Martinsburg W Va evening journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1913-1920, 1918-12-02

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peace are drawn they will include pro
vision for at least some raw materials.
1t should be said that this is the
darkest view Of the future possible to
the German economists. 1t is not 2
paraded to the world. 1t is disclosed
only when one scrutinizes the possible
ties of the vast machinery which is be-
ing organized In Germany to meet con
ditions after the war. Those who are.
working upon the plans have consid-
cred the very rock bottom Of tneii
cOuntry's chances. What they are pre-
pared for, however, Is very different
from what they expect. They expect
to go into the peace conference with
political and military control unques.
tionably established where continuing
possession would be a long step toward
attainment of economic domination or
where their position would he so patent.
ly menacing to the sr"ur''v Of rival
nations that bargain couiu he struck
under which immediate resumption OF
commerce with all parts Of the world
would be possible. ~ v s,....
Germany's preparations for peace
are conceived on such large scale,
and run to such details Of management
that It is impossible here to do more
than indicate their general features.
II measures are taken blythe En-
tente Allies to finance the reconstruc-
ton OF Belgium, France, Russia, Rou-
mania, Serbia and the other countries
and to supply them with materials In
a way that will make It impossible for
Germany to profit by her densidation
of them, Germany will. according to
her view, be able to resume her trade
with other countries Just the same.
Her belief is that her present enemies
will be unable to rehabilitate Europe
themselves and the rest Of the world
at one and the same time; that some
where will appear an opportunity for
the German ship and the German prod
uct. ~ 49,
Upon first approaching the problem
Of reconstruction the German leaders
visualized two distinct periods. the
period of transition to a peace basis,
and the period OF industrial and COM
mercial expansion which would follow.
An organization was therefore created
to- handle all economic questions per-
tanning to the transition period, but its
functions have now been absorbed by
the Imperial Department Of Economic
Affairs. Curiously enough, there had
never been Department Of Commerce
I'in the Imperial administration, COM
mercial matters having been In charge
OF the Ministry OF the Interior. The
war brought realization Of the need
: Of such department and the inten@r
I Department was divided.
Notwithstanding protests, the prin-
/ clpie seems to be well established tnas
III branches OF business must consent
! to very great degree Of state con.
1 troll. The public mind Is being s0otnea
! toward 1t by representations OF the I'M
possibility OF doing justice to all other'
wise. The point that is agltating many
forcsighted persons in Germany Is the
seeming probability that the great
! oyertorAa Of business, In cooperation
with The railing classes, will not only
A grind sin farther down the utterly
hprnr. hui also viii create conditions
tiM VII. force many OF the middle
classes. who have had 10 80 into the
n,sny u tnrn contemporary occupations
4 ieerlSe az wnr conditions. to join the
.srunks Ut teUse who work for hirA