The Washington times., 1919-02-22
OWN YOUR
OWN HOME
LABOR ADJUSTMENT
WILL AID BUILDING

Washington has held the attention
OF the building interests OF the coun-
try this week because Of the confer
cnces held here between representa-
lives Of the employees and employers in
the building trades in an effort to set
tie their differences which have been
threatening a countrywide strike.
The possibility Of a general strike
On the part OF building trade artisans,
mas had an injurious effect on local
building interests which have been
applying themselves to the task Of
finding a way to accelerate building
activities despite the obstacles of
present market conditions. Uncer-
rainty as TO labor conditions has
His6e il impossible for local architects
and builders to get anywhere on con-
tractual estimates on building costs
'fhe elimination OF this uncertainty
as to labor's policy and prices is es-
sential before a general revival Of
building may be expected.
Effects Widespread.
The deIeterious effects of the con-
troversy between employers and en-
ployes in the building trades. grow
ing out Of the New York situation,
MAS been felt West as well as East,
according to the the Division of Pub
lie Works and Construction Develop
1nents of the United States Depart
rnent OF Labor. The divisions re-
ports of a week ago inspired some
confidence that building was being
resumed by private interests through
cut the country. Late reports indi-
cate many prospective projects are
held suspended until the outcome of
he building trades controversy is
known. The effect OF this, at q time
when the Government is vigorously
urging the resumption of building as
a source OF buffer employment for
labor and a stimulus for business, is
bound to be other than helpful to the
general prosperity Of the country.
The most helpful thing at this time
would be an adjustment OF this con-
trOversy with assurance that the
terms of agreement are to prevail
FOR the spring and summer building
season at least
other Features Developing.
Other features in :he building and
construction field have shown favor
able developments during the week.
There appears 70 be hope of an early
revision of freight rates on gravel,
sand, stone, and Stag and, possibly.
cement as a result Of representations
made this week to the Railroad Ad-
ministration. E Guy Sutton, secre-
tary of the National Association of
sand and Gravel Producers, spent sew
eral days in Washington this week
submitting his case against prevail
ing rates on these building necessi-
ties, and is said to have made q fav-
orable impression. He represents
there are thousands of open-top cars
idle which at one time would be in
demand If rates on these building and
construction materials were not pro-
hfbitive.
He asserts the present rates were
authorized with the intent Of restrict
ing the diversion Of these materials
from war projects and submits IL is
time to remove this war restriction
since all other departments have re-
moved their war restrictions on build
ing activities.
No Marked Price Changes.
While there has been a slight re-
eession in prices in some building ma
terisls during the last ten days, the
reports to the Department Of Labor
clearly show a lack in basic stocks,
and the conclusion there IS that, un-
less production can be stimulated, no
exceptional changes in the material
prices may be expected
The contention that this increased
production necessary to lower build