New-York tribune., 1918-03-28
Operation of Munition
Plants Until 1923 at Least
Arranged For
u. S. Agents Reveal
Internal Conditions
Observation-Disclosures
but People Are Too Closely
Watched for Revolt
ISfof Correspondencel

WASHINGTON, March 27.-Intelli-
gence brought out of Germany by con
fidential agents reveals that the Berlin
government is preparing for another
possible war within few years after
the end of the present one, and that
arrangements have been made for the
operation Of the great munition plants
of the country for a minimum of five
years after the conclusion of peace.
The government intends to store up
vast quantities of munitions for the
future, one firm alone possessing a con-
tract from the war Office for its product
of shells for the next seven wears. The
plants, however, are at the present time
experiencing the most extreme diff
Guilty IN obtaining copper. Roofs OF
houses in Berlin and other cities, as
we'll as wires and other copper material
used in underground electrical works,
have been removed and furnished to
the munitions factories.
he copper wires have been replaced
by iron cables, six times their size.
Zlnc and steel are being employed as a
substitute for brass. Bells have been
taken from public and private edfices
and melted into cannon and shells.
Until the Russian surrender there
was widespread dissatisfaction in Ger
many, although revolution was not
threatened. The attitude of the civilian
population was that revolt would have
10 spring from the army. as the people
were too closely watched bv the au-
thorltles and had no opportunity either
Tor organization or promoting an up
rising.
The attitude OF the army was that
as long as the enemy was confronting
the nation, the army must resist and
prevent his entry into the country.
The economic condition of the coun-
try was endurable, although the people
were compelled to submit to an infinite
number of hardships, food being ex-
tremely scarce ard fats not to be had
at any price. The farmers were said
to be making prices for their com
modltles regardless of governmental
regulations. Butter sold for 10 to 18
marks pound. Bread alone, however.
was so scarce that it could not be OBJ
tanned except by illegal methods. Only
the poorer classes were eating dog
meat
Saccharlne was used as a substitute
Ter sugar sugar being used in the
manufacture of alcohol for explosives
Chickory was substituted for coffee
and cherry leaves, rose leaves and
strawberry leaves for tobacco. Fuel
was rationed to each house.
The housewife was allowed seventeen
marks per month and ona-half that
amount for every child There was.
however clause involving the land
lord by which he would not be allowed
TO dlspossess a woman tenant even if
she were unable to pay the rent.
New clothes may be purchased, but
the old suit must be turned in at the
same time.
Every Person Helping War
Every able-bodied man up to sixty
years of age is required to perform
work OF some necessary kind, all other
able-bodied being in the army. This
work for men is compulsory. Every
woman also is expected to perform
work of some kind, but while in her
case 1t is not compulsory those who
1ali to perform 1T are ostracised, ard
as result few are idle.
here is being seriously considered
IN Germany the conscription of 90 per
cent of the capital of every person,
ilrm and corporation. There would be
no exceptions.
The government is assisting shin
builders to prepare for Germany's re-
covery of her pre-war merchant shin
ping prestige, and is furnishing MANY
millions of capital to help the industry.
The moral effect of the war on the
population was declared to have been
very bad. immortality among women
mas tremendously increased