New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-04
New War Council Decides
That He Is in Sole
Charge
Transportation
Puzzle Not Ended
Hoover and Garfield Not
Satisfied That Problems
Are Solved
IStaf Correspondence

W ASH y u ON, btN' D. iHU ~"
Super War Council" following its
initial meeting to-day, announced that
all questions OF priority Of shipment
were in sole charge Of Judge Lovett,
chairman of the priority committee Of
the War Industries Board.
Whether this action was a vote OF
confidence in Judge Lovett, who has
been the target for criticism in the
last few days, or another passing of
the elusive priority "puck," officials
declined TO disclose.
The fact remains that question
fundamental to the whole transporta-
ton problem. not to say the entire war
programme, is no nearer settlement to-
night than last week. when Messrs.
Hoover and Garfield staged their
framed battle" to attract public at
tention 70 the entire lack OF priority
policy. Now it is intimated that Judge
LCvett. following the vogue, will take
his troubles TO the White House.
Hoover and GarHelu tTltiCdi
Both the food and fuel administra-
tions remain critical of Judge Lovetts
inaction. They still contend that pr,
GRITTY must be given to food and iuel
shipments. The task seems easy from
their standpoint, the mere issuance OF
an order giving preference TO the
movement of foods and coal.
In reality, however, 1t is said, the
task is much more difficult. The lssu-
snce of general priority order giving
the right OF way TO fuel, for example,
would Immediately tie up thousands OF
tons Of other essential war supplies on
the way to and from the great indus
trial plants, or to the seaboard Tor
shipment overseas. There would be
congestion at every great terminal
sbips would have to lie in port awaiting
cargo, and the entire war industrial
nrogramme would be slowed down.
The problem before Judge Lovett IS
further complicated by the attempt OF
the country TO "do business as usual
II is pointed out. This means that
thousands of tons of non-essentials arc
today loading the transportation INES,
while coal. food anG munitions wait
To shut of the movement of these non,
essentials however. would be to curtail
Industry. and the White House has
passed the word that there must be no
sudden curtailment of industry.
Automobile Question
Judge Lovett. rejecting the views OF
the President, Jess than ten days ago
announced that the government con-
templated no curtailment OF trans
nortation to the automobile industry:
And Director Clifford, Of the Council OF
National Defence. "soft-pedalled' cur.
tailment Of industry by saying that II
II became necessary TO eliminate inc
non-essential. the readjustment would
be made slowly and only AFTER iuIl
consideration OF all the iaGts NJ lsSue
No matter how much delay IS ei-
focted through skilful passing OF the
"nrior;ty buck" it will be necessary
finally. it is predicted, to eliminate
from shipment the relatively MONIES
sential commodities. Oihcials OF tno
war industries admit that ~ matter
what fuel control measures are taken
by DR.. Garfield, there is bound to be
a fuel pinch this winter.
it is not difficult to denounce Judge
Lovett. lie is "A most retlcent man.
lie is cold and matter of fac', and OK
ri esses himself none too well. But
Judge Lovett is more in touch with tn
essential difficulties Of the priority task
before the government than some Ct
his petulant critics would have the pub
l:c believe. The trouble is not with
Judge Lovett, but with the lack OF
priority policy.
Daniel Willard is a practical ard
successful railroad man. SO Is Judge
Lovett. Given ample authority. these
men can come as nearly to cx'ricating
the government transportation situation
from its present chaos as any two
other men in the country. Hut the
must be assisted" "his was
the statement Of a prominent official
to-day.