Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-01-10
SECRETARY OF LABOR WILSON
SEES NO SHORTAGE FOR WAR
INDUSTRIES.
PLENTY OF MEN FOR
ARMY, FARM AND FACTORY
Only Great Problem Is One Of Adjust
ment-Draft Interferes But Little
Advisory Commission to Assist in
Work Of MobiIizing Labor to Assist
in Winning War.

Washington, Jan. 10.-"There IS an
| ample supply of labor both for th'
army and for industry. the problem Is
one Of proper adjustment" Secretary
Wilson said in discussing plans of the
department of labor for , moblliZina
workers. He estimated that in the
first year of the war the army would
take only about 8 per cent of the coun-
trys workers, less than the number
unemployed under normal conditions
The secretary will announce, prob
ably today, an advisory commission
to assist him in handling mobilization
problems including one representative
Of the general public, two of labor and
two of commerce and industry and one
economist or sociolosist.
Reflex From England.
Most of the anxiety in this country
regarding the labor question has been
reflex Of Great Britain's experiences
in the war" Mr.. Wilson said. "Of 90
0000 persons engaged in gainful oc-
equations in England, 100000 were
taken for the army. leaving the labor
supply Is per cent short. This neces-
STATED withdrawal from the army of
skilled workmen In order to maintain
the industrial life at home.
Americas situation IS very different
OF course the draft will interfere with
industry to some extent, but we have
50. 000 900 workers Of whom approx
mately 100000 will be taken in the
first year Of war. less than the normal
number Of unemployed. Our problem
then, Is one Of reimbursement to supply
the demand for workers in those trades
which are expanding rapidly. such AS
shipbuilding and munitions factories.
Will Make Read justment.
at present there IS a shortage
labor in some trades and a surplus in
others. For instance, there Is unem-
ployment in the building trades, It Is
our task to make the supply equal the
demand. which will involve transporta-
ton Of workmen voluntarily from one
section to another housing them In
their new homes and training unskilled
men when the skilled supply in any
particular line Of work Is short
1--WE have established an admin
istrative force here, headed by John B.
Densmore. using employment agencies
already in existence and are working
on development OF a field force Until
the question Is studied by the advisory
commission. we will not know what we
shall have to ask of congress-"
Mr.. Wilson was asked what opposi-
ton was expected from the unions to
dilution Of labor III the apprentice
rules of the unions are adhered to-" he
replied, vt doubtless will cause friction
~ rs trf
workers. That is one Of the questions
which we will have to work OUT
Wages Have Increased.
Enrolment Of laborers in Porto Rico
was said by the secretary to have been
undertaken because Of a shortage OF
maintenance Of way employees on rail-
roads in the southwest. So far. how
ever, none Of those enrolled has been
used because It has been impossible 10
transport them to the United States.
Increased wages are being paid IN
many industries. notably metal. lum-
Der and textile. the secretary said but
in some cases they have not equalleo
the rise in living costs. II do not know
Of any Instances where increased wages
have caused decrease in work done.
he added. Labor IS not demoralized.
Present conditions are due to the
greater mobility demanded Of labor
than in normal times, which needs
directing system to guide 1t where
needed We will try to supply this
system"
Lafayette EscadriIIe Transferred.
Special to Times Republican.
C,rinnell. Jan. Johannes Norman