New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-21
ppIVATF INDUSTRY AND PREPAREDNESS
Some Passages from the Report Board Appointed to Consder INC
DesrabIiy of Government Manufactures

or,, 70 DELAYS that might well be fatal. There
are now five plants manufacturing military
rifles in this country, but none OF them 10
eouipped to manufacture the Springfield rlne'
and it would require a completely ne" SET
of gauges, jgs, fixtures and tools TO enaoie
any of them to do So" =,
The shortage in field artillery, as In rlhes'
is described as alarming" and immediate
steps must, it is said be taken to meet tne
emergency, for otherwise mo defence can De
made effective" In fact the shortage IN
these arms ais more calculated to prove fatai
than anything else connected with our mil
itary defence
Concerning the attitude of private manu-
facturers toward preparedness the ooaru
says:
'They are more than willing to cooperate
tbev are anxious to do so, fully realizing that
IT. successful cooperation with the govern
ment lies the best if not the only certain
Cbance of success. Apprehension has been
avpressed that government contracts ana a
potential capacity to turn out war materlal
might foster the growth OF class whose
profitable interests would lie IN war; ana
who. in consequence, might IN time become d
danger to the state. IL is not the oeIel oi
this board that any such danger EXISTS III
our country. The number OF plants ana ol
persons concerned, when considered IN rel
erence to the whole country, the total Oh IN
dustrial plants and of people, is relatively
too insignificant"
In fact it is only, the board insists, by CO.
operation with private industry that the
danger of a national catastrophe through
lost war can be surely averted.
The board summarizes its findings ana
recommendations as follows:
1. II is not desirable that the government
manufacture its arms, munitions and equip
ment exclusively ..
2. 1t is not feasible or practicable for II
70 do so. with any due regard TO economy or
TO preparedness within reasonable ume.
8. 1t is desirable that the Rock Island Ar
senal be enlarged promptly and considera-
bly,, especially for the increased production
of rifles.
A. It is desirable that modern machinery
and anpliances be installed in all arsenals
where needed.
=. II is desirable to arrange with private
industry for portion of the supply OF what
ever reserves of arms, munitions and equip
ment are determined upon with due degard
to the conversion Of their plant to use III
such connection in time of war
6. It is important to take into considera-
ton the location as we'll as the organization
OF plants which are coordinated, with we"
both to safety and facilities for distribution.
7. 1t is important to accumulate at least
a years supply of all raw material which is
needed in the manufacture OF arms, NUM-
tions and equipment and is not to De found
within continental United States.
8. II is important to accumulate full sup
ply Of drawings and gauges sufficient to en-
able all co6rdnated industries to work TO
full capacity promptly.
O. It is desirable to standardze gauges,
jigs and tools as far as practicable and as
soon as practicable.
10. It is exceedingly important that skilled
and experienced labor in coordinated lndus'
tries especially be enrolled, and in the event
of war enlisted for work in selected fac
, tories.
H. 1t is important that comprehensive
plan of organization for prompt expansion
to full capacity, night and day, both IN gov,
eminent plants and in those of coordlnated
private industries be worked out and made
ready for immediate use.
r. 1t is important that the government es-
tablish plants for the assemblage of field gun
ammunition at such points as may be best
adapted thereto, with due regard to safety
and facility for distribution.
10. It is exceedingly important that our ar
senals equipped for the manufacture Of riiies
and artillery be put to work at full capacity
as early as possible.