THE ESSEN WORKS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 23, 27 May 1915, Page 4

THE ESSEN WORKS.

An American journalist named G. C. Roeder was recently permitted to visit the Krupp Works at Essen. Ho was received by the notorious Herr Ballin and smiled upon, because as the idle master of the German merchant marine remarked, "We welcome your mission, and because we know precisely whom you have .seen and where you have been." Unfortunately, Mr Boeder's mission to Essen has had an effect precisely opposite to that anticipated on American opinion, for. in commenting on his narrative, the "World" editorially takes occasion to "marvel" afresh at the impertinence of Germany's objections to the manufacture and sale of arms in the United States. Mr Roeder mentions as an instance of the extraordinary precautions against intruders in Essen that any hotelkeeper who fails to send the police a full description of a strange visitor within twenty minutes of his arrival is deprived of his license. After .Air Roeder, by means of introductions, passed the innumerable sentries and private detectives, he was led into a room furnished with pillars and decorated with mirrors, by the aid of which his every movement was watched, while his hosts telephoned to Berlin for confirmation of his credentials. He was then led through part of the works, and shown a "number of the monster 17in. guns which were being loaded on specially constructed steel flat cars." The greater part of the narrative is occupied with a description of the elaborate measures adopted by Krupp's for the comfort of the workers, who are coddled in every way in order that they, may labour continuously. They have no need of bread tickets, as much bread being supplied them as they demand. They are served every day with an excellent luncheon, and receive wages 15 to 20 per cent, higher than before the war. In the centre of the works are anti-aero-plane guns, and watchers on the alert at all hours.