Evening star., 1922-04-21
Washington an Object Lesson
In Use Of Engineering Talent

that of industry. 1t has been able, in
consequence, to begin earlier ana
pront more by the results Of scien.
tine investigation. relating particu-
lariy to soil analysis. rotation, etc,
which are determining factors In
farm production. We are only now, =,
however entering upon program IN
the United States which will give to
business. when completed. economic
data which will discourage uneco-
nomic. fortuitous and personal !oca-
tion of Industrial and commercial en-
lcan CITY, only little over year
ago, to collect data and carry on re-
search in respect to this point.
Less than two years ago the United
States bureau of education. feeling
strongly the lack of known and de-
pendable economic data from which
TO proceed in building articulateo
courses of study In preparation Tor
business and commerce, mOtivated 10
the business needs Of specific localf-
ties, developed a plan for securing
this information in cooperation with
the several states. There was no ap-
preparation of money for this pro-
the states has not only been voiun-
tary. but very few states we're pre-
pared to secure the needed informa-
tion. 1t has been difficult to over
come this handicap.
Nevertheless. the work that is al
ready under way in several states Is
encouraging other states to under-
take this Investigations survey, the
result of which will surely give the
regional industry and commerce an
adequate number OF employees VINO
have been trained and educated IN
standing of such services as are most
helpful to their development OF tnose
major types of productive ana dls-
tributfve business for which region
may have economic advantages:
1t is regional. program; twelve re-
gions with economic watersheds as
/ divisional boundaries. Any scientinc
program of coordination OF the ma
tion's business Is impossible until the
necessary economic data have Deen
secured by the proposed or a similar
plan. and interpreted by men VINO
have the training and experience OF
commercial engineers
***
What is true of the nation is also
true Of the business Of any region
or subdivision of the nation. We
must, therefore, begin with our
smallest economic unit. the officials of
the United States bureau of educa-
tion advise-in this commercial en-
gineering training program-and the
county unit seems to have been pretty
well settled upon. A program Of state
coordination, it is pointed out, Is
seldom effective unless the county is
properly organized. Modern COM
munity problems are sizable in the
county and yet tangible.
We have already arrived in the
United States at a stage where eco
nomic community guidance is impera-
tive in view of world trade competi-
ton. Many communities today are
supporting industries that are by
their location a. liability to the COM
munity and a greater one to the ma
ton. Counsel and guidance of COM
mercially trained engineers in every
county will aid in solving problems
relating to unwise employment and
care of labor. seasonal and rotary:
improper transportation outlets;
standards and kinds of production:
marketing opportunities; available
credits, and, above all, to solve prob
lens relating to housing and health.
to the proper balance between the
individuals duties to society and his
own economic rights.