Show r 0 Probing the PastE Past I t THE HE E 0 movement of the government to scrutinize 1 the character of wartime contracts as k in inaugurated u by the department nt of justice is a I wholesome move in the right direction Y For the most part American business will suffer no ill 1 reflections fr from m the probe of its dealings with 1 the during the war The rhe great ma ma- I ot f i I of the le business men of th the United States States States' 1 are honest and upright in their dealings They look upon the government as a good customer rather than as a source of abnormal profits profit There are however some some exceptions to this tills rule since unscrupulous dealers and contractors contractors con con- contractors tractors regard the public treasury as a common pot of graft and corruption There are others who are upright in their transactions with individuals individuals individuals indi indi- who cannot resist the temptation to press an advantage when they are dealing with the government These latter classes classe are the object of the probe which has been launched by the attorney general No doubt some startling revelations will be made and the punishment ment of of- the offending parties should be quick and exacting The in investigation investigation investigation in- in must cover a wide range to serve serve i its ts purpose It should do more than expose a afew afew afew few guilty parties It should be so complete that the fife evil finger of suspicion will no longer point to all wartime business Unless the investigation renders a clean bill of health to those institutions and nd individuals who were honest and upright in their dealings with the go government it will fail of its purpose Th The new effort is in line with the demands of justice as it determines the war record of the nation Men who ref refused sed to comply with their military obligations are held up to the public scorn in slacker lists sanctioned and published by bythe bythe bythe the government The individual who used the war solely to further his own selfish ends is as s j bad or worse than he who refused to shoulder arms In justice to all concerned they should b be unmasked before the public and it is t tb to be hoped that the investigation will be so thorough and 2nd complete that every unconscionable prof profiteer t er ervill vill Will be included in the list |