The sun., 1919-01-12

None Of the many campaigns started
by the Government to solve readjust-
ment problems has aroused as much in
terest in real estate and allied circles
as the Department OF Labor's recently
announced plan for stimulating build
ing throughout the country. To accom-
9Itsh this purpose the Department has
started an intensive publicity drive.
long nation wide lines 20 offset the de-
nressive influence which the war has
lad on various types Of construction
work
or course the first object of the Gov
eminent in encouraging the resumption
o. public works, the building of hos
rltals. schools and even private dwell
ings, is TO provide employment for re-
turning soldiers and to catch the labor
overflow from the industries affected by
the cessation Of hostiities.
The benehcient influences Of the
scheme. however, will extend far be-
yond the labor field and will probably
20 a long way toward furnishing the
Impetus needed to overcome the serious
shortage Of building accommodations OF
various kinds The extent to which New
York city is underconstructed is placed
a. approximately 33 per cent. A similar
fNortaEe exists. though to somewhat
lesser degree throughout the country. In
commercial buildings of many classes,
Including office buildings. warehouses
hotels and apartment houses.
Before the war the building industry
n all its branches was the second larg-
Get in the United States, with an in
vested capital of approximately $4,000
200 900. This great phase of our national
activity has suffered severe shrinkase
while at the same time population has
been growing at its normal rate, apd a
lack of housing facilities has been felt
kefnly in many portions of the country
Establishes New Divisions.
To provide for the building campaign
the Department of Labor has estab'
Ished new division. II Is called the
division OF public works and construc
ion development" and Is being or
Fanzed by +. IT. Miller. publisher Of
Industrial periodicals under Roger w
Bahson, chief OF the service.
In anticipating the inception OF the
campaign William ID. Wilson. Secretary
%, Labor, recently gave the following
reasons for the interest OF the Depart
ment in the subject OF building:
building is an industry which 10 no
Inflated and which has not been put or
an artificial basis by the war.
Building employs all classes OF labor
common labor. stone masons. BRICK
layers, carpenters, plumbers, steamfit
'ers coppersmiths and many othe
trades
Building enables most OF the cost 4
Fet back into the wage workers pockets
!; creates permanent wealth. increase
the taxable property OF the community
and Is a form Of wealth subject TO littl'
lcDreciation
Building makes for good citizenship
end II is the only safeguard agains
bo'shevism. AS some one has asked
Did YOU ever see the red flag OF an
aNchy flying over a mans own hearth
t'oner'
Buildings can be tabulated and regu
Iated We know Just how many are be
1g built. as permits must be secures
Nv all We can allot building to com
mInities as one would allot quotas Il
Liberty Loan campaign. The con
s'ruction industry stands out almot
alone In It's ability TO be regulated an
stimulated.
Deferred construction Is really par
~ our war debt. It should be one
the first accounts to be paid unless tn
country Is to remain in state OF al
rested development Inasmuch as IN
building industry Is regarded by man
as the means Of facilitating the genera