Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1919-02-20
RERIILDING VERMONT

inc PERIOD q Reconstruction ana read
iustment following the war is now upon
us in Vermont. We need to face at once
say this we do not mean the mere COM
struction of houses and business blocks
and other buildings but the rebuilding of
business and industries and the other
varied activities interrupted by the war.
What are we to do about it?
Secretary of Labor Wilson recently sent
stimulate interest in public work and civil
construction. In response to this appeal
Governor Coolidge issued to the people Of
his state an inspiring statement, advising
them that Massachusetts does not intend
to be the sport of chance" but the mas
ter of her destiny" The governor argues
will not be accomplished by worrying over
what may happen, but can only Joe ac-
complished by doing the tasks a. hand.
His statement is gospel of courage and
optimism not only for the people of Mas
sachusetts but for the country. The sub
stance of his message follows:
MEN entrusted with the grave respon-
slblity of managing the business affairs
are now Gallo on to decide whether they
will continu, ;leir activities as usual or
wait to see if there is a decline In prices.
No doubt there will be a decline in some
directions, The public question is how
best TO proceed for the general welfare.
1t seems clear that a gradual decline
would be preferable to a perpendicular
fall in prices. 1t should be remembered
that prices of labor and materials are all
relative. When once adjusted the amount
is not of great importance. There are
two things to do. One is to wait; the
other is to go on with business activity.
If everybody waits there no doubt will be
q perpendicular fall with attending want
distress and calamity. If people will &c
ahead with business, while there may be
q gradual decline, it can be borne with the
least inconvenience.
"I realize that business is and ought to
be conducted for profit Still, there is not
only the duty but the expediency Of keep
ing the working force, the organization
In duh times We have all worked to.
together to enjoy the blessings of peace
The working people OF Massachusetts, her
most valuable possession, must be consid.
cred and they must be maintained
Instead Of being the sport of chance
Massachusetts ought to be the master OF
destiny. Instead of waiting. we should
act Government has released raw mate
rails, labor and transportation. There IL
plenty OF money, which makes demand
for merchandise. There ought to be nc
lack Of a disposition to act, no lack OF
enterprise.
1.-THE question is where to begin. A com
inittee working with our board of labor
and industries suggests the revival OF
building This industry has been at
standstil for the past two years. 1t Is II
It's nature basic. A contract for any kline
CT building at once makes the opportun
ity for labor contracts for steel, cement
bricks. lumber. plumbing. steam heating
electrical equipment, and all other mate
rails required IN construction. This woult
mean the employment of large number
of people IN various factories manufac
turing these materinis.
I'm this tho various agencies OF govern
mont ought to take the lead. It Is there
fore urged that I'LL the departments In tn
commonwealth. counties. cities and town
hhould start tho foundations. at ianst, 20
school houses. hospitals, libraries. poiic
and fire department headquarters, bridge
and other public buildings. There ar
many of these operations partially con,
poted. and many others for which plan
have been drawn and money appropriated
II public construction besinH, private eor
structon will COON follow as the inoreaa
IN population requires more housing ia
oilities. There Ia also much eanstrut
tional work On the railroads of Now Hne
land, which tho roeds themselves and u,