The Grangeville globe. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho) 1907-1922, 1919-01-02
AFTER-WAR WORK IMPORTANT.
Reasons Given for Continuance state
and County Councils Of Defense.


on the eve of the worlds most import
ant peace conference, there appears
70 he general impression that all war
agencies should let down, allowing the
country to drift back into normal CON
ditions without interference from those
restrictions made necessary while TINS
country was engaged in the conflict.
This reasoning is no more than natur-
nj Yet it has its dangerous side. 1t
is true that the war is over, but 1t Is
likewise true that conditions following
the sudden ending are shifting and I'M
certain. The after-war work Is looked
npou as almost fully as important as
the activities necessary during the war
1t would be deplorable for dlsintegra-
ton to follow in all organizations prl-
marily built up to stiffen the second
line of defense, states the Ofi1cial Bul-
Ietin published by the State Council OF
Defense
Already there is developing in the
various states an embarrassing sltua-
ton which may become acute unless
quick action is taken. Men who have
been in various branches of the service
overseas or in environments, or who
were engaged in war industries, are re-
turning to their homes. Many of them
need work Immediately Others will
want it shortly. Can any state per-
nit them to remain idle? This situa
ton alone should Justify the existence
of our war organizations. Released
from. strict discipline these men must
be protected against abandon and de-
moralization. Everything that was
possible was done for them when they
joined the colors. They have the right
to the same treatment now that they
have been honC rably discharged.
The government has more financial
drives in sight. There is big task
ahead in gathering and preparing po-
litical history. Americanization offers
a problem that the best minds can well
afford to study. A new era is to open
up with new problems. 1t would be
folly indeed. to let down now and re-
turn to seltishnesS and waste.
Secretary of War Baker and Frank
lin X. Lane. secretary of the interior
in recent addresses before the govern
ors' conference, plainly showed the ne
cessity of keeping the state and coun-
~ councils from disintegrating. They
favor their continuance until such time
cides their services are no longer need.
ed Idaho's council has been main
tanned at cost that seems almost i'm
possible, or approximately $4,000 all
told. 1t will follow the dictates of the
government heads and continue to hold
its organization intact.
Secretary of War on Labor.
The State Council of Defense is in
receipt of the following message from
Secretary of War Baker;
Unemployment of discharged sold
iers, sailors and war workers released
from war industries is one of the most
important tasks now before the coun.
try We strongly urge that in sections
where surplus of labor exists all pub
lie improvements be advanced in or
der to absorb labor We ask that YOU
use all influence with state. county and
authorities to this end. Pre-
steps should be taken immed-
lately in order that necessary authority
may be secured in time for operations
upon opening of construction season."
Government Backs Program.
The government is behind the pro-
gram urged TO go into effect not only
in Idaho but all over the nation to open
up all forms of public Improvement in
order that employment can be furnish
eel returning soldiers and sailors and
other war workers and in this way
solve the labor congestion. Secretary
Of War Baker has sent a special mes
sage to the Idaho state council of de-
Tense on the subject.
A message to the state council from
he national council says:
Figures received by wire each week
by United States Employment Service
show decrease in demand for labor and
increase in supply, can
collation. of war contracts and demobi-
lization of army increasing daily. Many
industries hesitate. to take on all com
mitments at this time. Building trades
at standstill and probably will remain
SO until spring unless every state, com
organization and individual CO.
operate to the fullest extent with said
service. There is grave danger of
large idle population after the first of
the year. Purchasing power of coun-
try at present time very great and all
possible means must be used to Stimu-
late best government plans for i'm
proving employment for all returning
soldiers and sailors, and workers in
war industries. Can only be carried
through with realization of the stu
alton by the entire country. All con-
tractors for war material who EXPECT
TO lay off workers should notify United
States Employment Service Mt once.
All Industries in need of help should
obtain the same through the federal
service"
The United States Employment Ser
vice and labor representatives in wal
industries board expect sur
plus of labor and shortage of Jobs
during the winter 1t is therefore held
necessary that the states. counties and
municipalities begin all possible con
al once in order to furnish
work.
1t is further held that legislatures
should provide funds for desired i'm
provements for state institutions in
various parts of the state while every
thing possible should be done to urge
private construction.
Already soldiers and sailors are
turning up in the cities. improvident
brake" away from, hn.na ,,.tal.o.,4