The Washington times., 1919-08-15
TO CUT RED TAPE
OF ARMY SALES
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Gardiner asking If some plan could
not be devised here by which people
OF restricted means could obtain these
food supplies without so much red
tape and eircumlocution. Mr.. Gar
diner undertook 70 present q plan to
the Commissioners by which the Dis
trict would buy the supplies and dis
tribute them through police and IRE
stations, in school houses, and else
where. The other two Commissioners
did not formally disapprove the plan.
but asked for more details, likewise
pointing out that for the District to-
undertake the purchase without au-
thority of Congress would be in viola
ton of law.
Commissioner Brownlow today au-
thoriSed the delegation which called
on Mr.. Morse TO say that the Com
misSioners will cooperate to the full
est extent with the War Department
in any plan OF distribution which will
be more direct and enable purchasers
to see and know just what they are
getting.
The COMMITTEES called Mr.. Morse's
attention to plans proposed in The
Times yesterday by which the War
Department would use it's own ma
chtnery to distribute the foods in
Washington at commissaries. school,
houses, and District buildings Rener-
ally to be put at its disposal by the
commissioners
M. Morse was unreservedly in
sympathy with the purpose Of the cali
OF the visitors, stating that the War
Department is trying TO find some
plan OF getting in as close touch with
-
the food supplies in less than case
lots. The difficulties in the way so
far include deficiency Of appropria.
lions for handling the supplies in
small lots.
It Is candidly admitted that until
more direct distribution Is arranged
for the greatest dement's from the
sales Of food supplies will 20 to res
taurants, hotels. boarding houses. ana
people with sufficient means to buy in
case and bag lots, unless the Postof.
nee Department Is able to break pack
ages In its sales through parcel post.
The payment OF parcel post charges
OFFSETS TO considerable extent the re-
duced prices offered.
Mems Apparel For Sale.
Before long the War Department
VIII put on sale millions of dollars
worth of mems underwear, and 81 Is
earnestly desired to have this handled
so that every man may be a direct
purchaser instead Of having to make
the sales in large lots that benefit
dealers only. This sale will include
the finest wollen undershirts, draw
ers, socks, top shirts, raincoats, and
the sort Of equipment which soldiers
were given in army service. Secre-
tary Baker hopes TO have this put
where every man may benefit by the |
reduced prices. II new plans can be |
adopted for food supplies they will
also include the wearing apparel, |
which will be sold in time for this
winters use.
Mr.. Morse said today that IL II is
true that the District Is prevented
from making purchases without au-
thority OF Congress, he did not be-
lieve it would be difficult to get
through Congress. II the Commission
ers win so recommend to that body.
a joint resolution giving authority
to the Commissioners to use funds for
purchasing and selling straight to
Regarding this, Commissioner Browa.
said today:
IT sincerely trust the War Depart |
ment will be able to find some plan |
that will put all available surplus |
supplies directly at the disposal Of |
the people. The best way would be |
for the army to sell these supplies |
itself. at public stations we would |
gladly set aside. That means that |
the people get the lowest possible |
prices. II the District should under |
take distribution there would have |
TO be added to the original cost GER /
tain overhead charges for handling. |
an the event that the department |
is not able TO work out plans for d. |
rect distribution the Commissioners |
will unquestionably ask Congress for |
authority to purchase and sell food |
and other supplies to the public in |
small lots"
Mr.. Morse, who is in close touch !
with sales Of army supplies through |
the country. today expressed gratif- |
cation over the effect the distribu-
tIon is having generally. He called
attention to the big reduction in |
prices OF hams, bacon, and other sup
plies since the army began its dis
tribution- He believes that a more
direct distribution would still, further
break prices.
II was felt among army officials
today THAT IL the supplies OF mems
wearing apparel can be put In quick
touch with the public IL will result
In general reductions Of prices in
these things.