166 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 
take the place of competition; and this, too, in the face of 
our laws concerning combinations in restraint of trade. 
Heretofore we have gone largely upon the principle that 
America was a place where raw materials could be pro- 
duced cheaply and where we would make what we could not 
buy. Now we see where such a policy would lead us, and 
want to rectify our mistake by fostering all means leading 
to economic independence. Our extreme individualism and 
excessive competition must give way to a closer knit in- 
dustrial organization where legitimate interdependence in 
production and distribution is recognized and fostered. 
The unreasonableness of many demands have been 
hinted at above. ‘Make dyes and drugs at once!” There 
has been overlooked entirely the fact that the chemical in- 
dustry in Germany represents an investment of millions of 
dollars, has taken years to grow, has hundreds of scientists 
engaged in research work, and thousands more employed 
in applying the discoveries of research men. With us it 
means a change from the beehive to the byproduct and other 
modern ovens, and from the manufacturing of coarse or 
intermediate chemicals to what are known technically as 
“fine” chemicals. 
And with respect to patent difficulties—warring na- 
tions may and do treat all codes and regulations as scraps 
of paper, or subject to interpretation, according to the 
needs of the moment, by an executive “order in council’, 
but peaceful nations with high ideals cannot morally resort 
to such expedients. Unquestionably changes in patent laws 
are necessary, especially to break down the “dog in the man- 
ger policy’, and to make actual operation of a patent in 
this country a condition for holding the patent. 
It will thus be seen that the present crisis has shown 
our needs along certain lines, and as a result a call goes up 
for help with none to help but scientists and technologists. It 
is time for nationalization of industry and co-operation in 
America. Trained economists with scientific and technical 
skill are needed to anticipate wants and then provide for 
them. On a large scale this is or will be done by the naval 
