Evening journal., 1918-05-31
CURIA|LhEiT PLAN
DIVIDES Cabinet
Two Members Oppose Pro-
posed Cuts in Manufactur-
ing Activities
FEAR DISASTROUS
EFFECT ON COUNTRY

WASHINGTON, May 3i-President
Wilson's War Cabinet is divided on the
question Of industrial curtailment in
the United States and shutting down
of rnon-essentiaI' or less essential'
Industries. This division has been
sharply drawn at several recent meet
ings Of the War Council at the White
House
The President for the present ls
leeping "hands Off" leaving RESPONSE
hilliy squarely UP to the men who are
charged with working out the indus
trial problems Of the war.
The War Industries Board and the
Fuel Administration are working to-
gether on a program Of curtaliment
that will mean q considerable out In a
number of manufacturing industries.
At least two of the Presidents strong
est advisers are strongly opposed to
this program and are opposing II at
every opportunity.
These men take the view that there
are not sufficient data at hand at the
present time TO prove the wisdom OF
the course OF curtallment AT least one
OF them is strongly OF the opinion that
war industry Is beginning to produce
at such rate that It. instead Of so
called non-essential industries, will
have 10 be held down TO keep from
bringing about a situation where the
products turned out cannot be trans
ported or used.
Opponents OF curtailment take the
view that serious cut in the pro-
ductIveity Of any industry mayfhsve a
far reaching and unexpected economic
and financial effect that may prove
dangerous, II not disastrous. They be-
lieve that a shut own without ample
provisions for workmen, for the capt.
tai and credits involved apd for the
general business situation In the COM
munities affected will have a far reach
ing effect. They contend that necessity
for such course has not been shown
and that the step is being taken to
ward OF a possibility rather than a
fact.
Those who are working out the IN
dustrlal curtallment, however, declare
most emphatically that there Is not
enough coal or steel or other materials
20 20 around and that use OF these
products by non-essential industries
must be stopped to insure a sufficient
supply for war needs.
While inclined TO admit this stand
with respect 10 COAL even though pro-
ductlon this year undoubtedly Will be
greater than ever, opponents Of cur
tailmcnt say that with respect TO other
at hand to establish clearly the situa-
tion. Government needs are growing
constantly, but despite this they say
curtallment must be simply a precau-
tionary measure as no shortage Is
shown.
Charles NJ. Schwab, an authority. has
said there will be enough steel to meet
ell needs. but the proponents OF cur
tsilment are convinced that a war and
civilian expansion in industry cannot
go forward at the same time without
one or the other or both suffering.
While the division OF opinion Is
marked. this division has not come to
the point Of a split in the War Coun-
ell. which consists OF DirectOr-General
of Railroads McAdoo, Secretary Of War
Baker, Secretary Of the Navy Daniels,
Chairman Baruch Of the War Indus
tries Board, Chairman Hurley OF the
Shipping Board, Food Administrator /
Hover. Fuel Administrator Garfield and 1
Vance Mccormick Of the War Trade
Board.
With respect to coal, opponents OF
ourtailment are urging greater efforts
TO increase production, TO tighten the
necessity Of cutting down productive