All the information received in response to this nation-wide inquiry is now being tabulated and analyzed. Only a few of the manufacturers have doubted the ability of their plants to aid the Government in war time, and even these have changed their views when shown how little doubt there is that on the outbreak of the war virtually all concerns not engaged in lines of work essential to the national needs would be stripped of their labor, either for the Army or for maintaining other industrial plants vital for the supply of such need. In the event of hostilities probably 80 per cent. of the industries of America would of necessity be mobilized and concentrated on producing the many elements of twentieth century warfare. The war abroad has taught manufacturers here the astonishing adaptability of almost any industry when properly inventoried and organized. A dye factory, for example, may be transformed within a week or ten days into a plant for the production of high explosives. How well this lesson has been learned in the United States is shown in the tenders of service received by the Council of National Defense.

ALL THE INDUSTRIES FALL IN LINE

A large capacity sash chain maker believed he could with little difficulty produce cartridge clips for rifles and machine guns, and a manufacturer of threshing machinery was sure he could make six hundred six-inch shells a day.

A maker of underwear declared he could turn out bandages and other knit goods for the Army and Navy and Red Cross services. A button maker thought his machines could be used for small munitions work, and a company manufacturing drugs stated that it could turn a considerable portion of its product into an adjunct for making cordite for shells.

One well-known foundry said it was well equipped to turn out tools and machinery for small arms and ammunition. A maker of belting suggested that he could produce webbing with which to fasten equipment on soldiers.

A Buffalo manufacturer wrote: "We

look upon it as a patriotic duty to fill or the blank forwarded to us"; and a make of pocket-knives volunteered to produce various lines of munitions supplies.

Automobile manufacturers have offered every assistance in their power. Severa optical makers have pointed out where they could be of practical aid to armies the field. An extensive tailoring concer emphasized that the production of unforms should be standardized. One of the world's leading makers of printing presses placed himself wholly at the command of the Council, and a great municipal trans portation system appointed its chief egineer to serve the Council's purpose. A leading American manufacturer of farm materials offered to find out what milita", utilization could be made of his plants in a day of need.

One concern, with its firm members bearing German names, wrote: "We would be delighted, as American citizens, to do whatever we can do to take part in any indus trial preparedness which may be planned:" A printing establishment offered the services of its finely equipped map depar ment, and a linotype company stated that it had a large quantity of lathes, drills. milling machines, and other tools adapte: for the production of shells, fuses, accurate machine tools, and small metal parts of any kind requiring extreme precision.

These examples might be multiplied many times. Mr. Thomas A. Edison's comment on this piece of work which wil form the basis for the programme of industrial preparedness of the Council of National Defense is this:

With this accomplishment comes not mere a better understanding between the business men of America and their Government, but marks almost dramatically the entrance of the trained, non-partisan engineer, doing his job on the sole basis of efficiency, integrity, atu Americanism, into the affairs of the Gover

ment.

But the greatest service which the committe been to drive home the vital, irresistible tru: has rendered to our people and Government h that in war, as now waged, battles are won t alone by fighting men but by the fighting dustries of a nation.