Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-14
SCHWAB OFFERS PLANT
TO FRENCH GOVERNMENT
Tenders Entire Output OF Bethlehem
Steel Corporation to Aid in
Fight Against Germany.
SENATOR nUMBERT's STORY
Claims That He Outwittcd Emissaries
OF Kaiser and Received Offer for
Which Latter Were Willing to
Pay $1OO,OOO,OOO.

FARiS' June Ex-senator Humbert,
Frances great political army reformer,
now leading the munitions campaign,
to-day claimed in the Journal that he
had outwitted the German agents in
obtaining an offer of the entire output
OIL the Bethlehem steel plant exclusive
~ for the allies. during last August.
i did it," he writes. without seek
ing financial control Of the company.
without buying stock or consciences,
but solely relying on the worldwide
syinpathies that our dear country COM
mands
When tho Minister OF Marine en-
trusted me with the mission to the
United States | met Charles Schwab
we were both self-made men and both
mad had strenuous struggle in carly
lie. close sympathy spontaneously
sprans up between us
CHARLES Schwab authorized me to
piace at inc disposal OF the French gov
crnment the entire resources of the
'ethlehcm Steel Corporation and the
numerous other enterprises he controls
Our mutual verbal bond suoiced and T
had no need to offer slOO ZOO. 900 as the
German agents did nine months later
ENTIRE BETHLEHEM PLANT
PUT AT HIS DISPOSAL
AS 1 visited the immense Bethlehem
works, inspecting the miles of shops
where tho United States Navy was
Quit Tor the greatest part and where
the Austrian heavy artillery was made.
Two OIL the directors accompanying me
said:
All this wealth. this force. these
machines. munitions, guns and work
ers arc at your disposal
Later, I will tell WHY Franco nm
'uhateiE Jailed to take advantage Of
this generous and magnificent offer
"A few days later, as / was leaving
Tor France. Mr.. Schwab sent the fol-
lowing letter:
New York, September 90
My dear Captain Humbert
I learn with regret of YOUR do
parturc for France on Saturday. Per
init me to take this oDportunity Of
expressing TO you what n real plea sure
II mas been TO know and serve YOU and
your people. In serving you the domt-
naht thought in our minds will be that
we nave contributed in some way. how
ever small. towards helping your great
ana beautiful country, which we Ameri-
cans who have lived SO much in France
nave learned to love and admire.
what American, with thoughts Of
your Wonderful country could be other
IMAM In sympathy with you in these
troublesome times. Many OF my years
nave spent in your country. l have
many interests in France My New
York home is copied after your beau
tiful Chenonceaux. and / have alwavs
found the French people friendly and
loyal and In sympathy with the Ameri-
can people generally
our two great republics. in times
IKE the present, should stand side nv
side, and, my dear Mr.. Humbert. with
'his thought In my mind and with NV
great interest in and love for YOUR
country. permit me TO say that the or
ganization OF the Bethlehem Steel Cor
poFation or any other industry with
which am associated. or any business
win which l have any influence. shall
be instructed 10 lend their best efforts
10 the serving OF you and your associ-
alton.
have reached the time OF life
where other motives play more i'm
portant part than mere commercials
ana this is the thought uppermost in
my mind with regard 10 YOU and your
country.
Please convey TO my friends, who are
also your friends. Messieurs - and
many other mutual friends there. nv
warmest fluctuations and I wish to ex.
press the hope now that you will soon
return to this country and be able to
tell us of the glorious victories and
successes which your country so richly
deserves
With all good. am.
y ours sincerely
&C. NJ SCHwAB.
This war has shown" Senator Hum
bert concluded. that the American