World War I 100 Years Ago: Nov. 20-27

From The Indianapolis Times, Monday, November 22, 1915: Edward A. Filene, a leading world merchandise expert, addressed the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce today on the “Economic Aspects of the War on American Business.” He said United States businessmen must prepare for a world-wide economic war following the present European conflict. “The belligerent nations of Europe, impoverished by the tremendous costs of this war, will seek the easiest means of recovery, which will be to manufacture and sell goods at prices well below those prevailing before the war started. The result of such cheapened production will be a destructive competition, which will affect the United States, not only in its domestic manufacture, but in its international trade,” Filene asserted. A protective tariff will be a necessary step in the adjustment of commercial conditions in this country to meet the European competition.