re the war. Spelter was almost unobtainable. In England the
situation was acute, the metal there being quoted only nominally at
around $550 a ton for immediate delivery.

Within the last few days prices have dropped materially, but how long
they will remain at these lower levels it is impossible to predict. If
the war continues for any length of time the demand for all these
metals is certainly bound to increase, and this will automatically
again send up prices.

The world's production of spelter in 1913 (the latest authentic
figures obtainable) was 1,093,635 short tons. Of this the United
States produced 346,676 tons, or 31.7 per cent.; Germany, 312,075
tons, or 28.6 per cent.; Belgium, 217,928 tons, or 19.9 per cent.;
France and Spain, 78,289 tons; and Great Britain, 65,197 tons. The
world's production of spelter in 1913 exceeded that of 1912 by 25,590
tons, or 2.2 per cent. The greatest increase was contributed by
Germany, which exceeded its production of 1912 by 4.4 per cent. The
United States made a gain of 2.3 per cent. The excess of the world's
production over consumption in 1913 was only 27,316 tons.

As can be seen from the above figures, Germany has control of
practically one-half, possibly now over one-half, of the world's
production of spelter. Her position with respect to iron and coal is
equally strong, the United States not included. In 1913 Germany's
production of pig iron was 19,000 tons; Great Britain, 10,500 tons;
France, 5,225 tons; Russia, 4,475 tons; Austria and Belgium, over
2,000 tons each; Italy, negligible. She has captured a large
proportion of the coal resources of France as well. Her strength is
her own plus that of conquered territory.

Before a contract for war supplies is let, more particularly with
reference to contracts for arms and ammunition, the manufacturer is
requested to "qualify." This means he must show his ability to "make
good" on the contract he wishes to secure. If he is now or has been in
the past successfully engaged in the manufacture of the particular
article in question, this is usually sufficient; if it is out of his
regular line, then he must prove to the satisfaction of the War
Department or the purchasing agent, as the case may be, that he has
the technical knowledge necessary for its production. In either event
he must have an efficient organization, suitable plants, with proper
equipment and men to operate same; also the necessary raw materials in
hand or und