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102 PROBLEMS CONFRONTING RUSSIA
These figures show that Russia was able to supply the
total of her own requirements only in regard to naphtha,
while being in a position to provide the foreign markets
with naphtha to a small extent and manganese ore. The
whole production of this latter mineral is exported abroad.
In 1912, Russia had to import from abroad 96^3 per cent,
of the lead she consumed, 62 per cent, of zinc, i8’6 per cent,
of copper, 14/2 per cent, of coal, and 4*2 per cent, of salt.
The amount of the production, importation, and exportation
of other metals is not given in Russian official statistics.
This state of affairs is economically unsound, as the present
output of the mining industry in Russia falls lamentably
short of the vast possibilities represented by the enormous
wealth of the Empire. But there can be no doubt whatever
as to the brilliant future that awaits this branch of Russian
industry.
On the strength of the above it appears, therefore, that
judging from the unbounded natural economic resources
Russia may become the chief supplier of food-stuffs and
raw material of the world if only she reverts from her
primitive means of production to more scientific methods, and
if in general better organisation is applied and the means of
communication and transport are improved and augmented.
At present Russia’s export is chiefly of an agricultural
character. The average value of exports from Russia for
the five years from 1909 to 1913 shows that out of a total
yearly average value of exports of £142,280,000, not less
than £90,590,000, or over 63 per cent., is accounted for by
food-stuffs and live stock, £49,000,000 represents the value
of crude and semi-manufactured goods, and only £2,690,000
manufactured articles. Russia should aim not only at
increasing her exports in general, but also that of the
high-priced manufactured or semi-manufactured articles in
particular. That cannot be done otherwise than by improving
technical knowledge, skill, and practical experience, and
further investment of capital in industrial concerns. Here
is an opportunity for British enterprise and money. The
Russian Government has already recognised the educating
influence and the advantages to be derived by Russia from
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