Gilpin observer., 1918-12-05

abundant supply of the materials
needed. by which to check undertake
ings that could for the time be dis
penSed with and stimulate those that
were most serviceable in war, by
which to gain for the purchasing de-
partments of the government u certain
control over the prices of essential
articles and materials, by which to
restrain trade with alien enemies,
make the most of the available ship
ping, and systematize financial trans
actions, both public and private, so
that there would be no unnecessary
conflict or confusion-by which, in
short, to put every material energy of
the country in harness to draw the
common load and make of us one team
in the accomplishment of a great
task. But the moment we knew
the armistice to have been signed we
took the harness Off Raw materials
upon which the government had kept
its hand for fear there should not he
enough for the industries that sup
piled the armies have been released
and put into the general market again.
Great industrial plants whose whole
output and machinery had been taken
over FOR the uses of the government
have been set free to return to the
uses to which they We're put before
the war. II has not been possible to
remove so readily or so quickly the
control of footlstuffs and of shipping.
because the world has still to he fed
from our granaries and the ships are
still needed to send supplies to our
men oversee and to bring the men
back as fast as the disturbed condi-
tions on the other side of the water
permit; but even there restraints are
being relaxed as much as possible and
more and more as the weeks 90 by.
! entirely concur with the secretary
of the treasury In recommending that
the two billions needed In addition tC
the four billions provided by existing
law he obtained from the profits which
have accrued and shall accrue from
war contracts and distinctively war
business. but that these taxes be con
fined to the war profits accruing in
1918. or in 1919 from business origi-
mating in war contracts.
| urge your acceptance of his recon-
mendation that provision be made
now, not subsequently. that the taxes
to be paid in 1920 should be reduced
from six to four billions.
Guard Against Confusion.
Any arrangements less definite than
these would add elements of doubt
and confusion to the critical period of
industrial readjustment through which
the country must now Immediately
pass, and which no true friend of the
nations essential business interests
| can afford to be responsible for Great
ing or prolongng.
Clearly determined conditions clear
ly and simply charted are indispen-
sable to the economic REVIVAL and
rapid Industrial development which
may confidently be expected If we act
now and sweep all Interrogation
| points away.
l take it for granted that the con
gress will carry out the naval pro
gram which was undertaken before
we entered the war. The secretary of
the navy has submitted to your COM
mittees for authorization that part of
| tIe DTbSTuID WHICH NONtlS thS
ing plans of the next three years.
These plans have been prepared along
| the lines and in accordance with the
| policy which the congress established.
not under the exceptional conditions
of the war; but with the intention of
| adhering to definite method >of de-
velopment for the navy.
| | earnestly recommend the uninter-
| rupted pursuit OF that policy. 1t
| would clearly be unwise for us to at
tempt to adjust our programs to
| future world policy as yet undeter-
| mined.
| Asks Support Of Congress.
May ! not hope gentlemen of the
| congress- that in the delicate tasks j
shall have to perform on the other
side of the sea, in my efforts truly and
| faithfully to interpret the principles
and purposes of the country we love.
| l may have the encouragement and
the added strength of your united
| support? l realize the magnitude and
| difficulty of the duty l am undertake
ing. l am poignantly aware of it's
| grave responsibilities. l am the ser.
want Of the nation. / can have no pri-
vate thought or purpose of my OWE
in performing such an errand. 90
to give the best that is In me to the
common settlements which | must
now assist In arriving at In conference
with the other working heads of the
associated governments.
I shall count upon your friendly
countenance and encouragement. /
shall not be inaccessible. The cables
and the wireless will render me avail
able for any counsel or service you
may desire Of me, and l shall be hap
M In tho fhaiInht thnt L