The Colorado statesman., 1919-03-08

ton is smelted in local furnaces ior
domestic uses. while the balance Is
sold Gold, graphite. wolframlte'
source of tungsten; silver, tin ana
uranium, n very rare mineral, are
found In limited quantities, but even
these answer the country's demahus'
The famous Skoda works of risen,
which heretofore converted most Oh
the Bohemian ore into field pieces TOT
the Austro-Hungarian and German
armies, and it is well to remember that
these shops were operated exclusive
ly during the present war by German
mechanics, will hereafter devote their
energies to the production of INDUS
triaIly useful machinery. The same Is
true of the extensive machine shops OF
Prague. Thus the foremost domestic
industry IS supplied with raw mate
rails from its own lands, an advantage
of very considerable economic value,
which. in turn will furnish machinery
to local industries.
Economists throughout the world
are focusing their attention to the sub
ject of conserving the forests and for
providing from them Il satisfactory
timber supply. The range of the Bo-
hemian forests equals about 30 per
cent of the country's area. This, in
deed. is considerable asset and
creditable showing one of which the
country may well be proud. From thu
existing forests the supply of lumber
will be equal to the necessary drain
for years to come because they are I'M
der scientific management.
In the manufacturing field the Bohe-
milan output maintained IL position sec
ond to none. For example, Bohemian
cut glassware. in design, in quality
and in execution, is universally ac-
knowledged as being without peer
1t never had a rival or an equal; it is
in a class by itself.
Porcelain and pottery works are
numerous and their products are ex-
cellent. The factories of Carlsbad are
Justly famous and they supply the ex-
ternal markets. The large shoe fac
tories turn out footwear that compares
favorably with the standards of the
world Lacemaking is an ancient in
dustry which has been brought to q
very high degree of perfection.
Textile Industry Important.
The textile industry of the Lower
Elbe is very important factor in the
life of Bohemia. Before the war more
than 100000 persons earned their live
lihood in the numerous mills. The
value of the annual output was in ex-
cess of S150000,000. The cotton re-
quired for the spindles, almost all,
cd f,.nr MT
and yearly aggregated about 100000
bales.
The highways of Bohemia are ex.
cellent, and criss-cross the country,
connecting important cities. They are
suitable for pleasure as well as COM
mercial transportation. Their mile
age, proportionately, exceeds that of
any of the lands Of the former dual
monarchy.
During the period of hostilities just
closed the Czecho-Sloyaks absolutely
refused to, and liz fact did not, cult
vate the Bohemian fields, because to
have done so would have aided the
enemy. If they did raise any crops
they We're Immediately appropriated
by the Austro-Hungarian or German
authorities. Everything of value be-
longing to the people has been seized
or confiscated. Now they are as poor
as the proverbial church mouse-in
fact, destitute. They are a courage
Gus people. They will secure live
stock (cattle, sheep and hogs) and
seeds for spring planting. and retrieve
their former Industries.
The Dreiudices apainSt Czecho- SlO-
vaks, Bohemians and Bohemia will
disappear, for these were purely
mythical and imaginary-they are I'M
warranted. The republic and her peo-
pie will take their rightful place
among the nations of the world. Their
products and manufactures will find
ready and welcome markets.