The Sunday telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1914-1927, 1916-09-24
RANDOLPH DESCRIBES
EUROPEAN CONDITIONS
Upon His Return from a Visit of
Four Months beyond the
Atlantic.

tinent with particular reference 10
present and future commercial rela-
tons between the United States and
the foreign nations, General George F.
Randolph, vice president OF the Bal
umore and Ohio railroad system, has
returned TO America.
General RRndolph's headquarters
while abroad were with the American
chamber OF commerce in Paris, and
being member Of that association,
he came in close contact with many OF
the leading business men and CONNER
ctal interests Of Europe. II ia his
opinion that the business between the
United States and Europe will con-
tinue to expand and that following
the close OF the war now opportunities
VIII be presented wit ha resumption
Of shipping to normal.
In the countries which he visited
General Randolph said that in tho in
duatrial and manufacturing contcrs
business is being conducted in the
regular way and except for tho num-
bers of men who are everywhere seen
In military uniform, and troop trains
passing through on their way to the
front, one would not know that tho war
is going on. The Americans have rem
| dered valuable assistance to the French
war sufferers By their relief work,
which the railway executive says has
fostered cordial feeling between the
two countries. He shed further light
on conditions in France by pointing
out that while that country has
bought heavily OF foodstufrs as well
as munitions in America since the out
break Of hostilitles. the people Of
France have conserved their own food
supply, rs evidenced by the grain
yield this year, which will be ninety
per cent OF normal
War conditions are more apparent in
England, however. General Randolph
attributes this largely to the attitude
OF the working classes who have not
shown the same spirit OF cooperation
with the government that is noticed
across the channel. These workmen
insist on their holiday rights and other
privileges which have handicapped the
authorities in meeting the require
ments Of the military service, After n
month spent in England he believes
That the trade outlook with respect to
this country, both for the present and
eAAS AhLhAGg 10 plOUllAluk.
England has been called upon to
supply the coal used in the industries
and for domestic consumption not only
in the British Isles but in France and
Belgium by reason OF the seizure OF
the collieries Of northern France by
the German forces. Reports reaching
Paris are to the effect that large dam
age is being done to these mines on
account Of the large quantity OF coal
which has been taken out by the in
vaders.
General Randolph shed an interest
ing light on transportation conditions
In Europe. The privately-owned rail-
way lines Of France arc being operated
by the companies owning the proper-
ties, except in the war zone where the
two important systems are being oper-
ated by the government. The English
railways are being operated by the
government under an ARRANGEMENT
providing a guaranteed return to the
stockholders for period Of five years.
Shipping is another phase OF the
transportation problem which was
studied by General Randolph. He said
that the nations at war have COM
Wandered percentage OF the tonnage
for transport service on an equitable
basis which has withdrawn between
twenty-five and thirty-hYe per cent
OF the tonnage from commercial SER
vice. At the cloes OF the war these
vessels will be returned to foreign
trade, and while the proposed enlarge
ment of the American merchant ma
rine Will facilitate this countrys for
elgn commerce General Randolph is OF
the opinion that, as before, majority
OF the vessels coming here in mer-
camille service Will fly foreign flags.
Reports which he received from
business interests in Russia led Gem
eral Randolph to believe that that ma
ton is on the verge OF the greatest in
dustrial boom in It's history and which
has seldom been approached by any
other country. RUSSIA being an em-
plre Of inexhaustible resources, is an
preaching an era which will see its
raw materials, hitherto untouched.
converted into manufactured articles
for the use Of its people as we'll as
those in other countries of the world.
The opening Of new trade route by
way OF the White sea will stimulate
Russla's foreign commerce.
ohLAAlAhb UP INC bLuuy WHICH ne
made abroad General Randolph spoke
Of the effect which conditions there
will have on the social, Industrial and
economic affairs Of the United States.
He reiterated what he said upon his
return from Europe at the outbreak
Of war. that the burden Of the struggle
Will be placed upon the people Of all
nations who will feel its economic
effect for at least generation.
The war he thinks will also have a
telling effect on labor and Industrial
pursuits in this country, tending to In
crease the cost Of production because
OF tho scarcity of workmen which the
cessation of immigration is tending to
bring about and, further, because 1t
is improbable that there will be any
notable influx Of foreign labor 10
America for period OF at least from
four to seven years after the close Of
the war. The explanation Of this Is
that hundreds Of thousands, even mill
lions, Of workmen will have lost their
lives while those remaining will be
busy restoring their devastated coun-
tries and there may be further re-
strictions growing out Of laws pro-
Il MI II H.