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Show ANOTHER MERGER According to the latest reports, eon- trol of the Baldwin Locomotive works has been secured by Charles M. S' hwab of the Bethlehem Steel compauy and the Dupout powder interests, a majority of the common stock having been purchased pur-chased in the open market. The locomotive loco-motive works will be converted into a plant for the manufacture of munitions of war, railroad equipment and general steel products in association with the Bethlehem Steel company, which presumably pre-sumably has larger contracts than it can fill with the belligerent nations. Evidently the European war is effecting effect-ing a realignment in the steel trade in the United States, the activity of Schwab and the re-entry of W. E. Corey into the field being proof that the days of "big things" in this important industry in-dustry in this country are not over .by any means. The arrangements being perfected for the manufacture of munitions muni-tions of war upon the part of American concerns lead to the conclusion that they have become convinced that the great. European conflict will last for some time, probably two or three years, and that picking will be good in the meantime. Also they may have contracts con-tracts liberal enough to pay them for the enlargement of plants. Another conclusion is that if the United States should be forced into war in spite of all protestations and good intentions, in-tentions, the manufacturers of this country would be able to go even Germany Ger-many one better iu tho production of high explosives and shells of all kinds. There is some comfort in the thought, even though we are the most peaceful people on the face of the earth. The efVcct upon fhe steel trade after hostilities hostili-ties in Europe have ceased is an after-consideration, after-consideration, but it is certain there will be no pooling of interests unless the Sherman law is repealed, which is not at all likely. Perhaps there will be business busi-ness enough for all at fair prices when the work of reconstruction begins al over the world. |