New-York tribune., 1918-05-19
savs There Will Be No
Interference With Nom
Essentials Except Where
Absolutely Necessary
Expects Early Report
Sab Committee Investigates
Needs, Production Capac-
ity and Means of Dis
tribution

Branding as sensational reports of
n.ssible disagreement between members
80 Joint committee of the War Indus
,yiss Board and of the American Iron
and Steel Institute over the govern
ment's steel requirements for war pur-
,oses, Judge Ebert H. Gary, in his po-
sition as chairman Of the general iron
md steel committee of the institute,
said yesterday that "there has been
and Is complete harmony between the
Var Industries Board and the entire
steel fraternity concerning the produc-
don and distribution and prices of
steel"
Judge Gary in the library of his
Fifth Avenue home spoke freely of
Pridays conference between the Joint
committee of the American Iron and
Steel Institute and the War Industries
Bosrd. He said that the treatment of
the steel industry by the board has
always been fair and reasonable, and
predicted that these conditions will
continue. He added:
~Ths general committee of the Amer
lean Iron and Steel Institute was re-
quested to appear before the War In
austr4es Board at Washington yester-
Day morning for the purpose of con-
sidsring whether or not increased
quantities of steel could be furnished
Tor the military necessities of the gov
ernment and its allies.
Pursuant to that request the whole
committee met the War Industries
Board at $3.50 yesterday morning and
remained in session until ! O'Clock.
Vhs War Industries Board presented
figures received from various govern
mental departments as to their proba-
DE requirements of steeldto cover the
prorammes which havenobeen'7 made
for The remainder of the Year and also
from the Allies in Europe as to the
quantities of steel which they might
dssire from this country.
@Fhe War Industries Board also
s raised the question as to whether or
not. there should be a curtailment of
The steel which was being furnished to
lines of manufacture classed as non
essential or less essential for war
purposes, and, if so, to what ex-
tent, it being the opinion that the
Usual channels of trade should not
be interfered with unless and ex-
eept when absolutely necessary in or
der to supply the full quantity essen
tial for military necessities.
"The members of the committee ex-
pressed their willingness to do what
ever appeared necessary after full as
certainment of the facts and. figures
applicable, and the War Industries
hoard stated that reliance would be
placed upon the members of the steel
industry for assistance in carrying to a
practical effect the desire expressed by
every one present to supply the gov
ernment's needs. After full discussion
and consideration Of the questions pre-
sented 1t was decided to refer the sub
J 59eet matter to subcommittee On dis
uiDution Of steel heretofore appointed
~ the general committee Of the irsti-
sute and to certain members of the War
industries Board for further investiga-
ton. report and recof,lme ndation as to
Quantities needed, capacity to produce
and the best methods of distribution.
This joint committee has not fin-
'shed its Inquiry, but will report at an
sarfy date. There has been and is COM
p'ste harmony between the War Indus
Ries Board and the entire steel fra
sernity concerning the production and
sistfibution and prices of steel. The
Treatment Of tho steel industry by the
War Industries Board has always been
!, lair and reasonable, and steel men have
endeavored to rcciprocate to the fullest
extent. These conditions will undoubt-
sdly continue"
The members Of the joint committee
which has undertaken to learn steel
var requirements Of the United States
xnd the Allies consists of James A.
farrell, H G. Dalton, E. G. Grace, j.
z. Topping and E. A. S. Clarke, repre-
seuting the industry, and J. L. Replo-
gs. Alexander Legge and General Hugh
sohnson, representing the War Indus
Tries Board. a .