, it means good will; second, we will get the benefit of native
and cheap labour; third, we will be able to replace parts at once; and,
fourth, we will get inside the wall of the Economic Alliance."

IV--_The New France_

No matter how we heed the example of the few progressive Americans who
have successfully planted their business interests in France, we will
face a new handicap when the war ends. As in England, we will be bang up
against an industrial awakening that will mark an epoch. Coupled with
this revival will be an efficiency born of the war needs that will act
as a tremendous speeder-up.

In France this galvanised industrial life will be stimulated by a
brilliant imagination wholly lacking in the English temperament. It will
go a long way toward opening up fresh fields of labour and distribution.

Self-sufficiency will be the keynote. The automobile is a striking
instance. We had established a very promising motor market (and
especially with moderate-and low-priced cars) among the French. When the
Government assumed control of the French automobile factories and
changed their output to war munitions, the two great automobile
syndicates protested that the cutting off of the French motor supply
would mean an immense loss of good will. First came a 70 per cent duty
on practically all American cars and this was followed up by an almost
complete restriction of all American cars.

This prohibition will have the same effect as the English exclusion in
that it will stimulate the demand for the native French cars. Here we
get to one of the striking phases of the new industrial development of
immense concern to us. France has her eye on quantity output. Many signs
point to it.

When the war broke out, a certain young French engineer saw great
opportunity in shell making. He was immuned from military service, he
had a little capital of his own, and with Government aid he set to work.
Within four months he had built an enormous plant on the banks of the
Seine almost within the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. In six months he had
enlarged his capacity so that he was producing 15,000 shells a day. Last
summer he sent for the agent of a large American machinery company: "I
am going to make automobiles in series after the war." "In series" is
the French way of expressing quantity output.

"All right," said the American. "What can I do for you?"

"Simply this," said the Frenchman. "I wish to order sufficient
autom