The Washington herald., 1917-09-30

terror reconstruction of the
freighters in order that they might
be accommodated to the changed
character of their cargo. The Brit
ish and French authorities were
communicated with in order that
the cargoes might be switched to
avoid the unnecessary labor and
waste which would otherwise be In
|volved, but II could not be accom-
plished. Since then the quarter
master committee provided for the
appointment of board consisting
of a representative of the French
government, one Of the British and
the local quartermaster. with au-
thority to act in such questions and
save the allies time and money.
The committee also found that in
several instances here orders had
been issued for the Quartermaster
Department to furnish given
amount of any commodity that To-
cal quartermasters were bidding
against each other in an endeavor
to satisfy the wants Of the govern
ment. The Chamber of Commerce
committee eliminated this compe-
tion and saved the government
great expense.
Central Purchasing Commission.
It was through the advice OF the
Chamber of Commerce that central
purchasing commission for the allies
was formed.
The War Shipping committee ap-
pointed to cooperate with the Ship
ping board has likewise been helpful
in aiding one of the greatest Of the
governments war activities. 1t has
worked constantly to impress the ma
ton with The Importance Of building
ships in which to carry soldiers and
supplies to France. 1t has sought
and obtained more workers for the
ship-yards, and has issued posters
calling attention to the need for
carpenters and laborers. 1t has
in many ways inspired the men
among whom it has worked with
greater enthusiasm for their employ
ment and has averted labor troubles.
The ship builders have been organ
lied and furnished with badges which
show that they are working In the
interests Of the nation.
A few weeks ago Secretary Baker
requested the National Chamber to
investigate and report on the matter
the care Of dependent families of men
enlisted in the military and naval
forces. The war insurance legisla-
ton now pending in Congress was
based upon the principles the commit
tee advocated after completing Its
work.
Instances of Patriotic Service.
There are many other instances in
which the chamber has proved of
national and patriotic service. 1t was
through its efforts that the govern
ment was relieved of an embarrass-
ing situation when contractors follow
ing the end of the last session of
Congress We're threatened with hav-
ing their payments tied UP owins
TO the failure of certain legislation.
1t was Edward D. Page, chairman
OF the New York committee. who ar
ranged for the 100000 loan to the
government from the ]. P. Morgan
Company. Through its efforts two
more millions were raised in Boston
and San Francisco.
The Chamber of Commerce. through
its local branches throughout the
country. was called upon to help
make Registration Day a success.
Much of the work it does. you can
see, is entirely divorced from selfish
motives. Like many other organiza-
tions which have something of the
Good Samaritan in their makeup, the
National Chamber of Commerce Il
content to believe that ther may be
| something in the old-fashioned the
ory that bread cast upon the waters
will return.