The Washington times., 1920-04-10

Inc Jnlleu states ana IAuAua arc
now confronted with an unprece-
dented housing famine. so universally
recognized as TO need no emphasis.
This originated in governmental sllo-
cation OF labor, materials, and capital
to war needs, and has been continued
and accentuated by the diversion or
labor, materials, and capital TO the
production OF non-essentials. To such
an extent Is this true that the public
demand for these non-essentisls and
even for luxuries Is raising the cost
of the bouses which exist.
The effect OF this housing shortage
is not merely to infiict hardship on
the people, but to excite to higher
pitch those feelings OF discomfort so
widespread In the country since the
war.
Representative builders from all
sections OF the country, interested
particularly In concrete construction,
entered into an exhaustive survey
OF the building situation at the ma
tionsl conference on concrete house
construction held in Chicago last
week. The conclusions OF the confer
ence are set forth In the following
report:
Report Of Concrete Conference.
"The main factors with which we
have to deal are more numerous than
Is the general belief; they involve
among others. land, materials, labor,
finance, transportation. design, legis-
lation and building ordinances.
"If, as, will be generally conceded,
after food supply, houses are the most
fundamental need of the people, hous-
ing supply should take precedence
over all other use to which capital
can be put, and that we are justtned
In urging that all possible steps be
taken to make investment OF private
capital in house construction more at
tractive than any other form OF In
vestment. Investment can be encour-
aged but cannot be forced.
Taking UP the related factors, we
may say In general that price and
availability of land at present are
such as not TO be a serious obstacle.
|Unimproved land is held at low fg-
ures because OF the difficulty which its
owners find in putting IL TO profitable
use. This. condition in reality should
act as a stimulus to building.
ResAy PreesrsbBe Material.
"The widest latitude in the use of
approved materials should be encour-
aged. Especially should this be en-
phasized for tho pArposs of relieving
transportation congestion and the
lowering of building costs. Because
numerous sources of supply can gem
orally be drawn upon. concrete is one
of the most resdily procurable build
ing materials.
"There Is now a famine OF houses.
There Is also a heavy demand for
building materials for other and less
, important uses. Materials needed for
home construction should be regard
ed as in an essential class and as
such be given preferred consideration
in manufacture and distribution.
Manufacturers of such materials
should be given priority in shipment
when intended for this purpose. as
opposed to other uses less essential
| to the public welfare.
THE urgent necessity of labor as
| suming its full responsibility in the
production of satisfactory houses by
| the use OF efficient and economical
metho ods should be apparent to all.
Must Recognize Safety.
ITO secure results that will, salts
| factorily meet present housing needs,
safety and economy in the construc-
| tion of homes must be recognized as
| of paramount importance. These are
attainable only through the use of the
most adaptable materials applied by
! the best talent in design and con-
struction.
1t is, therefore, recommended that
| the organizations and individuals CO.