New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-03-03
A WAR SUPPLY Corporation
Proposed as an Answer to Oppo-
nents of Preparedness.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: One Of the cries some of those who
are opposing the determined demand Of the
American people for immediate adequate
measures for national defence are now rails
ing is that this demand is not the gen
uine result Of contemplating our present de-
fenceess condition and the case with which
this country might be attacked. as proved by
what is now taking place in Europe. but that
the agitation 70 pat stop TO this Chinese
state Of affairs is due very largely to the
activities Of the persons and interests who
hope to profit out OF the huge expenditures
which will be necessary to render the coun-
try, to a reasonable degree, safe from foreign
attack.
There is just enough FEASIBILITY about this
charge to gain credit for it; and it Is sure
to be used by these people, who, to the dis
credit OF the manhood Of the nation, are
entirely too numerous. and who oppose any
military preparation whatever. in the efemi-
nate belief that nation can avoid attack,
rather than invite the same, by proclaming TO
the world that it is TOO proud 20 fight
Cannot this ground of opposition be re
moved by pointing out means whereby the
hundreds Of millions Of dollars which
tho American people will be called upon to
tax themselves in order to insure their ma
tional security can be so expended that the
profits thercfrom shall not sift down into tho
pockets of a comparatively few individuals,
but shall be widely distributed among the
people at large?
Suppose a corporation chartered by Con-
gress, under the laws of the United States,
TO be known, say, as the United States War
Supply Corporation, for the purpose OF man
ufacturing war supplies OF every character,
military and naval, from the smallest piece
Of ordnance to the largest battlcship, and
Of engaging in all the subsidiary processes
required TO supply the materials for the fin
ished article, from tho mining Of the ore 70
the polished metal. with the power TO acquire
and own the sources OF the necessary sup
plies OF raw material; and suppose that the
subscriptions TO the capital stock Of this
national corporation, organized Tor great
national purpose, we're thrown open 20 the
people throughout the entire country; and
then suppose that the government contract
with .his corporation for all the military and
naval supplies required, giving it the prefer
erce over other bidders, providing that the
tiers bids were not lower than that Of the
PROPOSED corporation NOAlN NNl ~AfI a fOi
ooration afford the desired means Of prevent
ing al the profits reaching a few large cap
italis.s and thereby overcome tho particular
ground OF opposition to national defence
under discussion
I. would seem that y would be entirely
feasible TO organize such 2 corporation and
TO procure the necessary capital by popular
subscriptions 20 its shares. which might be
taken through the member banks OF the Fed
eral Reserve system, and possibly through
the local postofficcs. Its shares should be
attractive investments, as the business would
almost certainly be profitable.
In regard to the profits. the charter should
provide that all in excess Of certain fixed
percentage Of the capital, say per cent
should be paid over 20 the government az Il
tax. the corporation and ts shares Of stock
m the hands Of It's owners being exempted
from all other taxation, national or local
including the income tax.
The government might be represented on
the board Of directors by the Secretary Of
the Navy and the Secretary Of War. or their
nominees; and the corporation should be re-
CURED TO take government contracts in pref
erenco to private business, in which latter
il should also lie empowered to engage II
should also be empowered and especially
encouraged to engage in mercantile slip
building.
In order 20 encourage ts business. rs well
as 10 cheaper its product 20 the government
in addition TO exemption from all forms cf
taxation il should be permitted 70 import
raw o. partially manufactured articles re.
quircd upon government contracts free Of al
customs dues or imposts
There can be no doubt Of the power OF
CONGRESS charter Sucf
der its power and duty 10 provide for the
national defence and 20 raise and maintain
an army and navy for that purpose. the