The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-03-30
BUSINESS IN germany IS
FAIRLY SATISFACTORY, IN
FACT BETTER Than HOPED

Berlin, March so, Via London, Nal
A. M.-The business situation in Ger
many is regarded as fairly satisfactory
and considerably better than might
have been expected in view of the war.
! All industries, of course, are running
ON restricted scale, chiefly because
of the virtual cessation of overseas ex-
ports but as large proportion of the
skilled workmen went into sthe army
the sharp curtailment in production
was not attended by corresponding
increase in unemployment.
More women and girls are seeking
work in some branches of industry than
can find employment but this is far
from being the case with, the men. On
the contrary the leading industries OF
the country are seriously embarrassed
by the scarcity Of skilled workmen'
This is true of the coal and iron trade,
shipbuilding and certain sections OF the
chemical industry.
A Scarcity of Workmen
A pronounced scarcity of workmen
is reported from the great industrial
district about Essen. The demand for
although its export has been prohibited.
although its export ras been prohibited.
Last month conditions in the iron
trade were reflected by an advance in
prices. The production of pig iron,
running about So per cent. of last
year. would be still larger if the neees'
sarv labor could be obtained. Many
branches of machinery manufacture, an
important branch of German industrial
activity, are working full time or over
time but here also Il scarcity OF work
men is felt.
Locomotive ear shops are busy while
ship yards evidently are working on
big government orders. Two eompa-
nies have stated in their annual reports
that they have work on hand TO last
until 1916 and complain of lack of
help.
Ban on Potash Exports
The export of potash was forbidden
two months ago because of the belief
that exports to neutral countries were
used to manufacture explosive for
France and England. The prohibition
resulted in sharp'contraetion in this
trade especially with the United States.
Mine owners are seeking government
permission to increase the price to com
pensate them for their loss.
Textile factories engaged in turning
out the cheaper lines of goods are
hampered by shortage of raw ma
terial The import of wool has vir-
tually ceased and woolen rags are in
great demand for the making of shod-
dy. Some mills have taken to spin
ming shoddy yards. Inadequate receipts
of American cotton have raised the
prices of cotton yards and cloth. Weav-
ers are trying to place long contracts
for yarns believing prices will go
higher.
Silk Trade Fairly Well
The silk trade is doing fairly well,
good sized American orders resulting
in higher raw silk prices. The linen
trade is hampered by lack of flax
which comes from Russia. Bsvarian
peasants are planning to devote con-
siderable land to this hitherto neglect
ed crop.
The retail trade is active only in ar
ticles of necessity as luxuries have been
very largely dispensed with. Dress
makers are less pressed with spring or
ders than is usual. Cigars and ehoco
lates are in good demand, as they are
extensively used for gifts to soldiers at
the front. Some book music publish
ers report that their sales are good.
Farmers are among the busiest peo-
pie in the empire for the task of re-
plenishing the food supply devolves
upon them and they will have to accom-
plish it with diminished number of
laborers. Conditions have been ma
terially alleviated by the transfer of
city industrial workers to the country
1t is reported that the usual acreage
of grain will be planted and prepara-
tions are being made on large scale
for spring and summer work.