Laurel Outlook

RECESSION:
Ho, Ho, Ho!

With unemployment figures standing at the highest peak in 11 years, and many nationwide organizations and national leaders casting about for a bulwark against economic hazards, congressional leaders were laughing at the idea the nation might be edging into a depression.

THEY had just conferred with President Truman and upon emerging from the conference ridiculed the notion that all might not be as rosy as possible with the nation's economic picture.

If the lawmakers were out on a limb, they were way out, for House Speaker Rayburn and the senate Democratic leader, Scott Lucas, minced no words in expressing their optimism.

"WITH 58 million people employed in industry and 30 million farmers with money to pay for whatever they need, I can't see how you can call it a recession," Rayburn declared.

Said Lucas: "If it is, it's the most prosperous one we've ever experienced."

MEANWHILE, it was said President Truman was preparing a special economic message for delivery to congress. It was expected to carry recommendations for dealing with declining prices and the unemployment situation.

Out of all this came repetition of the additional-taxes proposal. Asked about that, Rayburn said it had yet to be determined. He did not make it clear whether he meant President Truman is reconsidering his plea for four billion dollars in additional taxes a year, or whether the matter is still up in the air in congress.