Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-12-06
SAYS BUSINESS MEN
SHOULD HAVE VOICE
IN FRAMING PEACE

ATLANTIC CITY. y. J., Dec. -
IN his opening address 10 the Re
construction Congress OF Business
Men. representing nearly all the IN
dustTies of the country, here today,
Harry a. Wheeler. Chicago, president
OF the Chamber of Commerce OF the
United States declared that Amerl-
can business. in common with like
interests or other nations, should ne
consulted in framing the peace con
ditiOnS.
With this in mind" said Air.
Wheeler. Il addressed n letter TO the
president on November IS. containing
the following inquiry:
Would II he helpful IL American
industry should name \ thoroughly
representative committee. particular
~ informed regarding the haste IN
dustrieS OF the countries. to be pres
eut in France during the course OF
the peace conference and available
for counsel on such phases OF the
peace negotiations as may bear di-
rectly upon commerce and industry?
If such a group would be useGul
great care would be taken 10 select
men having the largest vision and
the most generous impulses in con-
nection with the resumption of in
dustrial activity throughout the
world
Presidents Reply
PLY was received.
You may be sure that ] would
send a message 10 the meeting at
Atlantic City IL l knew what mes
sage 10 send, but frankly L do not:
IL is a time when We must all
thoughtfully take counsel and apply
the wisest action 10 circumstances
as they arise.
81 am. OF course. engrOssed with
preparations for leaving for the 9TH
er side. l hope that you viii eX-
tend my warmest greetings 10 those
who Will assemble at Atlantic City.
1T may be that the president mas
in mind, or has already. selected an
advisory industrial commission with
whom the members of the peace con-
ference may take counsel as occasion
arises. bat upon this point his letter
is silent except IN the broad state
ment that we must all thoughufully
take counsel and apply the wisest ac-
ton to circumstances as they arise.
since the questions of economic
reconstruction other nations viii UNI
doubtedly be adequately represent
ed with the most expert support tnat
can be marshalled. it is for you TO
determine whether YOU regard the
matter of sufficient importance to
advocate the appointment OF com
mission whose continuous presence
in Paris will provide like represen-
tatiOn on behalf of American indus
try"
accommodation
AIr. Wheeler spoke on two phases
of reconstruction and reimbursement,
one dealing with international rela.
tions. and the other with Internal
affairs. On the former phases he
said that failure TO deal generously
in the distribution of raw materials
viii seriously impede the industrial
restoration of nations not fortunate
enough TO possess basic materials of
their own. Should not the United
States lead. the speaker asked. la
rationing basic materials? Such a
plan OF ratiOning. he said. is not 4
function of the government exclu-
sive of the aid and counsel of those
expert in handling those commodi-
ties
Making the plan ana carrying st
into effect should be left 10 those
who best know the processes OF pro-
ductiOn and distribution with such
government participation as may
give official sanction to the plan.
OF the problems of internal adj
justment. Mr.. Wheeler said:
Tearing asunder the normal re-
iationshipS of business and COM
pelling suspension of activity in
some instances to meet the emsr-
Eencv Of a war program IS properly
a function Of the government with
such acnuiescence and aid as husi-
ness nav nrovide. but the task of
making Seatis ust4nents, pi' rebuilding
those same lads stTieS iF1tO their old
uses and efficiency IS the function
and aid as the governments may pro-
vide" arr g 80 -