The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-06-14
FRENCH GOVERNMENT
O|ckERED WITH scHWAB
Sought TO Obtain Control of Ameri-
can Steel Industry, says Senator
Humbert.
GERMANY ALSO BARGAINED
Had offered Big Price for Bethlehem
Steel Works-Deal Never Complct-
ed, But French writer Doesn't Tell
why.

Paris, June l5.--An effort of the
French Government to obtain control
of the American steel industry, short
ly after the war began, was disclosed
been actively engaged In campaign
to secure more ammunition. Senator
Humbert was himself sent to the
United States as an agent OF the
French Government He went direct
ly to Charles NJ. Schwab. told him
that his government required an
arsenal that would be an equal OF
the great Krupp's plant, and made
bid for the Bethlehem Steel Works.
Mr.. Schwab quickly told him that
he might put the entire resources OF
the Bethlehem works at the disposal
of the French Government. At the
same time Mr.. Schwab, according to
Senator Humbert. intimated that he
expected An immense cash offer Tor
the works on behalf of Germany.
VIII Explain Later.
For some reason the plan was
never contaminated. Just why this
was Senator Humbert does not ex-
pain, LnOuSH He W w -
at later date. Consequently France
was unable to profit by Mr.. Schwab'
offer. which IL is understood provided
that the government should have the
Bethlehem works to do with as IL
pleased during the war. Nothing ID
said regarding the amount OF money
to be involved, and II Is thought tnat
the negotiations did not reach the
point of terms.
The disclosures are made by Sena-
tor Humbert in an article appearing
today in lie journal, a paper in wnfcn
he has been making appeals for an
intensified output Of guns ana am
munition
Mr.. schwab told Senator Humbers
that he would place the entire
Rathlebem resources at the disposal
Of the French Government not In
return for 500, 000.0 900. as I expect
Germany will offer. but on the simple
word of officiai acceptance. AS sen
ator Humbert was about to sail from
New York he received a letter from
Schwab. II was dated September rs
and expressed regret at Senator Hum
hert.s departure and delight that the
writer had been able to be OF some
service TO him and the French 6ov-
eminent.
I'm serving you" the letter runs
"the dominant thought in our mlhus
will be that we have contributed IN
come way, however small. TOWARDS
helping your great ana neautl,u,
country. which we Americans. VINO
nave lived 80 much In France, have
learned to love and admire. Wnas
American. with thoughts OF your
wonderful country. could he otheI
than in sympathy with you during
these troublesome times?
should stand Together.
MANY of my years have bean spen'
IL your country. had home on the
riviera and many interests IN france
NV New York home Is copied from your
beautiful Chenonceaux. ! nave away
found the French people friendiy' IOWA
and in sympathy with the America
neople. Our two great repuplics' IN
49, t,re the present. should stand
side by side.
with these thoughts In mind. ano
with my great interest and love Tor
vour country. permit me to say ths'
tho organization of the Bethlehem steer
Company, or any. other Industry witn
which am associated. or any other
business with which | have any innu
errA shall be instructed to LEND tneir
hest efforts towards serving you ano
your associates
81 have reached the time In life when
motives other than those oaseo OF
mere commerciasism prompt one 70
action, and this is the thought upper
most in my mind with regard TO you
and your country"
The letter IL concluded with wish
that Senator Humbert Will soon return
to the United States to describe tine
glorious victories and successes Whicn
your country so rightly deserves.
Germany Seeks Control.
New York. June f3.--There nave peen
repeated rumors of efforts by Germany
a. oAtatp control OF the various arm