The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1917-12-21

Designation or essentials and
''nonessentials'' in war time Is nee
essary and will doubtless prevail in
this country to an unbelievable ex-
tent later on.
But unless the greatest care Is used
In the process great harm will be
| done. Men can use 1t as a club to put
competitors out of the way. Through
its use a hold can be gained upon the
country by various classes of indus
tries which it will take all the war
period and many years of peace to
| shake of.
Just now activities are going on
which indicate that the early steps of
the process are being taken with
safety. 1t is hoped by patriots that
the later steps will be taken with as
great safety. II they are not. how
ever, there will be thrown upon the
public screen the entire trail Of
events, through Congressional inves-
tigation. which will leave the investi-
gated parties deeds in view Of all the
people
The fear OF Congressional probing
has kept many men from doing things
in this war which might have been
done, and although It has not been q
perfect protector Of the public. in all
instances. this fear has materially
reduced the calamities that might
have been brought about.
Congress intends to keep a sharp
eye on the process. Several members
have various matters under their OBJ
servatlon at this time. Their inten-
ton Is to keep close enough to the
| activities to be able to spring traps
TINA it hot q.
being taken of legitimate business to
foster nlegitimate business upon the
public.
Commercial economy-that II the
nomenclature applied to the board
which has the matter in charge-is q
broad term. The members Of the
arm Of government entrusted with un-
usual powers are confident that their
work will bring about a beneficial cur
tailment Of useless industries and of
! various lines Of other industries. 1t
is to be expected that there will be
disappointments among those whose
business is eliminated, or partially 50.
but IL the public knows what is going
| on 1t will not be hard to Judge wheth-
| er the compliments have Just or
fancied grievances.
Pitiless publicity Is necessary IN
most lines-but doubly SO in this line.
Congress intends to keep the light
turned on, at all times. so that 1t may
be turned onto the dark places at q
| moments notice.
Cooperation between the schools Of
the nation and the army is being pro-
vided for in conferences between edu-
Gators Of the country and several of
the army heads.
The plan Is to train high school boys
and men Of draft age in Industries
which are necessary to the prosecu-
ton Of the war. It IL claimed by DR..
| A. o. Thomas, head Of the Maine
schools, that there are four score or
possibly more lines in which men of
proper mechanical and trades train
ing can be of assistance to the gov
eminent. The plan Ii to prepare men
for all these lines.
DR.. Thomas, 30 It IL said, has a class
Of some 200 shipbuilders working at
the present time in his State. They
are learning the rudiments of the in
dustry, and 1t will not be long until
they will be ready to take their places
among the real shipbuildirs Of the
country. There are at present no
drafted men in this class, however.
Later on many drafted men will be
induoted into the schools and they
viii be taught Just the same as their
younger brethren. Similarly boys
and drafted men are being taught the
leather goods trades, radio operation
and 30 on. The plan Ii to carry this
work on in all the States and TO make
Americas man power count to the ut
most in this mammoth war.
This news will be welcome to boys
Of between 16 andSn years OF age who
were not provided for in the original
draft. but who arp full Of patriotic
spirit and who aye old enough and
hardy enough to make good In some
line which win help Uncle Sam inn
mensely.
A survey Of the dheld d being taken
now. 1t Is expectetd that 4 huge num-
hex e Eaa WI ~ ayailahla for thaaa