Evening star., 1940-06-09

"A luSIy war Daby mas turned the
air conditioning atmosphere of the
most peaceable building in the Capt.
tai into slightly frenzied center for
national defense.
Set far back from Constitution
avenue, behind fountains and green's
ward, the new Federal Reserve
Building has shed some of its mar
beled aloofness as bewildered guards
direct stream of callers to the ever
expanding Offices of the National
Defense Commission.
Tier on tier above a classic center
shaft, the walnut paneled Offices are
becoming crowded with brisk execu-
tives who talk in figures commensu-
rate with the Nations banker.
Hungry People a Liability.
Miss Harriet Elliott, consumer
representative on the commission,
arrived yesterday from the Uni
versity of North Carolina where she
is dean Of women, and soon after
wards there trailed so men and
women representing all agencies of
Government dealing with consumer
problems. At conference held in
the Federal Reserve Boards board
room, she told them:
Hungry people, i'll people are a
liability in defense program. The
President is thinking in terms of a
unified Nation, of people mentally
and physically prepared to meet
responsibilities which the impact of
the world crisis forces upon us. Re-
duced standards of living will result
In reduced national effectiveness"
Miss Elliott, veteran of the
Women's National Council of De-
fense during the World War, de-
clared she would depend on the re-
ports Of the various agencies so that
I'VE will know what is happening"
Our first responsibility is to tell
the people of this country the facts
when prices start upward" she said.
I'VE will depend upon the good judg-
ment and common sense of the peo-
pie to assist in creating an immedi-
ate public opinion which will tend to
control the situation"
The arrival of Miss Elliot brought
new worries to the manager of the
restaurant reserved for executives
on the top floor He wanted to
know if it would be all right to ad-
NIT woman to that exclusive lunch
ing section.
Stettinius Has Two Rooms.
Youthful, gray-haired Edward R.
Stettinius, who wrestles with raw
material problems, directs his ef-
forts from a small, two-room suite,
briskly but informally. At his desk
by 8 am, he rarely leaves before
7 pm. but by closing time he has
seen several dozen callers. has as
simulated mass of statistics and ex-
amined the status of strategic ma
terials which must be imported and
stored.
Yesterday was typical He organ
lied his newly appointed staff Of
sub-executives. held long confer
ences with Army and Navy repre-
sentatives from across the street
and another with delegation from
the Procurement Division of the
Treasury which has been purchas-
ing the needed minerals with $25,-
000. 900 appropriated by Congress.
When he left late in the afternoon,
long after Federal Reserve officials
had turned homeward from golf
courses, he had a comprehensive pic
ture of the stores among private
manufacturers and in Government
yards. =.
The former chairman of the
United States Steel Corp, who at
40 has had vast experience in bank
ing and governmental activities, has
been alternating his home between
the Shoreham Hotel and his estate,
The Horseshoe, near Rapidan. Va.
He is expected soon to lease a house
closer to his Office.
Around the corner is the office
of William S. Knudsen-whose nick
name, THE Great Dane" was
adopted surreptitiously by employees.
The president of General Motors
is former workmate of Mr.. Stet-
tinius who was vice president of
General Motors for many years.
Knudsen Is Quiet.
Mr.. Knudsen, director of pro-
HVctior, Owes ordore II, vary 1ouy