Evening star., 1943-01-11
President Declares
Industry Must Give Up
More Manpower
TotoI Modification for
War to Curb Making
Of Unnecessary Goods
BY JESSE o. IRWIN.

BY JESSE o. IRWIN.
Declaring that private thought
and public discussion" ,on non
essential industrial activities "are
very necessary" President Roose-
welt in his budget message today
warned that production of unnec-
essary materials waste manpower
at a time when careful economy
and greater efficiency in the use
of manpower resources is impera-
tive"
He informed Congress that total
mobilization of "all our men and
women, all our equipment, and
all our materials in a balanced
production program will enable us
to accomplish the production goals
underlying this war budget"
Manpower Chairman Paul v.
McNutt has stated that mobilization
of the labor force for war pro-
duction would continue on volun-
tary basis, and it is understood the
administration has decided that
compulsory legislation would not
be introduced during the first ses-
sion of this Congress.
Cites Marked Progress"
The President noted marked
progress" in total mobilization SO
far, but pointed out that it lis now
entering a much more difficult
phase" He said 100000 people
would be needed above present re-
ouirements for the armed services
and war production.
Mr.. Roosevelt declared this num-
ber can be obtained by transfer
ring from less essential work and
by drawing into the working force
people who have not recently sought
employment.
He said vigorous action" will be
required to mobilize and train 'our
reserve of women and young people,
to accelerate the transfer of workers
to essential industries, and to re-
duce harmful turnover and mi
grafton of workers in essential in
dustries.'
The Manpower Commission has
been waging campaign especially
in acute labor shortage areas to
get skilled labor in on-essential
industries to shift to war jobs. Mr.
McNutt has reported that only
10 per cent of many thousands
contacted have expressed willing
ness to transfer.
Needs Can Be Met.
The President declared manpower
needs of the armed services and war
production could be met. without
impairment of essential civilian
requirements" and he stressed "the
important distinction between 'es-
sential requirements and the thou
sand and one things that are nom
essentials or luxuries."
In his report on progress the
President said in spite of the in
crease in the armed services, indus
trial production rose by IS per cent
and agricultural production by Is
per cent between the calendar years
1910 and 1912"
industrial production has not
been delayed and crops have not
been lost because of lack of man.
power except in few isolated cases, "
he asserted.
He said more than 100000 per-
sons had been added to the working
forces or the armed services since
1910. 100000 of whom were un-
employed and more than 100000
of whom are additions to the Ma
tion's labor and armed forces
Mr. Roosevelt said unified and
adequate rehabilitation service must
be provided to make available a
million of persons for war industry
and to restore to civil employment
persons who are being disabled In
the armed services" This was a
reiteration of his message sent to
Congress last October in which he
requested legislation calling for a
centralized service in the Federal
Security Agency.
Veterans Oppose Plan.
It Is understood that legislation
has been drafted by Budget Bureau
experts which is now being studied
by administration and other in
terested officials. The proposal calls
for full administration by the Fed
eral Security Agency, which is be-
ing protested by representatives OF
veterans organizations. They are
reported to be seeking to have the
Veterans Administration pass on
the needs of disabled veterans.
Mr.. McNutt, besides his manpower
duties, is Federal security admins
traitor. The assistant Federal Sc
curity administrator is Watson B
Miller. AS both are prominently
identified in veteran affairs. they
are not participating in the effort by
administration and congressional
leaders to effect a compromise. Mr.
McNutt is a former national COM
mander Of the American Legion
and Mr.. Miller was for about 20
years rehabilitation service director
OF the same organization.
The Budget Bureau is reported to
be pressing for action on the legis.
lative draft and, it is understood
conference may be held this weel
in order to attempt to iron out the
dispute.