Rock Island Argus., 1913-04-16

viewed II, colonel Burr referred 20
the board which had been appointed
to examine it. On the board was pres
cnt Secretary OF Labor Wilson and
present Secretary Of Commerce Red
field and such experts as these had de-
clared the plan worthy Colonel Burr
explained that il was not his duty to
enforce any plan which was opposed
by the united opinion Of the public.
PAY HIGH WAGES.
In speaking of the work being car
Tied on at the arsenal. Colonel Burr
said: We are paying 20 per cent high.
or wages than is the rule in the con-
Germs in this vicinity. We pay for
eight hours work what they pay for
10. Our men are granted IS days
leave each year with f1ll pay. They
are given eight holidays during the
year and during the three summer
months, get Saturday afternoons of,
making a total Of about 80 days year
of at full pay. We are able TO pro-
cuce our goods cheaper than outside .
manufacturers for the reason that we /
do not work for profit Our heat and /
power costs US practically nothing Our .
buildings are well lighted and sanitary .
in every way and ! believe this is 1
conducive 70 good work"
WHAT Is MADE.
4 discussion OF what is made al the |
arsenal followed. Equipment for IN
fantry was especially mentioned, in I.
cluding clothing, ammunition, canteen /
and mess outfit He spoke OF the IN !
ability of the arsenal at first TO make
canteens as the new water carrier is
of aluminium and is bottle shaped. The
outside manufacturers had made the
canteen in one piece but the arsenal
men are now making II in two, solder
Ing them together, a process that is
said to be difficult but which has been
mastered. The government is now
making all its own canteens, having
taken the business away from outside
concerns because Uncle Sam can make
them cheaper than anyone else.
DROP SMALL ARMS.
According to Colonel Burr the manu-
facture OF small arms Is 70 be grad
ually decreased because the govern
ment has more than enough supplies
0
mory plant had been gradually cur
failing its output until it became ap-
parent that the plant would be shut
down. What TO do with the men was
8 problem. There were two courses
open. manufacture more field artillery
or make field artillery ammunition,
| which is not now made here.
/ If we get the $3.50, 900 appropriation
! for the arsenal from congress, we will
/ be in a position TO develop the work
| considerably at the island" said the
I speaker. We will be able to manu-
| faCture more field artillery than ever.
/ It Will be remembered that the appro-
priation was vetoed by President Taft
I but it is has every assurance OF being
a law now and by July l should be
available AS we know our shops are
1 in two rows. Shop X from cellar to
attic is now filed as a storage room.
Il is proposed TO empty it and put the
{ harness and clothing equipment there,
and bring the latter from Shop r.
Shops 6 and l Will be used for field ar
7 tillery. The new plan ought TO be in
good working order by New Years.
The new calvary equipment will also
give the shops a great deal to do
Saddles, brides, halters and the per
soLal equipment for the men are 70 be
mgde. The equipment is now being
tested on the field and by July l we
ought to get a big order which will
put 500 men 10 work"
In speaking Of the arsenal and what
il means 20 Rock Island from bust
ness and financial standpoint the col
Cnel sad. For the past 10 years We
have paid out $12OOO,O0O in salaries.
averaging 100000 a month. and nave
paid out Sl3UUy,OOO for material. Prac-
tCally all OF this sum has been left in
RoCA island aud -he surrounding
towns From July TO March the aver
age in wages has been 100000 a
month and for material $4,000 d
month"
PHYSICAL. CONDITIONS