New-York tribune., 1918-01-11
We Cannot Fight
The Kaiser and
Hard Times, Too
Willys Analyses War Stu.
alton From an Indus
trial Point
By Iohn N. Willvs

President, ltWYs- -Oreria7d, Inc.
The war has given opportunity for
great deal of platform oratory. and.
as always happens. variety Of thco-
ries are advanced, some highly practi-
cal and some which need only mo-
ment's consideration to convince one
that the orator has not given the sub
Ject any real thought and considera-
ton.
We have on our hands to-day the
most important job that any nation
ever had. We must analyzc carefully
the various theories advanced and fol-
low only the course which will be Of
benefit to this nation in this war with
Germany, instead of, through ignor-
ance and lack of conside ration, finding
ourselves working for the Kaiser.
Although the manufacturers of this
country have nearly eli notified the
government that they are anxious to
help in the production of materials
Tor war, there is as yet no way of de-
termlnlng to what degree war essen
tials will absorb the entire produc
tlvity Of the country
Any attempt to direct public pur-
chases beyond this limit of war es
sentials might easily work as a griey
Gus hardship on many Industries. If
thousands Of people were thrown out
OF employment a depression would be
created which might be reflected i'm
medlately in the public attitude tow
ard the war. We cannot Geht the
Al.
time.
We require prosperity in this coun.
try with which to win this war, if that
prosperity does not interfere with the
building of munitions. is it not there
tore wisest for us to follow the policy
OF filling the government contracts
with the utmost speed and keep the
rest OF our productivity going in &C.
cord with public demand, 50 that the
vast army of the American people a,
home are in position to support tho
government with a spirit OF optimism
and also with enough money to heir
market the bond issues which are com
ing up from time to time
refer now TO the broad interests OF
all American industry. The automo.
bile industry, in which | am PERSONAL,
interested, is so firmly intrenched as
part Of the great transportation svs.
tenn of this country that those who
know the part it plays consider it ono
Of the fundamental essentials Of this
country to-day. But there arc Other
industries which have been classed BY
unthlnking people as non~essentials
believe such classitications arc per
nlcious and dangerous.
What is essential 20 me may not he
to you. AS a matter of fact. you may
say that er"n the clothes you have or
Your back and the boots you wear arc
non-essential, because the North Amer
lean ln5ians lived here in the sam,
climate for thousands of years withou,
them. Similar comment might be made
concerning many industries.
believe the public is capable Of dc
cldlng what is essential to if, and wt
should. after war needs are properl,
supported let the people alone to max.
their own choice of their requirements
1t Is important now 10 keep none,
clrculatlnG.. The price a man PAYS 70,
any manufactured product represent.
in very large measure wages paid ou
to the working man and money pait
Tor materials it maintains a circula
tlon of money which we all recocniz6
as an essential factor IN prosperity.
view with suspicion of ulterior mo
tive the remarks OF any man VIII,
breaches a doctrine that tends to stag
nate any industry below the public