The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
Steel WIZARD DRAFTED.
sCHWAB MADE DIRECTOR GEN
ERAL OF EMERGENCY FLEET
- CORPORATION.
With Hurley Continuing as Chairman
and Fixing Policies Wizard Of Beth
lchcm Will Push Work of Construc-
ton While Picz Gives Attention to
Administration.

of the great merchant marine which
VIII transport Americas men and re-
sources to the battle front was en-
trusted today by the shipping board
to Charles M Schwab. steel manufac-
turer and ship builder. who becomes
director general OF the Emergency
Fleet Corporation with unlimited pow
ers to put through the vast building
program already under way.
mfr. Schwab will have compile tie SUI
pervision and direction Of the work
of shipbuilding." said an official an
nouncement issued from the White
House after Mr.. Schwab had been
there to confer with President Wilson
IN company with Chairman Hurley OF
the shipping board. Charles Piez vice
president and general manager of the
Fleet Corporation and Bainbridge CO..
by. a member of the board.
II Control of policies, which includes
decision as to ths number. size and
character of ships to be built, with
the millions appropriated by congress
still will rest with the shipping board.
Mr.. Piez. at his own suggestion. re-
iinquishes the position OF general man.
ager OF the Fleet Corporation, which
Is abolished. Mr.. Hurley remains
chairman of the board and president
of the Fleet Corporation In charge of
policies. Mr.. Piez continues as vice
president. Mr.. Schwab will organize
and carry forward the work of put.
ting the ships into the water.
MIR. Schwab is the fifth man to be
put In charge OF the shipping boards
building program but his appointment
was attended by none of the friction
which marked some of the previous
changes in management. Mr.. Schwab's
genius for getting the best out OF the
men with whom he is associated-andI
In this connection fleet corporation
official recalled the story that Schwab
never employed a man he could not
Praisc-together with his record of
achievement in developing the Beth
lehem Steel properties brought unani- |
nous approval in the board of his
selection as the man for the place.
Mr. schwab was In Washington all
last Sunday comforting with, Mr.. Hur-
ley. Mr.. Piez ana others. Last night
Mr.. Hurley was at the White House
for more than an hour outlining The
steps proposed to President Wilson.
who gave the chairmsn's suggestions
unqualified approval.
Exact division of authority between
Mr.. Schwab and Mr.. Piez has not vet
been discussed. In general, however.
Mr.. Schwab will have charge of con-
struction. with no restrictions on put
ting into effect whatever measure nc
thinks will turn out ships.
Mr.. Piez will continue to carry the
burden OF administration OF the fleet |
corporation such as contracts and legal
questions
Mr.. Schwab and Mr.. Piez will spend |
Thursday In conferenc to familiarizc |
the director general with the status
OF the ship building program.
officials were Inclined to think that
Mr.. Schwabs new position will no.
require the severance of his indus |
trial connections in as much as ne will |
10 concerned solely with the con-
struction OF ships and will have no
part in letting contracts In which |
some OF his interests might benefit. |
His salary as director general Of the |
Emergency Fleet Corporation was not
one OF the things which Mr.. Schwnb
discussed while in Washington. OH
ciols professed tonight not to know
what he would be paid but it was be-
licved he would become one of the
small army of dollar year" men who
are contributing their services to the
country.
HNitllb VI tilN
bodybuilding organizations throughout
the country Is expected after Mr..
Schwab has taken hold OF his new
work.
After Mr.. Hurley had made his an
nouncemcnt Secretary Tumulty issued
tnis statement at the White House:
Edward y. Hurley. Charles y
Schwab. cambridge Colby and Charles
Iiez were received by the president
ot the White House today. IL was stat
ed that the subject discussed was the
progress and condition of national
ship building. The carrying forward
OF the construction work i'm the 130
ship yards now In operation is so vast