The evening leader. (Tarpon Springs, Fla.) 191?-19??, 1919-02-18
VIEWS OF HON. CALVIN COOL
IDGE, GOVERNOR OF MASSA-
CHUSETTS, ON 'RECONSTRUC-
TION PROBLEMS

the Othef states, recently received
from Secretary of Labor Wilson a It.
quest to stimulate interest in publ,
works and civil construction, has an,
nounced the appointment of a special
committee composed of representa-
tives of labor and capital to forward
this purpose.
j Governor Coolidge has, in addition
issued an inspiring statement to the
people of Massachusetts, advising
them that Massachusetts does not in
tend to be the sport of chance" but
the master of her destiny"
The governor argues that the return
to normal business life will not be ac-
comphshed by worrying over what
may happen, but can only be accom-
pushed by doing the tasks at hand. His
statement is a gospel of courage AMI
optimism not only for the people of
Massachusetts but for the country.
} The substance of his message follows:
Men intrusted with the grave re-
sponsibility of managing the business
agalrs of Massachusetts, are now call
cd on to decide whether they will con-
tnue their activities as usual or wait
to see if there is decline in prices.
No doubt there will be a decline in
some directions. The public uIestion
now is how best to proceed for the
general welfare. 1t seems clear that
gradual decline would be prCferab' @
to perpendicular fall in prices. It
should be remembered that prices of
labor and materials are 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 attend
ing want, stress and calamity. If
people will go ahead with business.
While there may be a gradual decline,
1t can be borne with the least incon-
venience.
Il realize that business is and ought
to be conducted for profit. Still there
is not only the duty but the expedien-
icy of keeping the working force, the
organization, in dull times. We have
all worked together to win the wa.
Let us all work together to enjoy the
blessings of peace The working peo-
pie of Massachusetts, her most valua-
bic possession, must be considered.
and they must be maintained.
Instead of being the sport of chance
Massachusetts ought to be the master
OF destiny. Insted of waiting we
should act. Government has released
raw materials, labor, and transporta-
ton. There is plenty of money, which
makes a demand for merchandise.
There ought to be no lack of a dispo-
sltlon to act, no lack of enterprise.
The question is where to begin. A
committee working with out board of
labor and industries suggests the re-
Vlval of building. This industry has
been at standstill for the past two
years. 1t is in its nature basic. A
contract for any kind of building 4t
once makes the opportunity for other
contracts for steel, cement, bricks,
lumber, plumbing, steam heating,
electrical equipment, and all other ma
terals required in construction. This
would mean the employment of large
numbers Of people in various factories
manufacturing these materials.
I'm this the various agencies of
government ought to take the leaG.
1t is therefore urged that all the dc
nHrtmcnts in the commonwealth.
counties, cities, and towns should star,
the foundations at least for school!
houses, hospitals, libraries, police and
tlre department headquarters, bridges,
and other public buildings. Thereare
many of these operations partially
completed, and many others for which
plans have been drawn and money ap-
propriated. If public construction be-
gins private construction will soon fol-
low, as the increase in population re-
quires more housing facilities. There
is also much construction work on the
railroads Of New England, which the
roads themselves and the national
government should be urged to begin
at once.
THE material resources Of the con-
munlty must be used for the benefit
OF the people of the community. Such
use is the only thing that gives ther1
value, and the only warrant for their
existence. Unless this is done bv pri-
vate enterprise it will have to be done
through the taxing power and other
wise, for the purpose Of relieving the
suffering caused by unemployment.
Every facility is at hand for an era of
great prosperity. What is needed is
the courage to act. In the exhibition
OF that courage the government agen-
cles must take the lead"