IN THE ENEMY'S COUNTRY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2531, 4 August 1915, Page 9

IN THE ENEMY'S COUNTRY

SHORTAGE OF RAW MATERIAL. "Neutral," the "Times" correspondent, who lias returned from a visit to Germany, continues bis observations in that newspaper. He quotes a German university professor, who, he says, has kept his mental balance throughout the war, and 'iias not repudiated his long connection with English scientific men and English thought. This professor said, according to "A'eutral," that the educated men of Germany now generaly believe t'hat i>ho war could have, been avorted. On© would have broken out in two or throe years in any case, lie adds, when Germany, comparatively speaking, would have been in a less strong position than fhe is now. Tho masses, oil tlio othor hand, the writer continues, liavo an ineradicable beliof, which the authorities foster, that Germany was attacked oil threo sides at onco at tho instigation of Great Britain, who aimed to orus'h Germany for the purpose of ridding herself of a hated commoroial rival. "Tho authorities," ho writes, "manipulate and censor the press to a dogree never before known. .Ridiculous stories and assertions are printed and abuse is showered on the enoniy. Many doubtless see through thorn, but tlio masses do not." The writer found everywhere confirmation of tlie view of tho professor montioned in the foregoing, and ascribes the unity of the Empiro and tho reatLineßS to bear sacrifices to that fact. He advises their opponents to imitate them. Everything is economised, ho says. All mourning is hidden and tho care for tho soldiers is everywhere displayed. Ho asserts that the weakest spot in Gormany's economy lies in tho industrial and commercial situation. Business is kept going, but with a greatly reduced personnel. "Despite all efforts and notwithstanding the efficiency of the Gorman organisation," he explains, "it is undoubtedly truo that the important raw materials are becoming increasingly scarce. Thus the toxtile industry in the Oliomnitz district is affected by a lack of cotton; the electrionl industry is affected by a lack of copper and other metals. As far as could be ascertained there is no real lack of copper for the manufacture of ammunition. .There in ■» fitm&idttitblß Lfitosk ' '?•: