boots and shoes, blankets, sweaters, socks,
underwear, &c. The manufacturers of these articles were merely
required to secure additional help in order to increase their plants'
production.

The situation was different in relation to filling orders for arms and
ammunition. At first, as was natural, this business was placed with
concerns engaged in the manufacture of these commodities. Shortly they
were swamped with orders, and to be able to fill them plants were
enlarged, new equipment added, and additional help employed.

More and more orders came pouring in, and, as the arms and munition
houses were by this time up to and some over capacity, acceptance by
them of further business was impossible. Here, then, was the
opportunity for the manufacturers of rails, rivets, electrical and
agricultural machinery, locomotives, &c., to secure their share of
this enormous business being offered. The manner in which they arose
to the occasion is striking testimony of the great resourcefulness,
efficiency, ingenuity, and adaptability of the American manufacturer.

The question of labor was of minor importance, due primarily to the
fact that many thousands of men were without employment and anxious to
secure work, and secondarily for the reason that skilled labor was not
an essential factor. Most of the work is done by machinery and in a
short period of time a mechanic of ordinary intelligence will become
proficient in running a machine. The necessary trained labor could be
secured without difficulty. Numbers of highly trained employes at
Government arsenals are now with private arms and ammunition concerns.
The labor problem therefore was negligible. However, three serious
difficulties had yet to be overcome by the manufacturers wishing to
engage in this new line of business--the securing of new machinery,
raw materials, and capital.

The larger concerns had machinery and apparatus on hand suitable to
most of the work, but much new machinery was needed, especially for
the manufacture of rifles, and needed in a hurry. Time is the essence
of these war supplies contracts, and, as many manufacturers agreed to
make early deliveries, it was up to them to secure this new machinery
and have it installed without delay; otherwise they could not
manufacture and make deliveries as agreed to.

In this event they would suffer the penalty for non-fulfillment, as
stipulated in the bond given by them to the purchaser at the time of
signing the