IX 



MARKET METHODS AND PROBLEMS 

 Introduction 



Here lies the happy hunting-ground of reformers. Every one of 

 the main topics of this chapter has been or still is the basis of a con- 

 troversy. From ultra-conservative defense of every practice which 

 has become established, even accidentally, in the trade, to ultra- 

 radical proposals for discarding all the old methods of dealing, evolved 

 hi the slow growth of our marketing system, each position has its 

 champions. But it may not be out of place to suggest that the safest 

 method of procedure is first to get an understanding of the precise 

 way in which existing systems operate and of what have been the 

 circumstances which have brought them into existence or permitted 

 them to become established in use. One may then adduce evidence 

 that new conditions have arisen which demand a new adjustment of 

 marketing arrangements, or may point out wherein the old system 

 has always failed to meet fully the needs of the situation. 



With the ground cleared and the issues denned in this fashion 

 there is larger hope that proposals of reform will go rationally to the 

 real source of existing abuses and inefficiencies and that changes sug- 

 gested will be both practicable and efficacious. The method oi work 

 outlined in selection 177 deserves careful consideration in this con- 

 nection. It may also be suggested that the designer, whether of a 

 building, an engine, or a market mechanism, needs to know the 

 properties of the forces with which he must deal and be trained in the 

 science of his craft. Whoever undertakes to construct a better 

 market system must take due account of the principles of value arid 

 price if he is to bring about the price situations which he desires. It 

 is for this reason that so lengthy a presentation of these subjects was 

 made in the preceding chapter. 



On the other hand, every theory must be rigorously checked up 

 against the concrete facts of actual operating experience. For 

 example, the attractive picture of the auction method of sale for a 

 large part of our food supplies (selection 163) must not cause us to 

 forget that actual attempts to extend the usefulness of this method 



489 



