Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1917-02-22

rifle, and il would require COM
plete new set of-gauges, iigs, fixtures,
and tools to enable any Of them 70
do So"
The shortage in field artillery. as IN
rifles, Is described as alarming" and
immediate steps must, II is said, be
taken to meet the emergency, for
otherwise no defence can be made
effective" In fact, the shortage in
these arms is more calculated TO
prove fatal than anything else con-
nected with our military defence
: Concerning the attitude of private
manufacturers toward preparedness
the board says:
They are more than willing TO CO.
operate; they are anxious to do so,
fully realizing that in successful CO.
operation with the Government lies
the best If not the only certain chance
OF success. Apprehension has been
expressed that Government contracts
and a potential capacity to turn out
war material might foster the growth
OF class whose profitable interests
would lie in war, and who, in con-
sequence, might in time become a
danger TO the state. II is not the be-
lief OF this board that any such dan
ger exists in our country The num-
Der Of plants and Of persons concern
ed, when considered in reference TO
the whole country, the total OF indus
trial plants and OF people, is relatively
too insignificant"
In fact II is only, the board insists,
by cooperation with private industry
that the danger of national catas-
trophe through a lost war can be
surely averted.
The board summarizes its findings
and recommendation as follows.
I. i is not desirable that the Gov
eminent manufacture its arms. NUM-
/ tions and equipment exclusively
?. It Is not feasible or practicable
for it TO do so, with any due regard
to economy or to preparedness within
a reasonable time.
3. II is desirable that the Rock Is
land Arsenal be enlarged promptly
and considerably. especially for the
increased production of rifles.
4. It is desirable that modern ma
chinery and appliances be installed in
all arsenals where needed
5. Il is desirable TO arrange with
private industry for a portion Of The
supply OF whatever reserve OF arms
munitions and equipment are determ-
ined upon with due regard to the con-
version OF their plant TO use in suc'
connection in time of var.
g. II is important to take into con-
sideration the location as we'll as the
organization OF plants which are co
ordinated. with q view both to safety
and facilities for distribution.
z. Il is important to accumulate al
least a years supply OF all raw ma
terial which is needed in the manu-
facture OF arms. munitions and equip
ment and is not 70 be found within
continental United states.
s.. It is important to accumulate
a full supply OF drawings and gauges
suficient to enable all co-ordinateo
industries TO work TO full capacity
promptly.
9. Il is desirable TO standardiz'
gauges, jigs and tools as far as prac'
ticable and as soon as practicable.
10. II Is exceedingly import tha'
skilled and experienced labor IN co
ordinated industries especially b'
enrolled, and in the event OF war en-
listed for work in selected factories.
II. Il is important that compre'
hensive plan of organization fol
prompt expansion 10 full capacity
night and day, both in Government
plants and in those of co-ordinsteo
private industries be worked out and
made ready for immediate use.
II. It is important that the Gov
eminent establish plants for the
assemblage Of field gun ammunition
at such points as may be best adapt
ed thereto. with due regard to safety
and facility for distribution.
10. It Is exceedingly important thai
our arsenals equipped for the manu-
facture of rifles and artillery be pu
10 work at full capacity as early a.
possibly.