128 H. J. SKELTON 



less contribute to the continuity of supplies or raw materials 

 in the shape of pig iron, and partly manufactured steel. It is 

 probable that there will be an increase in the number of fac- 

 tories in England established on the sea board in suitable dis- 

 tricts, at which American pig iron, soft steel in blooms, billets, 

 slabs, and bars, can be worked up and turned into various 

 products to meet constantly growing needs of home and for- 

 eign markets. The ability to obtain such supplies from Amer- 

 ica will no doubt steady prices and prevent violent fluctuations 

 in values in Europe. Machinery and tools, from the United 

 States, where they specialize and promote intensity of produc- 

 tion, will be bought and adapted in various ways to the special 

 and local needs of European users. 



German methods and American ideas are modifying Brit- 

 ish practice and British ideas in manufactures and commerce. 



There is an anecdote told of two men, a German and an 

 Englishman, who were discussing military matters somewhat 

 energetically. The German clinched his argument by saying : 

 "I tell you if a war were to break out all Germany would fight 

 like one man." To which the Englishman replied: ''And I 

 tell you, if a war were to break out every Briton would fight 

 like all England." This anecdote may be taken to illustrate 

 the difference in mental attitude between England and her 

 chief commercial rival. Englishmen learn with difficulty to 

 combine amongst themselves to a common end, or to exchange 

 information for the common good. Their respect for indi- 

 viduality is carried to extremes. More weight is attached to 

 opinions than to the ascertainment of facts. But earnest and 

 capable reformers are struggling to secure a scientific basis for 

 the education and training of the people. 



The most successful profit making British works are those 

 where trained commerical intelligence dominates practical 

 men, who are, however, invaluable in their properly subor- 

 dinate positions. All these things are gradually being under- 

 stood, and as they are more widely understood, will give rise 

 to a feeling of dissatisfaction with the old men, the old meth- 

 ods, and the old factories which have outlived their period of 

 usefulness. 



