has voted for every Republican candidate since then.

Mr. Colton had the confidence and respect of his fellow men and was held in high esteem. He belonged to the men of the "old school," the kind of men who are becoming too scarce in these days when their leadership is needed. Mr. Colton was a member of

Ionic lodge of Masons, of the Congregational church, Pascommuck club and Village Improvement Society. He was vice-president of the Easthampton News Co., and a great believer in the value of the newspaper to a community.

Mr. Colton was twice married. His first wife was Susan Calif Colton, who died about 20 years ago. Several years later he married Miss Louise Sutherland of Somerville, who survives him.

ECONOMY NEEDED!

High prices seem to have no deterrent effect upon the purchasing masses of the United States who buy what they want when they want it at prevailing prices. With coffee doubled in price, the quantity imported is increased and the outlay for it trebled. With sugar advanced from 50 to 100 per cent, the consumption is greater than ever before. With the prices of hides and skins advanced by 50 and 75 per cent, the quantity brought into the country is doubled and the outlay for the imports trebled. With diamonds boosted in price, the imports for 1919 are double those for 1918. With the price of raw silk greatly increased per pound within the year, the quantity imported in 1919 is one-third larger than in the preceding year. And the same thing is true of many more imports. It is a phenomenon which cannot be cured unless a panic strikes the country and the people are forced to adopt economical ways of living.