One of the best editorials we have read in recent years is one by Bruce Barton in a current issue of Collier’s. He comments on the fact that nations are usually governed by orators, or those who can sway the masses with their speech-making.
Now that the “spellbinders” have the facilities of the radio the advantage of the present day dictators are considerably enhanced. We think Mr. Barton’s suggestion that we would all do well to keep up on our public speaking is a good one; otherwise, we are likely to be doomed in acquiescence to the wishes of almost any eloquent mouthpiece who might come into power.
This idea is a far cry from the business of writing about machinery and machinery markets, but we think it is a point which warrants unlimited comment and not a little thought.
On one of our recent trips, we were pleased to learn that an acquaintance of ours was elevated to a high executive position in one of our major corporations. This advancement was more than the usual jump for a plant manager, but quite natural. This man’s ability and sincerity were easy for his superiors to recognize. We always knew that his interests were parallel with those of his firm. Among other savings in production costs which he was continually making was to purchase used or rebuilt machinery wherever it was practical to do so. Confidence in his own judgment about machinery was undoubtedly one of the main things which brought him to the attention of his Board of Directors.
This is not an unusual case. Our contacts naturally bring us in touch with those who buy used machinery. We have particularly noticed that these plant superintendents, managers and other production men who take advantage of the savings which can be made in purchasing used machinery seem to be continually moving forward in their respective organizations.
This should also speak well for the service which the people who rebuild industrial machinery and equipment are rendering.
