Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-03-24
Mobilizing Skilled Labor.

When the cabinet adjourned, late in
the afternoon. it was learned that one
of the most important subjects under
discussion was the mobilization of
skilled labor. SO that munitions fac
tories of the United States may be
supplied with artisans in sufficient
numbers. if necessary. to keep them
running on a twenty -four -hour-a-day
basis.
subcommittee Of the council of
national defense, working in close ac-
cord with the principal large manufac-
turers of the country. is devising ways
and means to make the country's sup
ply of skilled labor mobile and ready
for any emergency. England's great
est difficulty in the war has been in
connection with the mobilization OF
skilled labor for her munitions plants.
Loan to Allies Discussed.
Likewise. It was learned that the
cabinet had under discussion the pos
sibility of being of assistance to the
allies in connection with a huge loan,
the. figures suggested ranging from
$1,000. 100000 to s5.0oO,o0o.o00.
This suggestion followed a sugges-
tion made recently by w. P. G. Harding
Of the federal reserve board that 1t
might be possible, in case Of war with
Germany. for the United States to as
sist the allies in connection with a
great loan. What will eventually be
done about such a financial mobilization
remains an open question, which Prest-
dent Wilson is expected to decide be-
fore he completes the address he will
deliver to the extraordinary session OF
Congress called for April 2.
Such loan could not be made by the
United States to the allies without ao-
tion by Congress. and such proposal
in Congress would create an extended
debate, 1t is believed, largely for tho
reason that the United States govern
ment will need all the money available
for its own purposes in case q war with
Germany should begin. Even now there
is discussion of the necessity for cre-
ating additional taxes to produce more
revenue for the government.
Banks Full Of Money.
1t is realized, however. that the banks
and private individuals of the United
States are supplied with enormous
sums of available cash. which would
be quickly forthcoming to take up q
great bond issue Of billions OF dollars
for the allies If the United States
government should guarantee or other
wise facilitate in an official manner
such a foreign bond issue in this
country.
The question of sending an army
abroad will be left for future con-
sideration.
entente allies will be formed is not
known, although military as well as
naval cooperation is possible and the
government will furnish both money
and supplies to the allies without
stint.
When President Wilson goes before
Congress soon after 1t meets in extra
session April 2, he is expected to make
people of the United States Will not be
prompted by hostility toward the Ger
man people. but only by acts OF the
German government So far the Presi-
consideration to his address to Con-
gresS.
Duty. for Retired Officers Sought.
War Department officials are trying to
solve the problem Of finding suitable
posts for retired army officers who wish
to return to limited duty in the event of
war Many of them have already offered
their services, some of whom held high
rank before retirement Under the law.
retired officers can be employed only with
their consent.
At present in the absence of mobiliza-
tion ORDERS there are few posts open to
retired men. With training camps in
operation, however, every officer physical
ly fit would be of the utmost value. and
a definite plan for their use is being
mapped out Great Britain found her
.dugouts" or retired officers. an almost
element of her army build
ing plans They trained the first 100000
of the Kitchener army with but little
aid from the active personnel. swept to
the front with the first expedition.
1t is expected, however, that owing to
the difficulty in finding the particular
kind of employment individual retired Off
GERS may seek. that the policy followed
will be to accept "dugouts'' only when
they offer themselves without restriction
as to employment.
Use for Navy Officers.
The navy already has found use for
an increased number OF its retired Of
hcers in connection with organization
work in the naval defense districts. No
general call for such men to relieve active
officers on shore duty has yet been made.
however.
II ia understood. also that the naval