The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-05-10
US, TOBUILD
BIG WAR PLANT
HowitZers and Large Shells to
Be Made in Great
Quantities.
SITE WILL BE IN INTERIOR
U. s. Steel Corporation to Con.
struct Factory-Experts
Volunteer Free Services.
SITE WILL BE IN INTERIOR

A huge ordnance plant for the manu-
facture Of howitzers and large shells Is
to be constructed by the United States
Government in the interior Of the coun-
try under the supervision Of the United
States Steel Corporation. The new plant
the world and perhaps to equal the
works Of the Bethlehem Steel Corpora
tinn. which are now declared to be
greater than krupps.
Rumors that the Government conten-
plated erecting a huge ordnance plant
have been current for weeks. but 0on-
frmation OF the reports was not OBJ.
tained until +. II. Gary. chairman OF
the United states Steel Corporation. yes
terday announced that general plans
were being prepared for the construc-
ton Of a plant which would manufacture
cannon and projectiles.
No information could be obtained yes
terday as to the probable cost Of the
plant. Construction Is expected to
stretch over a long period Of time and
completion Of the works is not expected
until 1919 and possibly early in 1920.
Although securing the services Of the
best steel manufacturers in the country.
the United States Government will not
have to pay one cent OF compensation to
the men who will superintend the work.
inasmuch as they have through patriot
ism, volunteered their services. Judge
Gary's statement giving details Of the
proposed ordnance plant said:
Details OF Plant.
"At the solicitation OF the Secretary Of
War the United States Steel Corporation
has undertaken to construct and equip
for and at the expense Of the Govern.
ment. upon a site to be located in the
interior OF 'he country. a plant for the
manufactur, Of cannon and projectiles
Of large sizes and in Sreat quantities !:
and TO operate ihs s.me rhsn f,ntshsd, ,
over a considerable psriod and the cost
will be large but the work will progress
with all practicable speed and economy
In the use OF money will be practised.
It Is hoped and expected the results will
be creditable to the country.
THE work will be In the immediate
charge Of a committee consisting Of q
vice-president and the comptroller OF the
corporation. and eight others designated
from the officers presidents or vice
presidents) OF the various manufactur-
ing subsidiary companies. and all Sc
ence and peculiar fitness. This commit
tee will keep in close touch with the
building and operating organization
which IL being formed. and with the
officers Of the Steel Corporation and with
the War Department.
Omcers to Get No ray.
"Oficers OF the corporation and Of the
subsidiary companies will receive no
compensation for their services
Accurate books Of account will he
kept which. with all records. files and
other documents and papers. will he
open and subject 10 examination ny
Government officials or other properly
appointed representatives.
General plans are being rapidly pre-.
pared and will soon be ready for exami-
nation by tho Ordnance Department or
other bureau. and when approved the
corporation will be given a freq hand in
responsible for the faithful performance
Of the duty imposed by the terms Of the
contract
The corporation, in consequence OF
the magnitude Of It's business, mos. OF
which. directly or indirectly. is in aid of
the military necessities OF the Govern.
ment and Its allies, had hoped to avoid
the necessity OF engaging in work Of the
kind now entered upon. but was per-
suaded by the War Department that It
was imperatively required under existing
conditions
The United States Steel Corporation is
expected to supply the bulk of the mate.
rial that will so into the construction OF
the plant.
The proposed new ordnance works
also explains to a substantial degree the
decision o. the steel manufacturers to
sidetrack orders for steel for general use
and concentrate their energies on the
manufacture of steel for tho United
States Government.