SALIENT feature of the Patman surplus property bill (HR 3873) is its recommendation that all government war surplus be channeled back for civilian consumption through the sales divisions of the industries from which it emanated. Business people who feel that this is a job for experienced men to handle are evincing a growing interest in this measure.
The depression period of the early thirties pales into insignificance compared to the chaos which will result should Congress and Business neglect this vital problem. Everyone except the selfish interest group agrees that the redistribution of equipment and materials should be handled in an orderly manner . . . not “dumped” as they were following World War I.
It is our opinion that sound, clear legislation such as that contained in the Patman bill is representative of the kind of thinking and planning that has stimulated our nation’s progress. Business is behind this measure and will undoubtedly have the co-operation of labor in sponsoring one of the leading bills of the day designed to stabilize the economy of the readjustment period.
The government asked for and received the assistance of experienced men of American industry. We all know just how much their skill contributed to the most amazing production feat the world has ever known.
With the tapering off of the need for production, it is no less important that the country be returned to peace as skillfully and efficiently as it went to war. It is out firm contention that the men already qualified in established business channels can and should do the job. The passage of HR 3873 represents the green light for Industry.
