W y HILE the manufacture of chewing gum is only a minor industry, yet it is a product with which practically every American and millions of people in foreign countries are familiar. Regarded originally as a typical American habit, and one on which foreigners frowned, its use has spread until today it is found in all of the important markets of the world. The marked increase in its use in foreign countries has been since 1914. In Europe this increase was brought about by the American soldier. He used it for its quieting effect, its aid to digestion, and for quenching his thirst when good water was unattainable. Soldiers of other countries adopted the habit, and on their returning home became important influences in advertising the product. In other countries, especially those of the Orient, aggressive sales methods and the willingness on the part of manufacturers to cater and accede to the wishes of foreigners have also been important in expanding the market. Exports increased from less than $200,000 in 1914, to $1,547,000 in 1929. During this same period, consumption in the United States increased from 39 sticks per person in 1914 to 109 sticks in 1929. In 1929 there were 37 plants in the United States that were manufacturing chewing gum. This is a decline from 74 in 1914. These 37 plants employed 2,265 workers whereas those of 1914 employed 2,048. The value of the product produced in 1929 was $60,160,126 while the value of the raw material used was $23,231,172. Corresponding figures for 1914 were $17,159,607 and $7,322,299 respectively. The retail value of approximately 60 million dollars of production in 1929 was about $114,000,000. The decline in the number of plants during this boom period of the industry is due largely to the fact that the cost of advertising is prohibitive to the small concern. Some small producers still exist in the industry, but the small factory fared badly during this period of expansion in the industry. Other influences are the cost of machinery and the difficulty in obtaining a supply of chicle. The concern with a small capital is at a disadvantage in both respects, since, in the modern factory, the product is largely machine made, and, to insure a supply of chicle, a concession must be obtained from some Latin American government. Some chicle is sold by brokers and native gatherers, but a manufacturer cannot depend upon these market channels for a sufficient supply. The prestige of the better entrenched manufacturers in the industry is also difficult to overcome. Some concerns, well established in their own field, recently attempted to put new brands of chewing gum on the market, but after a while they had to abandon their attempts and take the chewing gum from the market because it would not sell. The development of the industry dates back to a night in 1866 when one Thomas A. Adams, Jr., visited General Sareta Anna, then a candidate for the Presidency of Mexico, at Snug Harbor on Staten Island. The general gave Mr. Adams a piece of dark colored gum (chicle) to chew, and when the visit was over Mr. Adams asked for a larger piece