Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-11-14
CONSIDERING PLAN
FOR COMMISSION
Effort Will Be Made to Develop
Program to Return to
Peace Basis.
WOULD ACT AS ADVISORY
Aim to Select Representatives
From Various Avenues of
Public Life.
iBy Associated Press. I

WASHINGTON. November l3.-Presi-
dent Wilson has under consideration
the appointment of reconstruction
commission TO develop a comprchcn-
sive program for the nations conver-
sion from Il war to peace basis. The
commission would be advisory rather
than executive in functions and the
plans developed and co-ordinated by it
would be carried out by existing gov
eminent department agencies.
AS now considered. The commission
would be representative OF commercial.
Industrial. labor. agricultural and So
cial interests; it's membership would be
small and 1t w""!a deal with all phases
OF the great problem OF easing the
country IRON war TO peace.
The President is understood to be
distinctly opposed TO the suggested
plan of having congressional COM
mittee prepare "A reconstruction pro-
have made special studies or economic
and social problems. The President is
said now to he considering what
emergency legislation may oe necessary
SYSTEMATICALLY TO turn all resources OF
the country to peace-time production.
How to shut off further war produc-
tion without closing plants. throwing
strain is the most immediate recon
struct!on problem facing the govern
nent
BEGIN BY DIvERTING
SOME RAW MATERIALS
Government authorities having
charge OF the placing or war contracts
are considering plan for diverting
raw materials from war industries az
last as these curtail their activities. to
other Industries where they can be
used ct once TOR reconstruction needs.
War orders will not be cancelled in a
wholesale way until such Il plan is de-
vcloped. IL is believed.
In this connection. the Chamber Of
Commerce OF the United states to-day
made public letter to President vii
son citing evidence Of anxiety among
business men over the governments
future course. suggesting a develop
inents.
'As you are doubtless aware" the
letter says. the cancellation OF con-
tracts by some government agencies
during the last ten days has caused "a
great deal OF apprehension and disturb
ance. the extent OF which. fortunately.
mas not attracted public attention be-
cause, The war news has SO greatly
ovcrshadowed II.
1t seems TO us that it Is possible 10
wcrk out certain common principles
which should obtain in all government
departments in affecting settlements on
contracts now to be stopped and ad-
bureau, or department. follows its own
ineas' another pursues different
cou,se. II seems that it will lead 20
endiess controversy and confusion
Pending the development OF an adj
equatc organization, we earnestly hone
that clearance committee may be an
pointed at once. to which will be re-
ierred all proposals to cancel con-
tracts"
The Chamber of Commerce also has
recommended to the President the es-
,aoIishment Of an advisory reconstruct
iion commission similar to that he now
CONSIDERS appointing.
Whatever machinery is created for
supervising the transition. it is con-
s,uereu certain tfat the government
proposes to maintain a centralized CON
troll and TO exercise a very positive
supervision over business interests dur
ing the change.