The evening world. Newspaper, March 2, 1920, Page 6

Oppress the.Consumer, of ‘the present high prices of shoes,” was proposed in a resolu introduced to-day by Senator McNary, Republican, Oregon. Under the measure, a Senate Committee would be authorized not only to in- ‘Festigate shoe prices, but also the prices of leather, machinery and 4 spon March 2-—A Senate inquiry to “determine the, _—_— iy With the coat of shoes and other neceasitics mounting higher and “Righer, eighteen months after the urmistice was declared, The Evening Worla to-day begins a survey of the increased profits of corporations @hgaged in the manufacturing and handling of clothing and food. The attention of Attorney General Patmer especially ts called to Bvening World's articles. MOUNTING PROFITS IN LEATHER That the present high cost of living ts not proving a hardship to vari- ‘big companies supplying the necessities of life is cleariy shown by the ‘eafnings statements of these companies. In spite of wage increases, high | and the increased cost of practically everything entering into the! luction of necessities, leading producers have been able to show steadily | ‘Mounting profits by making the public carry the burden. That is, as pro- ‘duction costs and taxes have mounted, the big companies, by jacking wD) "prices, have actually been able to expand their margin of profit. ‘A case in point is the Central Leather Company, commonly known as! Fifth Avenue. 37th and 38th Streets Heather Mixtures and Darker Colors Aré Smart For Immediate Wear In WOMEN'S WOOL JERSEY SUITS There areso Many Variations of Style that It Is Easy to See How Clearly Franklin. Simon & Co. Anticipated Their Vogue HE Suit Shop believed that wool jersey would be a fa- : vored F eyiath a beter nits. ef prov proms. judging, from the number ” of smart women who hate and ask for wool ol Jeraey snits everyday. And why not ‘ool g od 8 is not only logical for practical wear but smart for eve r, and in darker mix- tures an heavy weights correct for immediate wear, Franklin Simon & Co, have transformed wool Jersey suits with tailoring, and distinguished them with excellent style. Blue, Brown, Green or Oxford Heather Mixtures, also Navy Blue 29,50 10 55.00 ‘WOMEN’S SUIT SHOP—Balcony Floor the “Leather Trust,” by reason of the fact that it is the largest producer of leather in the country and is relied upon as a main source of supply not only by shoe manufacturers in this country but by several European coun- | tries as well, ' When the war broke out, this company was producing upward of|as to the sharply mounting cost of leather, and therefore of shoes, the ' 9,000,000 sides of leather annually. To be exact, its production of leather Not the Leather Trust sides in 1915 was 8,836,431. On this business and its side lines, such as lumber, glue gnd grease, the company in 1915 showed gross sales of | $68,917,039. In 1917 its production of leather had dropped to 7,271,831 sides, but, | owing to steadily mounting prices, gross earnings increased to $91,731,648,|the end of September last, show that total earnings, after deducting a jump of more than 83 per cent. in two years. years, In spite of the rising cost of labor and of higher taxes, the Central Leather omebenk was able to save out of a $22,514,000 In- ae ee a ra Sas >” crease in Wusiness, $12,146,000 for net earnings; that whereas fn 1915 ‘its operating expenses took up 80 per cent. of grogs sales, In 1917 they took up only 74 per cent. of gross sales. During this time, when strenuous public complaints were being heard vo) we oe Pe en oe ede ee ee ee ee en ee alaan'te tail pent eos WOOT In 1917 the company pafd a total of 9 per cent. dividends on common stock, and its earnings available for fvidends amounted to , $14,404,000, an increase of 195 per cent. The annual report for 1919, r when published, fs expected to show a further increase in the dive \ dend balance over 1917, 4 In 1914 the company had an accumulated @ofit and loss surplus, riore Sh senting accumulated surplus earnings of previous years, of $7,792,293. At close of 1918 this accumulated surplus, in spite of increased dividend ma ments, stood at $30,250,000, and the 1919 annual report will show a substan, j\ tial additton to this surplus. wi Thus it can be seen that wage increases, much higher taxes and =i explanation was advanced that the higher prices were made necessary by increased production costs and higher taxes. Yet it appears that sales prices expanded far more rapidly than actual production costs and taxes warranted, Final