The Washington herald., 1921-10-01
Denounces Combinations
That Keep Up Cost of
Construction.
-
OUTLINES PLANS
TO AID JOBLESS
Labor Fights Proposal to
Give the Railroads
s5OO,OOO,OOO Fund. -:
BY ROBERT J. BENDER.

ing unoue cotS In construction
work are strangling home-buildinE
in the United States and have
contributed largely 90 this unem-
ployment situation
Striking at these combinations as
AN anront TO public decency,"
President Harding's unemployment
conference yesterday designated the
construction industry as +the great
est area for immediate relief of
unemployment"
In addition 20 making recon-
mendatioAs for relieving this sit
uation, the conference adopted
eleven other committee recommend
ations for emergency aid and then
adjourned TO meet again October 10
for consideration of permanent re-
lief measures.
Labor Opposes Rail Funding.
On the eve of adjournment labor
displayed storm signals, forecasting
trouble ahead over the vital meas
ures the conference has passed over
at this session but which are still
regarded as necessary TO a business
revival. Such measures include par
ticularly the question Of wage ad-
justments, remedying conditions in
the mining and shipping industries
and assisting in Strengthening out
the railroad situation
II was on the last question yes
terday that labor unfurled it's
danger signals. warning that IL an
attempt were made to push through
a resolution favoring the $500. 900
| 900 railroad funding plan advocated
by President Harding, II would night
the proposal.
ResolutIon L. withdrawn.
The resolution. drafted and ready
for introduction, was Immediately
withdrawn and put over until
greater consideration can be given
/ IL after the conference reconvenes
/ This was a setback for adminIstra-
ton leaders who had hoped TO have
the moral support of the conference
behind President Harding's forth
coming renewed appeal to Congress
for action on the funding bill.
In submitting its report on relief
\ measures yesterday. the conference
made IL clear that these constituted
the emergency program for imme-
date adoption and prosecution"
The views of the conference IN
application OF these recommended
tions and as TO measures which
would contribute TO restoration Of
| industry and commere" will be
given later. IL announced.
Conference Reports Findings.
Following were the findings OF
the conference:
/. That unemployment today num-
bers between $500. 600 and $500, coo,
and there is a much greater num-
Der dependent upon them"
2. Organization Of the country TO
meet the crisis being necessary, and
the problem being primarily a com
munity problem" responsibility
should Immediately be assumed by
the mayor OF each city.
5. Each community should or
Canize an emergency committee, es-
tablish efficient public employment
agencies. register all desiring work
and coordinate the work OF char
/ liable institutions, keeping regis
tration for work and charity en-
tirely separate.
4. The community should be can
vassed for employment opportuni-
ties. and priority in employment
should be given residents.
should Prevent Begging.
S. The emergency committee.
should regularly publish the num-
bers dependent upon them for en-
ployment and relief that the COM
munity may be continuously ap-
! prised of its responsibility. Beg
ginE should be prevented
6. Private house. hotels. Offices.
etc, should do their repairs. clean
ing and alterations during the win
ter months.
! Z. Municipalities should expand
their public improvements and new
| projects to the fullest degree pos
sible, giving short-time employment
in order to extend the number OF
employed.
s. Governors should Cooperate
with mayors and do everything pos
sible for the expedition OF construc-
tion Of roads. State buildings, etc.
9. Federal authorities, including
Federal reserve banks, should eN-
pedite construction OF pubic build
ings an dpublic works authorized
by existing appropriations.
Urges Road-BufIdinE Fund.
10. A Congressional appropriation
for road building would make avail
able a large amount Of employment,
and the conference recommends
Congressional action at the present
session in order that work may go
forward.
IL. To remedy conditions in the
construction industry the confer
ence recommends that governors
summon representative committees,
with the cooperation OF the mayors.
to: (a) Determine the facts in the
situation: Cb) To organize commu-
nifty action in securing adjustments
in cost, including removal Of freight
determinations. and clean-out cam
paigns against combinations. re-
strictions OF effort, and unsound
practices where they exist. TO the
end that building may be fully
resumed.
FavOrr Rotation Of Jobs.
IL. Manufacturers can contribute
to relieve the present acute unem-
ployment situation by:
(a) Part-time work through re-
duced time or rotation OF jobs.
CD As far as possible. manufac-
turing for stock.
| (e) Taking advantage Of tho
present opportunity TO do as much
plant construction, repairs and