Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-08-22
THE TWO REPUBLICS.
Why the Trade with Mexico IL Not
Larger Than 1t Is.

From the Alta Callforn1an.
"No, SIT; the trade Of the United States with
Mexico is not what it should be by great deal,
and the capital that has been poured into
Mexico during the last few years ought to have
had the effect of opening up the rich states Of
the southern republic through which the lines
of railroad have been built in a much larger
degree than has proved to be the case"
The gentleman who made the above answer
to the question whether trade between the
United States and Mexico was in a satisfactory
state has just returned to this country after a
prolonged residence in the northern states of
the republic.
What is the reason that the commercial
bond between the two countries is not being
strengthened?' he was asked
well" he replied, 'as a matter Of fact the
fault, if fault there be. lies on the American
side OF the border line, and not with the Next
cans. Naturally enough, when the railroads
were carried across into Mexico. the manufac-
turers and the mercantile community generally
raised shout, thinking that q market for
American products was to be opened right at
their doors. Instead of studying the require
ments Of that market they appear to have in
every conceivable way ignored the wishes of
their customers, and supplied them with
goods inferior to those supplied by the En-
glish and German firms who have for years
had so strong a foothold in Mexico. Take,
for instance. cotton goods of all kinds. It is
noticeable that the English houses pay the
closest attention to the pattern. coloIs 8, sizing
and makeup required; whereas the American
manufacturer fails in this respect. Then,
again. the many curious laws of Mexico, the OBJ
structive character of the rules observed at
the customs, &C., provoke from Americans
eternal kicking, instead Of their simply adapt
ing themselves to the circumstances which they
cannot alter. Too often, also, the man sent
south to represent an American house is q man
having little knowledge of the country he is
sent TO- and having but a superficial knowledge
OF the language. Such man cannot sit down
and discuss the techncalities of business with
a Mexican merchant
such state of things ought not to exist.
Americans have been and are gladly received
by Mexicans. All these drawbacks have to be
considered and provided for beforehand, and
only by so doing can a trade be built up that
will prove beneficial to both countries.
For many years the largest amount of trade
in the Mexican states bordering on the Allan
tic was controlled by English firms, while that
OF the states on the Pacific was in the hands of
German firms. Business was carried on in the
sleepy way so dear to the soul of the average
Mexican; but with the advent of the American
railroads both English and Germans have be-
stirred themselves, for they knew what those
iron lines meant. They meant goods being
poured upon the Mexican market from a coun-
try closely adjacent which they had almost
considered their own. and to supply which they
brought goods thousands of miles over the sea-
They had the knowledge Of what goods were
required, and they set to work to cater more
carefully than ever before to the wants of their
customers, aud not only SO, but extended their
operations by opening branch houses through
out the country and investing much capital to
offset what was being done by Americans.
Within the last five years several million
pounds have been placed by English firms, and
it will be well if Americans will once for all
awaken to the fact that magnificent country
borders their own that will absorb an almost
uncomfortable amount of American manufac-
tured goods if manufactured to suit the market.
With the progress of the railroads new wants
seem to be felt by the people, and to some ex-
tent-in no very marked degree as yet, Of
course-the languid methods of the people are
being put aside.
Travelling on the cars many curious sights
may be seen. The train is made up in English
fashion. there being first second and third
class cars. The men are for the most part
gorgeous in their array, wearing natty little
jackets and trousers, braided down the seams
with coins or buttons of silver, every man with
pistol strapped on his waist, and many of
them carrying guns; big-crowned, broad
brimmed hat, loaded with gold or silver bullion
and ofttimes costing $3.50, completes very
picturesque costume. The third-class airs con-
tain four benches. running from end to end,
and are given up entirely to the poorer classes.
Mexican women with Indian blood coursing in
their veins, in blue ribosas, surrounded by a
brood of children, and men in dirty serapes and
the never-failing big hat, pass away their time
eating some oddly-favored mess. The train
makes long halt at each station, and then the
cars are besieged by women and boys selling
fruits ices, drinks Of various kinds, tamales and
puiqne.
The volume of trade, as shown by the GUS
tom-house returns, is increasing, more espe-
cially on the frontier line between the United
States and Mexico; but there is a field open to
the mercantile community here that is only
waiting to be occupied. By the geographical
position of the United States this country is the
one fitted to control the trade of Mexico, and
the day sooner or later will arrive when an
immense trade will be carried on between the
two republics. My only desire is to see that
state Of affairs realized at an early date"