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102 are impossible, the efficiency is further impaired by the necessity of overtime. Overtime cannot be avoided in the present pressing emergency. The dif- erent parts of ship construction are so interdependent that if progress 1s delayed awaiting the completion of some part, that part must be com- pleted by overtime work. Overtime in addition to reducing individual efficiency rapidly increases the cost of labor. When 8-hour men are obliged to work 10 hours, they draw pay for 11 hours. This constitutes a fixed charge against the cost of con- struction. But their impaired efficiency is a variable charge extending, per- haps, over the output of the next period in which they are employed, and the greatest loss comes in the wasted man power distributed over the entire work. "Conscript Em and Make "Em Work" - To the strap-hanger strategist and the corner-grocery debater, the ques- tion of 'holding the men on war work, particularly in the shipbuilding lines, seems easy. most direct, and would be supported by hot argument based on the select- ive service bill which has raised our army. If shipbuilders wished to strike, or if they would not enter the 'work, or if labor shiftine and <a constant turnover was encountered-- the first solution offered by those who would run the, war "as it should be run" -would be "conscript 'em and make 'em work". The one consideration which makes the conscription of men for shipbuild- ing impossible is the fact that by labor conscription one man is singled out, set apart from his fellows and - told he must work. In the selective army draft, men were taken from all stations and walks of life; the farmer, the miner, "the clerk, the mechanic, and the idler were grouped with the one purpose of getting an army in the quickest time. The operation of the law was successful because it was just and because it was upheld by united opinion. In conscripting shipyard labor, the problem would assume a different light. There is no question of the actual right of the nation to take that talent of labor which would expedite. the shipping program. The need is acknowledged .and the legal right is granted; but the difference in public sentiment in the two cases makes compulsory labor impossible. Strenuous resistance would meet every effort to compel workmen ° to enter private shipyards even were the work ,entirely government con- trolled and for government service. The feeling of discrimination among those trades which were compelled Their advice would be. THE MARINE REVIEW to work would minimize the effort obtained under compulsion. If we had some system whereby every able-bodied man within certain age limits was com- pelled to take up some active war service, and from this universal army certain workmen were set apart for shipyard work, conscription would be the solution of the entire question of labor. _We take soldiers and sailors against their voluntary will to fight out battles, and public sentiment not only approves but applauds the plan. If we undertook to apply the same Labor Secretary Speaks Only fairly satisfactory returns are coming in from the coast-to-coast campaign under way to enroll 250,- 000 skilled artisans in the Umted States public service reserve. The. filling of the reserve is a vital war necessity and it is believed the somewhat unsatisfactory reports are due to confusion over just what is being attempted. To clear up the confusion, Secretary of Labor Wilson has called particular atten- tion to this statement: "It should be distinctly under- stood that im its campaign for ship- yard volunteers, the public service reserve of the department of labor is not calling for men for imme- diate employment. Only men of Special types are needed at the ship- yards today. "The purpose of the reserve is to enable the shipyards to get just the kind of men they want when they want them, and itt wants every work- ing man to stick to his present job until the department of labor tells him when and where he is wanted. The registration of a large reserve is necessary that the department may get men of requisite skill and avoid putting any unfair burden on any employer or industry." methods to securing labor for war work which is just as necessary, but not nearly so dangerous, we would face serious objection from such num- bers that the government would be powerless. The difference may be psychological, or it may be _ purely sentimental, but it most certainly exists. Why Housing is Important The living conditions of the worker must receive' consideration. hat skilled workmen require careful grooming to produce maximum re- sults is a fact recognized by every progressive manufacturer. The hous- ing conditions surrounding our large shipyards have been complicated by the fact that other large war indus- tries were in existence or have been established in the same localities. Smith, Jones and Brown, three firms in one of our typical centers: re- ceived huge orders for shells and munitions early in the game. In the March, 19] same locality the Emergency leg corporation let contracts for ships to Robinson, Clark and Green, established shipbuilding concerns. High wages and labor premiums, or bonus offers - soon led to a readjustment--a shift. ing of labor. New workmen were attracted from other communities Rents skyrocketed, property advanced in price, and real estate owners were prosperous, but there was no new building construction, due _ to high prices and labor shortage. The te. sult, typical in 20 to 25 of our ship- building centers, was that housing conditions became unbearable. Poor Housing is Depressing Consider the matter from, the stand. -_ point of Jeff Swanson, structural iron worker from St. Louis. Jeff was a workman with an artist's sense of . pride in his work. He was steady, reliable and enjoyed the -- staccato thrill of his riveting hammer high above the streets of the city. He worked full time, was content with the robust satisfaction of the man who toils with his hands and_ has a comfortable. home. The war came and upset Jeff's cycle of existence even more than it had been shaken when the McNamara boys were rushed across the continent to stand trial for the Los Angeles dyna- miting. Building construction tapered off as prices advanced and as capital was absorbed in active war work. Jeff was fortunate in having his home: paid for and savings sufficient for the needs of his family. The call for shipyard riveters ap- peared as a saving opportunity. Jeff left his family and went to New York. He readily found employment in a shipyard near New York but was unable to find a room within access of his work. It was necessary. to go across to the city to live and make the journey each day by ferry and street car. Ship riveting is "am work. Jeff worked only eight hours, but to this was added an hour and a half each morning and evening, the time which it took him to reach the shipyard, and to return to his. room. This was complicated by the long wait in the evening when crowded street cars passed one after another. Added to these discomforts was homesickness. Jeff craved the com- fort of his family. Is it surprising that he gave up the good wages at the shipyard and turning his back on his country's call for riveters, fe turned to St. Louis to odd jobs and perhaps idleness? This does not picture an excep tional case. There are thousands of Jeffs to be found along the Atlantic seaboard. Housing facilities for the