South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-03-08
BUILDERS WILL
RUSH SHIP WORK
Companies Agree to Con-
StruCt Boats For Nation at
Ten Percent Profit.

WASHINGTON, March S-Amer-
lean ship builders engaged on gov
eminent work entered into an
agreement with Sec'y Daniels We'd
nesday 20 accept new contracts at
a fiat rate OF 10 per cent net proft.
and pledged cooperation 20 the full
lest extent Of their ability IN rush
ing 10 completion the navys con-
struction program.
Virtually all Of the larger private
plants in the country were repre-
scented in the conference. The build
ers, who have been netting from 20
20 30 per cent on merchant steam
ers. said they were willing 20 turn
TO government contracts at 10 per
cent as patriotic duty and the sec
rotary on his part agreed 10. protect
them from undue losses. As a re-
suit, for the present at least, the
government Will not consider exer-
cising the authority given by con-
gress TO commanders plants.
Build DestrOyers.
The next step Of the department
viii be TO call upon builders not en-
gagged in government work TO un-
dertake such tasks as they are
equipped TO carry out. For the most
part this will consist Of building
submarine chasers and possibly
some destroyers. An understanding
also will be sought 10 prevent yards
doing private work from drawing
men from those with navy contracts.
The companies represented We'd
nesday VIII furnish Sec'y Daniels
not later than Monday with
schedules of all commercial work in
their yards or for which they have
contracted. Details of the capital
izatiOn Of each concern, its fixed
charges, material contracts. plans of
plants and yards showing possibil-
ity OF enlargement, and number of
employees will he included. A def
mite statement of the amount and
kind of additional government work
that could be undertaken with an
estimate of what might be accom-
plished in a years time also will be
submitted by each builder.
Sec'y Daniels said the list of sub
iects 10 be covered in the statements
had been worked out with the in
tention Of supplying all information
prospective purchaser of the
plants would require. 1t will be val
liable in determining the wisest way
Of placing contracts for new ships
and would be essential should it
prove necessary in the end TO take
over any establishment.
Expect Corporation.
The department is i'm correspond
enCe with steel makers and other
manufacturers who supply material
for navy ships. Similar assurances
of cooperation are expected from
them. Mr. Daniels said he hoped
TO interfere with commercial build
ing just as little as possible. but tina.
nothing would he allowed Ito stand
i'm the way Of supplying the navy
with ships and munitions as rapidly
as is possible"
Another element of the speeding
up program is the task Oh securing
labor. Samuel GOmpers, president
of the American Federation Of La
Dor. and "a member OF the national
defense council advisory commits
sion. has called a labor conference
i'm this connection.
All of the conferences and other
preliminary measures are prepara-
tory 10 the issuing by Pres't Wilson
OF a proclamation declaring that a
national emergency exists which re-
quires the use of the unusual pow
ers granted him by congress to has