figures of 1919 are not yet available. Returns for nine months, to expenses of every kind, including provision for taxes, show a new high record, an increase of 55 per cent. over 1918, In 1914 the Central Leather Company paid a dividend of 2 per cent. on Its $33,901,030 common stock, It is shown by the company’s own figures that in these two higher cost of living have not unfavorably affected the Central Leath Company. These increased coste, and a jittle more in addition, have simply, Its net income available for dividends been wd to the shoulders of the ultimate consumer. AMM eau MMMM MMMM fe Connection With Any Other Establishment in the Werle BETWEEN BROADWAY-FIFTH AVENUE WEST THIRTY-FOURTH STREET ii ny {itr fl ii LCL CATT Charming Springtime Tailleurs and Frocks Anticipating the Beauties of the New Vogue in Fascinating Variety 2 THE VALUES ARE MOST EXTRAORDINARY Tailormades of Exceeding Loveliness ‘aqgp7|O correctly express the new Spring style’ ; and yet have that appearance of careless | di grace and individuality for which the Wa F woman strives is the achievement of these sports suits and mannish tailleurs of Homespuns and Tweeds. Featured are narrow shoulders and close-fitting sleeves, inverted pleats and seams finished with silk arrowheads and skirt effects that are either wide and circular or box-pleated. Very Specially Priced 45.00 —>i\HE Spring mode for tailleurs would be «| “al incompletely expressed without these ai mannish suits of Tricothie, Poiret Twill and Velour Checks. Insouciant charm of novelty is added by rich silk embroidery braid binding and waistcoats and gilets of tinsel brocade. The skirts are in accordion-pleated and circular effects. Very Specially Priced - 60.00 “,OMBINING smartness and simplicity of *|| line with ornate luxury are these two |) and three-piece costume suits of Trico- : tine with swagger Bolero jackets and slim coats of greater length; wool and silk em- peoet enpiere effectively to enhance the beauty of the designs. Waistcoats and gilets in a variety of sumptuous materials are distinguish- ing featu-es of many models. Very Specially Priced HERE is a feeling of fashionable comfort ff A | and freedom about these tailored suits i ‘ of Tricotine, Poiret Twill, Coverts and & Vigoreaux, featuring Eton jackets and BS) cone developed on exceedingly graceful lines. Multiple rows of braid, elaborate em- broidery and waistcoats of tinsel brocade or gold embroidered satin give added charm. Some of the models are shown in new collarless effects. Very Specially Priced aii = Mg Suit New Ainyeited cb flied s = Pretty Frocks for the New Season * . HE mode for Spring expresses the penchant for ul) frocks as varied in their graceful silhouette as in time are the dainty new frocks of Georgette, their decorative appeal, as witnessed in these ‘a AS gay in colorful beauty as the flowers in Spring- ea Tatiet Stk and Tricotine, feilliant i dnince BRUMANNS(O MARE t STREET &; Boo ir PAYS TO BUY GOOD FURNITURE HERE Because Prices Are Low, Quality High, Selection Wide. Terms Easy 3-Piece Parlor Suite; Upholstered im Moleskin; as shown here $99 98 Subway and “L” stop at our en: trance. Cross ‘ ral Antiqne Lv ery, models of Taffeta Silk, Tricotine, Satin and Georgette. Given unusual originality of effect by manifold ripples, flares, frills and tucks, new round necks and short sleeves and bead work in piciuri sque treatments and themes, bead work and embroider . A tendency toward the picturesque costumes of Spain is shown in pretty Bolero jacket effects and basque waists, wh le the pleated and Russian tunic skirts are distinguishing features of the new vogue, Very Specially Priced 50.00 Very : Specially Priced 30.00 ‘EDOLENT of Spring flowers in their wonderful color esha cd are these exquisite costumes of il Seoravtte Ge he bizarre and striking ef- os ae‘ by clusters of coruscating beads, offset ai, tintin gold thread embroidery combine to create a charming ensemble characteristic of the new vogue at its best. Graceful pleated skirts,.ome in tier effe:ts, finish off these beautiful frocks. Very Specially Priced * charm and distinction are these frocks of Satin, Crepe Meteor and Georgette, remarkable for their unique bead work and embroidery and other charmir g expressions of the new mode attained by waists and gilets in tinsel brocade, apron or peplum effects and other unique and unusual style ‘t:novations. Very Specially Priced Ke ieee of new Spring vogue in models of a New Suit of Tricotine daintily Embroidered, N) sti pl a f oe Ris I Pe ge hn aa |e RE a