Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 56, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 October 1917 — WAR WORKERS FACE DRAFT [ARTICLE]

WAR WORKERS FACE DRAFT

Big Labor Shortage in Munition and Shipbuilding Plants . , in Nation, MOST RUSH CONSTRUCTION tyomen Will Be Asked to Do Patriotic Work in Many Factories —Labor Greater Problem Now Than k Getting Soldiers. Washington, Oct. 12.—50 acute has become the labor shortage in the United States that the ■administration is eermusly considering a. plan for the conscription of’ both skilled and unskilled laborers for government construction work - . The government .must-get men for munitions plants, airplane / factories, Ftoel mills, and navy yards where is building its groat emergency fleet. The Beeuririg of.jnen is now a gfeater,problem for the mlmmistrafioh; than getting soldiers. Labor Lack Cripples Work. America's- great w:rr program is bagging down onni-connt of the labor Shortage. Tip- speed with which the: ration expected to turn put its great armada of airplanes, the great number of ships with which to combat the submarine menace..and even clot Ip fng and equipment for its new National nrmy. cannot developed. . Situation Is Critical. , The situation is critical. It has been tht' subject of discussion at several recent cabinet meetings, and an immediate plan to remedy the situation ? s to -be decided, on at once. It is admitted in administration circles that one plan under consideration is legislation permitting conscription of workmen. Industrial expansion and the calling of 1.500.00(1 men to the colors are responsible for the 1 abof shortage. It is' a foregone conclusion that skilled men will not be taken Into military service, but will be placed In government work where their specialized efficiency be of greater value. Great Britain made this mistake and America is profiting by it. Women to Be Called. The government is already preparing to call on thousands of American women to aid in the war. Before spring, according to indications, women will be needed in munitions factories, anyv yards, shipbuilding plants and other linos of war industry. The navy department, already eiupl’oy Ing nioi<- women than Winy other > --i. and is ready to'eniplp **** Clothing fa<-.tor.ie- run by the department at I’hihidt Ijihia and Charleston use Women entirely. , Navy Yards Need Men. The.most nfcnticiiig shortage, isln turning .out the emergency merchant fleet. So serious is the situation -that the shipping board Contemplates asking the president to exempt, all mechanics from the draft. Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt believes women 'will- rescue. Ifie government's war work. “On certain me.chaniciil work," he •Baid, “women are mpre efficient, especially in ‘repeat work,’ such as filling cartridges and shells and small machine work. “It is almost certain thousands of women will be employed in airplane factories, where work is standardized.”