kely to be it is clearly inexpedient
to shout abroad. (Hear, hear.) Our constant refusal to publish either
these or any other figures likely to prove useful to the enemy needs
neither explanation nor apology. It is often urged that if more
information were given as to the work and whereabouts of various
units, recruiting would be strongly stimulated. But this is the
precise information which would be of the greatest value to the enemy,
and it is agreeable to note that a German Prince in high command
ruefully recorded the other day his complete ignorance as to our New
Armies. (Laughter and cheers.)

But one set of figures, available for everybody, and indicating with
sufficient particularity the needs of our forces in the field, is
supplied by the casualty lists. With regard to these lists,
however--serious and sad as they necessarily are--let two points be
borne in mind, first, that a very large percentage of the casualties
represents comparatively slight hurts, the sufferers from which in
time return to the front; and, secondly, that, if the figures seem to
run very high, the magnitude of the operations is thereby suggested.
Indeed, these casualty lists, whose great length may now and again
induce undue depression of spirits, are an instructive indication of
the huge extent of the operations undertaken now reached by the
British forces in the field.

American War Supplies

By George Wellington Porter

The subjoined article appraising the stimulation given to
the war industries of the United States by the European
conflict appeared originally in THE NEW YORK TIMES of July
18.

Within the last ten months contracts for war supplies estimated to
exceed $1,000,000,000 have been placed in the United States.

When war was declared last August this country was suffering from
acute industrial depression; many factories shut down, others
operating on short time, and labor without employment. After the
paralyzing effect of the news that war was declared had worn away,
business men here realized the great opportunity about to be afforded
them of furnishing war supplies which must soon be in demand. Their
expectations were soon fulfilled, as almost immediately most of the
Governments sent commissions to the United States. Some had orders to
buy, while others were authorized to get prices and submit samples.

It was not long until mills and factories were being operated to
capacity, turning out