The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-01-15
GERMANY AN EXPORT FIELD
after CLOSE OF BIG WAR.
Harrisburg Business Men Hear Talk by
George s. Atwood. Secretary of
American Association of Trade and
Commerce, of Berlin

George 8. Atwood, secretary of the
American Association of Commerce and
Trade in Berlin, Germany, which organ
ixation represents American interests in
Germany, spoke to hundred members
of the Harrisburg Chamber of Com.
meree at luncheon meeting at the
Harrisburg Club at noon to-day.
1.-THE United States cannot in the
long run do without export trade and
We are going to become one of the
greatest export nations in the world, =
he said at the beginning of his ad-
dress, the subject of which was
" American Trade With Germany Aft
er the War"
After going into detail about the
forming of export company for doing
business in Germany he went into a
discussion of relative values of Ameri-
can and German made products, specify
ing what goods can be sold in Germany
with profit. Wages are on an in.
crease in Germany and will be stand
ard with those in this country some
day, he said. He discussed the finan-
eial and industrial situation in Ger
many, showing how the prices on food
stuffs are regulated by the government.
In an effort to show that the plcsent
war has not crippled Germany to any
great extent, he dwelt on the German
situation as it was when he left there
IN October. He said in part:
During the few weeks l have been
in the United States the usual greeting
receive is. ''Well, you are lucky
to get away from Germany Just at this
time. y l mention this as Indicative
OF the erroneous impression concerning
present conditions in Germany. l say
erroneous, as, if you were to-day in the
city of Berlin you would not imagine
that the country was engaged in one
of the most formidable wars Germany
ever undertook. 1t is remarkable to
what extent normal conditions have
been maintained in Berlin since the be-
ginning of hostilitiD.
1.-The theatres arc all open and well
attended, although many of them have
reduced their prices and most of them
are giving patriotic plays or such bear
ing on some event in German history.
The moving picture shows are going on
as usual and, as usual are packed.
The retail stores especially the great
department stores, are still doing a good
business.
Factories, other than those for mil.
itary needs, are working on half time.
half wages and half force. The great
retail houses, including American firms.
are paying half wages during the war,
but not murmur is heard on the part
of the employees. Those working for
the army, in any capacity, are making
hay while the sun shines, and the av-
erage shoemaker, saddler and petty
tailor has for years not reaped such
golden harvests as at the present time.
No landlord has the right to eviet a
tenant during the war, and should some
refuse to pay who can afford to do so,
the matter is submitted to an umpire
and his decision is generally abided by.
We must also bear in mind that both
officers and privates receive double pay
during the war, and each year of serv-
ice counts douole. Never was Ger
many so united as at present, all party
differences are in allegiance and all are
working to defend their country. The
mines have contributed no men to the
army. The copper mines in Eisleben.
Manifold and Hettstadt are working to
their full extent and there will be no
dearth of copper, at least for military
purposes. Krupp has 10000 men at
work turning out war material"