San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-05-10
OUR COMMERCIAL RELATION


A closer commercial relation between
United States and Mexico, as we'll as
the other South American states has
often been commented upon, the neoes-
sity OF which being recognized by the
49th congress, q commission was APP
pointed to Investigate the matter. The
commission has since returned but little
became known of what was accom-
plished, besides few figures exposing
our deplOrable state OF trade with those
states and some sarcastic comment Of
the press, no more was CLEANED from
that source. Now proposition has
been submitted before congress to in
republics to send special delegates to
Washington for a general conference
upon this matter. But will 1t pass? will
they come and will they succeed2 That
is another thing; see comments Of
American press further below. Statis-
tics show that the South American
states and republics import by far more
from England, France and Germany
than they do from the United States,
while we are their heaviest purchasers.
The continual increase Of United
States manufactures every year will
eventually flood its own markets: the
vast expanse Of our union will gradually
become dotted with factories, and neces-
sitate some outlet to discharge
the increasing surplus production.
Again, If. reduction OF our
present tariff take place it will mean an
extension to foreign manufactures and
that part Of our own replaced by foreign
must find its customer elsewhere. 1t Is
a.wise rule to provide for 10 time, and
more 80 in this case where 1t requires
years to get foothold In foreign mar
ket with 80 many other rivsling inter-
ests to combat with. Then why not
supply our next door neighbor? Are orr
goods inferior to those imported f. 70
Europe? Do they compare unfavOrsb.,
In price II not, why are we unable to
cope with European competition on
American soil? Can it be a lack of en-
ergy and enterprise on our part that
characterizes European success. 1t
seems hardly probable that we,
who are justly accredited with
prise should be caught In this particular
point, at our disadvantage, and yet this
is SO; but for our defense, it must be
said that the magnitude of our own de- !
mands and requirements has absorbed |
to great extent our capacities within |
our own boundaries, while our European
competitors had been forced long ago
to look beyond their own domains for
market OF their surplus production, CIV |
ing them ample time to locallZe them
selves and hence the unevenness Of our
struggle.
1t would not be uninteresting to note at
this period, some comments OF the in
fuential Mexican press regarding the
proposition OF a general conference at
Washington, and its object, which
would heartily recommend to our inter-
ested congressman for their psrusal and
their consideration.
Some time ago the United States con-
gress appointed commissioner to visit
the south American States, in order to
devise some mode Of improving its COM
mercial relations with those countries. |
Where are the results Of those profound
studies? What has the congress, the
government, or the people done to bet
ter it's commercial relations? There is
the reciprocity treaty with Mexico, the |
nearest OF the southern republics, long
waiting to receive the sanction Of con-
gress in order that it may become a
law.
Even should the projected conference
egates take the pains to sort this bust
ness and explain TO congress what is
needed to cement batter commercial
intercourse, nothing would be accom-
plished, ~ the political interests at
Washington dominates that OF its COM
mercs. There is something outside
of the treaty OF legislation; neither
France, England or Germany, have in
vited the South American states TO cele- |
brate conferences and yet their rela-
tions with those states are of much |
greater proportions. Why? Because the |
French, English and German manufac-
turers and merchants have studied the |
particular wants OF those countries, and |
offer business facilities and advantages |
which the manufacturers Of the United |
States are not willing to toncsde. There |
are bat few exporters in the United |
States, and those pretend that the South |
American merchant should adapt him |
self to their demand instead OF Offering
them the same facilities a. do the Euro
pean manufacturers.
In the frat place they demand cash |
payment and there ia no way or mode to
induce them to give credit.
For the second, the duties and heavy |
freights to this destination effect the |
price Of goods to such extent, to render |
them unable 70 compete with European |
exporters.
The above extracts enable Us to de-
vise some valuable hints; il we want the |
Mexican trade and don't get Ii, 1t is en- |
tirely our own fault. Let congress ratify
the reciprocal treaty, and with our |
rapidly sItsading railway oommunica-
tions to psnstrate Mexican industry
centers, An increase OF our water route
facilities, . generous treatment by our
goYernnsat and marchanta. and tha