Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-18
BUILDING SCHEDULE
AHEAD, SAYS HEATH.
Vast U. S. Program Could Be
Finished in Two Years, He
Tells Forum Audience.

A prediction that the Treasury De-
l0-year public building program within
two years II Congress desires was made
last night by Ferry K Heath, Assistant
Secretary Of the Treasury in charge Of
the gigantic task. who spoke in the
National Radio Forum arranged by The
Star and broadcast over a coast-to-
coast network Of the Columbia Broad
casting System.
Coupled with this prediction, how
ever, Mr.. Heath reminded his listeners
that the Treasury Department has &C.
CELEBRATED the 500, 600, 900 building pro-
gram to point where 1t will be neces-
sary for Congress to remove present
restrictions if the present rate Of prog
ress Is to the continued. With that
done, the program could be completed
four years ahead Of time, he said
Reviewing the progress Of the great
building task, so far as 1t relates to
the work done under the supervision of
the Treasury Department, Mr.. Heath
said that It's relation to the unemploy-
ment situation has been misunderstood
and misconstrued.
Scores Critics Of Policy.
THE breast heaters and wand wav-
erS, who, for various reasons, disap-
prove of the present administration
have filled the press with complaints
and criticism he said. Il think there
can be little said against the policy
care for the actual needs of the Gov
eminent during periods when private
construction is tagging and when there
Is so much unemployment as is threat
ened the coming Winter.
The maximum amount Of useful
Government expenditure should be
maintained" Mr. Heath declared. 1T
never has been claimed nor believed by
the administration that Government ex-
penditures for constructive purpose
could entirely care for an enormous
number Of unemployed persons.
1T has been maintained that in a
town where Federal building is need
ed, the construction of that building
during period of unemployment would
be helpful and encouraging to the COM
munity. The construction of buildings
under the Treasury amounts to about 20
per cent of the construction program
of the Federal Government
AS an example how 1t operates in a
community, he cited the $16,00000
Post Office Building in Chicago. Con-
he pointed out, are ordinary expendi-
lures in Cook County of around $780,
900 900 for building construction.
Private building expenditure then in
Cook County in one normal year
amounts to as much a sthe total spe-
cifically authorized Federal building con-
struction, which is supposed to extend
over a period Of several years and to
apply to the entire United States" he
said. On the other hand, he said, the
Government Is engaged in building
program from six to ten times above
normal, and on this record he submitted
that fair criticism cannot be based on
any lack of effort on the part OF the
administration to be helpful.
500 Projects Authorized.
Contracts are being let at the rate OF
S10,000,000 a month";" Mr.. Heath said,
land so far there have been almost no
labor difficulties and the work Is pro-
ceeding all over the country with an
adequate wage being paid and without
interruption Of work because OF labor
controversy"
To date the Treasury Department has
specific authorization to proceed with
approximately 800 of the recommended
projects. he explained. The total limits
Of cost represent 100000, 900 Of the
$700, 100000 authorized to be expended.
This means working on approximately
70 per cent of the total building pro-
gram which Is to be completed at the
end Of 1887 under existing legislation.
CThe full text Of Mr.. Heath'S address
is printed In the Editorial Section OF
today's Starr