Perth Amboy evening news., 1918-12-24
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The EVENING NEWS will not be published tomorrow, Christ
mas Day.
GREATER NEED FOR COOPERATION

The Importance of the work being done by the Council of De-
tense throughout the country is emphasized by the statement of Sec
rotary Lane of the Department of the Interior at the recent govern
cs' conference of Annapolis. The secretary said;
eve in the Council of National Defense have been intimately
in touch with all sections of the country through the organization of
the State Councils of Defense. In our judgment for this trying peri
cd which is to come, it is essential that you shall be able in the future
as in the past to reach your own people with whatever message the
National Government may desire to send them. The Women Councils
of Defense-all the activities in which women have been engaged
should not be allowed to flag. I say this o as to emphasize what Sec
rotary Baker said to you Monday. We wish you to promote through
every way you can through legislation through the message you will
carry home the idea that the United States shall not disntegrate into
so many individuals but that the organized effort which has been in
existence throughout the war shall be maintained until we know that
this war is over and its affects are passed"
Perhaps one of the most important works being taken up by the
Council of Defense at the present time is the prevention of unem-
ployment during reconstruction. The National Council of Defense,
working through the respective State Councils of Defense, are in
direct touch with each local Council of Defense. Perth Amboy has
an active branch of this important war work and Secretary Lanes
appeal for continued cooperation has already been needed here.
While the local council has abandoned its regular meetings, it is to
continue IS an organization to meet whenever the chairman shall call
1t together.
In a great industrial center like Perth Amboy this work of pre-
venting unemployment is of vital Importance The Board of Trade
has already taken notice of this situation and the United States EN-
ployment Service is also busy to see that men discharged from war
industries are placed elsewhere as soon as possible.
Figures received by wire each week by the United States EN-
ployment Service show a decrease in the demand for labor and a cor
responding increase in supply. Speed in the cancellation of war con
tracts and the rehabilitation of the army is increasing daily. Many
industries r. hesitating to take on any commitments at this time.
Building trades are at a standstil and probably will remain so until
spring. Unless every state, community, organization, and individual
co-operates to the fullest extent with the federal service there is
grave danger of a large idle population after the first of the year.
The purchasing power of the country at the present time is very
great, and every possible means must be used to stimulate business
Government plans for providing employment for all returning sol
diers and sailors and for workers in war Industries can be carried
through only with realization of the situation by the entire country.
Here, indeed, is real work for the Council of Defense and there is
every reason why it should continue to have the support of the public
in its activities in this community. 1t is through such an organiza-
ton IS this that the various private interests are brought in direct
touch with the government. 1t is most essential at this time that
such cooperation be maintained.
There is no doubt that we r entering upon one of the most
difficult periods of the war and every loyal citizen must be willing to
do his part in any way that he an serve best until the affairs of the
nation are safely back to a peace basis and the nation has once more
settled down. The Importance of the Council of Defense in assisting
N this restoration cannot be over estimated.