AUTHOR'S PREFACE.

Tue World War is merely preliminary to an even
greater industrial conflict in the future : the conclusion
 of peace will by no means settle the question
of the supremacy of nations—that will be decided
by a peaceful but a terribly keen competition in
the markets of the world.
Much is being done in preparation for this at
the present time : business men and manufacturing
firms are arranging their plans of campaign. Cooperation
 rather than competition is the key-note
dominating the conferences and conversations now
taking place between the leading firms of particular
industries, and, in the same way, the different industries
 of this country are combining together as
evidenced by the formation of the “Federation of
British Industries,” and other trade associations,
with tremendous opportunities and possibilities.
In the struggle for national supremacy, however,
education is the vital factor. The aims of enthusiasts
will be rendered abortive if the importance of the
rising generation be in any way lost sight of or
thought of little account : victory in the industrial
conflict will accrue to that nation whose youth has
been most efficiently trained.