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We are not "model females," nor are the great majority of us here for the purpose of learning how to catch husbands. There are a few other things in life which interest us. . . .
We are studying at Stephens to learn how to face the problems of modern life intelligently and with poise and self-confidence. In addition to singing, riding, and makeup, we have pre-med courses, journalism, humanities, sociology, mathematics. . . . Incidentally, since reverence toward the spiritual is one of the Ten Ideals by which every Stephens girl tries to live, we are taught to read and understand the Bible, and to apply its philosophy to our everyday problems. So what? . . .
GAIL RICE
ALICE MARTLING
DORIS LEVINE
UNITY URQUHART
MAUREEN HENNESSY
Stephens College
Columbia, Mo.
— TIME made no wisecracks, and it was not disrespectful of President Wood—unless mention of President Wood's affectionate nickname, "Daddy," was in itself disrespectful.—ED.
Subcontracting
Sirs:
The implication left by TIME (Nov. 17) that President K. T. Keller and Chrysler Corp. blocked efforts of Floyd Odlum to obtain 25% subcontracting on tank production is absurd, unfair to those men and the automobile industry, and unworthy of TIME.
Actually, 75% of the dollar value of the 28-ton armored tanks now rolling out of the Chrysler-managed arsenal represents work done by non-Chrysler organizations. The tank plant is drawing on 700 outside companies, big and little, in 130 cities and 20 States, for parts, supplies and materials.
TIME'S informant is apparently unaware that "the usefulness and practicability of a wide farming out of work has long been exemplified in the normal peacetime organization of the automobile industry." (So stated OPM Labor Division in Farming Out Bulletin No. 5.). . .
The automobile industry is, in reality, the expert integration of thousands of large and small concerns, and its companies to a large extent are the assemblers of parts produced by others. In 1937 for example (latest year for which segregated figures are available), total value of products manufactured in motor vehicle plants was $3 billion, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, whereas dollar value of bodies and parts manufactured under the "farming out" plan totaled $2 billion. In addition, $744 million was represented by accessories and supplies made by "nonautomotive" concerns.
The same policy is in effect regarding the industry's defense work, in spite of the fact that most companies lack enough assignments to absorb the men and facilities that are being released by curtailment of automobile production. Analysis of 104 random defense contracts in the industry shows 45% of the dollar value being let out in the form of subcontracts. . . .
Normal activities of the industry long ago were subordinated to the No. 1 Job—Defense. Greatest need now—more defense contracts.
O. P. PEARSON
Manager, Statistical Department
Automobile Manufacturers Association
Detroit, Mich.