The Pulaskian., 1918-11-22
REIMBURSEMENT BY
WAR BOARD
NEW PRIORITY LIST WILL GIVE
PREFERENCE TO CIVILIAN IN
DUSTRY NECESSARY FOR
RECONSTRUCTION.

what Will hapen to the Govern
ment war contracts now that Ger
many has signed the armtistice
terms? This is a question being ask
ed today by business men represent
ing practically every line of Industry
Throughout the country and one which
officials here are loath to discuss. 1t
is understood that because of the
great agitation Of industry throughout
the country, the War Industries Board
is permitting an official statement on
this subject which will be released in
the near future. The indications are
steps will be taken to prevent any
hardship to industry.
Disposition of Finished Goods.
Aside from the contract question
another problem is, What disposition
will the Government make of finish
cd goods which it will have on its
hands when peace is concluded and
for which it will have no immediate
need 1t is feared in some quarters,
that this material will be disposed of
by auction sales, or some similar
method, and thus greatly demoralize
prices in regular business channels.
There is absolutely nothing, however,
to justify this fear On the contrary
such action appears highly improba-
Bile. The War Industries Board will
doubtless be called upon to help
solve this problem, and since the
board is made up of the best bust
ness talent in the country, it would
seem reasonable to presume that ev-
cry precaution will be taken to
safeguard legitimate business inter
ests.
The powers of the board will be
unchanged, unless legislation is en-
acted which will change the status
of the board and there is no appre-
hension of such legislation so long as
the present Congress lives. In the
regular order Of things the new Con-
gress would not come in until Deem
Der, 1919, but should there be an ex-
ira session, as many here think there
must be, the new Congress will take
control Immediately after March f.
New Priority List.
The immediate task which con-
fronts the board, however. is the re-
construction of the priority list The
reconstructed preference list will con-
fer priority in the distribution of raw
materials, transportation facilities,
labor supply and manufacturing facil-
tiles on the industries which are en-
gagged in turning out materials need
ed most in meeting civilian needs at
this time and in restoring the econom-
&c fabric of the country The work of
recasting the list will be carried out
along lines similar to those followed
in mobilizing the industrial resources
for war purposes.
Fixed prices on commodities and
materials for which the demand has
exceeded the supply during the war
period will be continued in effect for
an indefinite period. Gradual changes,
reductions or increases will be made
as circumstances justify. Minimum
prices will be fixed only in instances
where the welfare of the country in
dicates the necessity.
Special effort may be made to con-
tlol placing of large foreign orders in
this country calculated to disturb do
nestle conditions or forces prices to
abnormal heights.
Requirements of France, Belgium
and other nations for rehabilitation
will be located and cleared through
the War Industries Board during the
period before the return of peace is
proclaimed, it is pointed out.
From all Indications the standardiz-
ed types of shoes and other articles
of apparel which have been fixed by
he board will be continued in effect
until their removal can be accom-
plished without serious loss or hind
rance to other activities.
Factories and mills which have
been subjected to curtailments and
restrictions under the classification of
non-essentials will be given wide OPP
portunity to resume operations.
Conflict Over Revenue Bill.
It is rumored around the Capitol
now that the Republicans will COM
bine strength in an effort to delay
final passage of the $4,000, 100000 war
revenue bill at this session and thus
force an extra session in which they
will write Republican revenue bill.
While no Republicans could be found
who would admit such plan, num-
Der of prominent Democrats said they
would not be surprised If such
scheme should be attempted.