SPECIAL REPQRTS FOR FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION. 317

minerals containing potash produced by the syndicated mines, and
all of the raw potash salts containing various percentages of K,O.
The second class comprises chloride of potash, sulphate of potash,
sulphate of potassium magnesium, the so-called fertilizer salts, as
well as all other potash-containing products which are produced directly
 from the raw potash salts, and the potash-containing residue
of these products. Under class 8 are placed the mixtures of raw
and elk salts, and their manufactures.
All of these salts are required by the central committee to conform
to certain standards as to purity and percentage of potassium oxide
(K,0). The salts which are most important in the foreign trade
can be seen from the above table of exports.
A comparison of the potash produced in Germany with that
produced in other countries is quite useless, since potash is found in
appreciable quantities nowhere in the world, except in Germany, in
a free mineral state, favorable to the easy production of salts. .
Ewtent of monopoly.—The Potash Syndicate handles all the potash
produced and sold in Germany, as well as all the export of potash
from Germany.
Selling methods at home.—The marketing of potash in Germany is
managed through agents of the syndicate in various parts of the
Empire on a commission basis. These agents have to do with the
central management of the syndicate, not with individual potash
firms, although each mine delivers direct to the purchaser the orders
given to it by the Verteilungsstelle.
Selling methods abroad.—In exporting its goods to foreign markets
 the syndicate uses resident agents, who are placed in the largest
foreign cities and import centers. The American representative
% the Potash Syndicate is Mr. A. Vogel, 43 Broadway, New York
ity.
Terms of sale and delivery.—For orders which are given before
the 15th of the month, payment must be made by the 1st of the
following month. For orders which are given after the 15th of the
month, payment must be made by the 15th of the following month.
One and a half per cent discount is allowed for orders f. 0, b. mine.
Dumping.—What is known as “ dumping,” or selling at or below
the cost in foreign markets, is forbidden by law to the Potash Syndicate.
 By reason of its natural monopoly, such underselling is, of
course, not necessary.
Special relations.—The principal stockholder of the Potash Syndicate
 is the German Government. The syndicate is, therefore, under
 close supervision and controlled by the Government. Such preferential
 treatment as the giving of export bounties, lower freight
rates, or assistance in foreign markets 1s unnecessary on account of
the natural monopoly in potash which Germany possesses.
The results attained by combination.—The Potash Syndicate absolutely
 controls its domestic and foreign market. Through its almost
unlimited power, overproduction is prevented and transportation and
marketing difficulties are obviated. “The results which the-syndicate
has accomplished, although in greatest part attributable to its natural
 monopoly, are in some part at least due to combination and
central control.
No exclusion of producers—The Potash Syndicate does not exclude
 any producers of potash in Germany. On the contrary, it seeks