Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-08-24
The Conflict When Peace Comes.

Il he COWUCt w ReH FedCG~1pmcS.
When peace comes-what? This is the question
which throughout world is engaging e.serious
attention of all sorts and, conditions. of With
out waiting to determine the result of. the conflict,
the great commercial and industrial nations Of
Europe are already alert to the enormous economic
competition which will inevitably follow the
very interesting publication has appeared within
the last few days outlining preparations already
being made by France, England and Germany The
American business man will do well>to note what
IN the realm of allies have already
begun plan The Engnsh@are evidently preparing
themselves submit to considerable governmental
interference in its commercial affairs, and in the
condition OF its large body of industrial workers.
The British Colonial federation which the war has
made such a vital reality, will give the mother
Try wider door for her trade, such she
has never previously had, and there seems to be
probability that system of preferential tariff
VIII be Instituted that VIII at least keep out Germany
Afron any participation in trade with the English
colonies During the war, France has been con-
scious as never befo-. of the extent to which she
has been the victim peaceful penetration, of in
dustTial exploitation "a hands of Germany
Leading captains Of the business world have not
minced words in the effort their country
men to the danger of commercial invasion after
peace is declared, and have successfully aroused
throughout the land determination that when the
Germans again try make breach in the economic
barriers of France. they shall pass" With this
end in view every effort is being made to make
France ndustraIIy self sufficient and one plan is
largely free her from reliance upon German coal.
France is alive her need for larger export trade
and efforts this direction she is likely to
be found keen competitor Indeed, it has been
said that France has undergone a complete
industrial and commercial awakening as a result of
the than any other nation in spite having
been b1ed white by war" she will probably
the world by her speedy recovery. OF Germany it
is not easy to forecast From all appearances it
looks if many of her hitherto foreign markets
viii be for some years to come almost Theoretically
sealed, but this fact is apparently depressing
her, but leading to her acting in concert with her
allies for contest the economic plane which will
not only survive the establishment of peace but
VIII at that moment attain its full scope and inten-
sity.
Foreseetng the danger of internal economic
collapse appears to have had the effect OF stmuIat-
Germans tozredouhle their preparations to
the extent OF enabling them to go forth Immediately
after the and conquer markets wherever she
get the least possible chance of getting
hold Germanys work now is the preparing for
greater@consoIidation- Unihcation has developed
considerabIyIby reason Of the and also by the
conviction in the minds of the leaders Of Germany
Of the dangers attending their country, by reason
of the test-which they do not hesitate to admit
viii be severe-of the first years after the war
important step is the coordinating of every
industry every group of industries that labor. fin
ance. education, shall be regarded part of
great whole-that-of the nation