342 rosa: scientific work of the government 



the tens of thousands, and men and women in the industries by 

 the tens of milUons, in order that the soldiers and sailors in the 

 armies and the fleets might be adequately supplied with food, 

 munitions and equipment. The wonderful achievements of 

 science under the pressure of necessity demonstrated the economic 

 possibilities of scientific research. This demonstration was not 

 altogether new, but the war brought it home more forcefully, 

 and at its close one felt that never again would anybody ques- 

 tion the importance and economic value of scientific investiga- 

 tion. 



NECESSITY FOR INCREASED PRODUCTION 



2. The war was conducted on such a gigantic scale that the 

 world's supply of raw and manufactured materials was 

 largely exhausted. The increased demand thus caused for 

 labor and commodities, together with the inflation of currency 

 and credit, and in many cases the reduced efficiency of labor 

 have raised prices beyond all precedent. Hardship and suffering 

 have come to hundreds of millions of people throughout the 

 world and political and economic confusion generally has 

 resulted. 



The cost of living during the war increased considerably, 

 but wages were so high that many classes of workers were more 

 prosperous than ever. The government directed the channels 

 of trade and controlled the . supplies of materials with much 

 success, and prices in most cases were kept within bounds. With 

 the end of the war came an end of governmental control, and 

 also, with many, an end of economy and thrift, and for these and 

 other reasons, prices have been mounting steadily ever since. 

 Increased costs led to industrial unrest, strikes, high wages and 

 further rise in prices. Profiteering has been denounced in the 

 press and sought out by the government, but the average of 

 prices continues to rise. It is generally agreed that in order to 

 bring down prices it will be necessary (i) to contract currency 

 and credit, (2) to economize in the use of necessities and luxuries, 

 and (3) to utilize raw materials and labor more effectively and 

 expand the production of commodities. The first remedy must 



