New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-08-15

DEVELOPNENT or AMERICAN COMMERCE.
That Secretary Evarts is one of the ablest
LAWYERS and statesmen in the country, IL dld
not need any public service within the past
four years to prove. But in the sphere OF
practical and commercial information, many
hae suppo sed that he would not be found
efficient. 1t is with the greater pleasure,
therefore, that we call attention to the admir-
able letter of Mr.. Evarts to the Speaker OF the
Hol Sc, transmitting the report for 1873
of the commercial relations of the
United States with foreign countries, and
to the remarkable body of mforma-
ton, gathered through official reports, which
it embraces. This letter, which treats OF the
commerce of the world as well as of The share
of the United States therein. has just been
issued from the Government Printing Of-
fee, and makes book Of over 200
pages. Mr. EvaIts has deserved the
Hunks of the country for setting the United
States Consus at work to help the merchants
and manufacturers Of this country 10 extend
its commerce. The example thus set VIII
doubtless be followed in future, so that, IN
stead Of empty dispositions upon the political
situation and changes in foreign lands, we may
hope to have each year hereafter vau-
able compilation in regard TO the industrial con-
dtion of other countries, the causes which con-
troll currents of trade, the extent and cOndI-
tons of the demand for American products the
methods Ivy which our commercial relations
with other countries may be rendered more
profitable to us, and the nature of legislation
which may extend and build up our trade ana
increase the national influence. There are a
great many public men who have been disposed
To think little of the political and practical ser
vices OF the Secretary of State, who have not
rendered so valuable public service i'll IA life
vine as he has rendered by a single letter.
The substance of the reports embraced in the
letter Of Secretary Evarts has in part been pub
lished from time to time Mr. Evars awards
deserved praise TO the Consnls for their Jealous
and generally well-drected efforts to gather
useful information, and for the ability OF their
reports Some of them, especially, deserve
very high credit. They have spared no effort
to essist American merchants and manufac-
turers to open new avenues OF uadc, and 1t
must be conceded that the marvellous growth
of the export trade Of the country, which has
contributed so largely to the resumption of
specie payments, has been due i'll no small de-
gree to the wise direction and able efforts of
the diplomatic and consular service. In the
tables which accompany the report OF MI.
Evarts, it is shown that the exports have in
creased, since 1875. about $50, 100000, or
nearly so per cent, while the imports declined
SOL 100000, or 18 pei cent. These COM
PARSONS are for the fiscal year 1879, but the
exports for the year 1880 have been still
larger though the imports have also greatly
increased Indeed,1 but for the successful
efforts made to increase the exports of the
country, it is probable that the sudden and
vast increase of imports which followed the
speculative movement OF last year would have
caused serious disaster.
Secretary EvaIts has been not only one of
the purest and ablest, but one of the most
useful members of the present Administra-
ton. His reputation as an executive officer
will grow clearer and brighter as time
enables men 70 measure more fairly and justly
the excellent public service rendered.