The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1918-06-15
MILITARY TAILORS
HARD HIT BY ORDER
ON UNIFORM COST

Military tailors will be hard hit
by the War Department order issued
today which provides for the manu-
facture and sale Of army officers uni
forms at cost price through the
quartermaster's department. The or
der affects every tailoring establish
ment in the country. as civilian trade
has greatly decreased since the out
break OF the war.
Washington tailors will be among
the first to feel the effect OF the
ruling. Many tailors have been cater
ing exclusively to military trade.
Because of the shortage in woolens
and the possibility Of having their
stock curtailed when the Government
takes over the wholesale manufacture
OF officers uniforms, the tailors are
facing a serious problem.
Protests OF newly commissioned
men because OF the prices charged
for uniforms by tailors throughout
the country were responsible for the
War Departments order. Tailor-made
regulation officers uniforms have ad-
vanced in price, officers said today,
until many commissioned men were
forced to incur financial burdens to
pay for clothing.
Approved by Baker.
The Secretary OF War has approved
Of the issuance Of cloth and the manu-
facture OF officers uniforms at all
army posts. camps and stations.
The quartermaster's corps has
been directed to invite bids for max
ing uniforms. The contracts will be
let at a specified cost per uniform
at each general supply depot. all uni
forms or material purchase within
the zone Of Jurisdiction Of any de-
pot to be supplied under the provis-
ions OF the contract In accept
bids, the quartermaster's corps will
be required 10 inquire into the ex-
perience Of each bidder before the
contract is signed.
Contractors are required to have
agents al all camps. posts and sta
tions in the territory covered by the
contract. This is to expedite the
manufacture and alterations OF Of
ficers' uniforms. Another stipula-
ton in contracts calls for a standard
rate for repairs, pressing and other
work The commanding officers will
determine the rate. Every garment
must be OF standard quality and
guaranteed. The officer is protected
against extra charges for alteration.
as the tailor is beld responsible for
all necessary changes.
Method Not Compulsory.
Officers who favor private tailors
will be allowed to purchase cloth at
cost from the quartermaster's corps.
When firms are prepared to make the
uniforms under the contract terms.
the quartermaster general is empow-
cred by the War Department order
to cancel all prior contracts or agree
ments which would interfere with
the operation Of the new order.
No price has been fixed. the cost
depending upon contract costs. Hun
dreds OF officers in Washington will
be supplied at the depot quaTtermas-
ter's office within a few days. The
date when Uncle Sam will become a
tailor to his army's leaders will be
announced soon.
Washington tailors said today that
the manufacturers OF ready-made
suits would be the FIRST to feel the
blow. The custom tailors are con-
fident that their business will pros
per, believing officers preferred their
own tailors. II was said that officers
have been purchasing cloth at quar-
termAster stores for several months,
but have employed Washington cut
tiers 70 make the uniformh