A correspondent in Java of the "Straits Times" has just called attention to the huge German invasion of the Dutch East Indies which has be n taking place during" the past two or three years. According to his statement it would appear that Germans are actually ousting Dutchmen from Dutch firms, perhaps not actually pushing them out of their jobs but certainly filling the places which would normally be their prerogative. If this is correct, it is time that Holland looked into the matter, for this game of peaceful penetration has had dire results before, and doubtless will have again. Further news of the invasion is contained in the statement that: the Stinnes group of merchants has obtained contracts for the construction of 100 locomotives and between 200 and 500 bridges for the Dutch East Indies, but the correspondent is doubtful whether the Germans will be able to find the money to carry out the contract, and urges British firms to be ready to step. in. Our doubts, _un-te] fortunately, are all the other way,. for if it happens as the "Straits Times" correspondent suggests, it will be the first occasion on which German industry has been found! short of money.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.