The record-union., 1896-12-01
AMERICAN INTERESTS IN SOUTH
AMERICA.

Ih>Eepternber large party Of Amer
lean manufacturers importers and ex-
porters, representing exceedingly well
the manufacturing and general COM
mercial interests Of the United States,
went to Brazil and Argentina as a COM
mission to observe and make inquiry
with a view to stimulating trade be-
tween the countries named and our own.
Minister Thomas L. Thompson, a
we1l-known citizen of California, reports
visit and it's bearings upon trade. A
copy of that report is just at hand and
is very interesting reading. Our Min
lister Is exceedingly happy in detailing
the account Of the reception accorded
the visitors in Brazil. They were shown
every possible attention and given all
possible instruction by the Government
and by the commercial people, and were
feasted, toasted and escorted freely and
entertained until they were simply worn
out. Every possible facility was af-
forded them to further the purpose of
the visit and inform themselves con-
corning the country, the people and
their needs.
The report of Mr.. Thompson is supple
mented by one from our Consul at
Buenos Ayres, Argentine Republic
where they were equally well received,
and by several official documents from
other departments. A similar report is
made by the Secretary Of the Ameri-
can Legation in Argentine concerning
the reception of the manufacturers in
that country. All the reports agree that
the receptions were of the most cordial
and elaborate character, and that the
people of the great countries referred to
manifested in all sincerity, indeed, in
enthusiasm, q desire to extend trade
with the United States, and to make our
commercial relations as close as can be
possibly done.
The conclusion that we draw from all
the reports is that the American deIega-
ton discovered that our manufacturers
need TO inform themselves more broadly
concerning local conditions and de-
mands in South America, If we are to
much more extend OUT trade there. That
We must manufacture to suit the taste
of the customer regardless of our own
judgment as to what is best for him, a
policy the Europeans shrewdly follow,
and have done for years, as has been re-
peatedly pointed out by the Record
Union" especially in the matter Of
trade with Mexico and the Pacific South
American States.
To use the language Of thu committee
speaking OF itself in the third person,
they were entertained by the Boards of
Trade and Chambers of Commerce of
each city of Importance, and were given
the opportunity to meet the heads of the
most important commercial houses,
both native and foreign, in each COM
munity.
"As a result of their observations, they
are of opinion, as must needs be anyone
who studies South American markets,
that for the extension of United States
trade In Latin America, it Is necessary
to have the same facilities for trade that
are ait the disposal Of European COM
merce.
"As the workman requires tools, SO
does foreign commerce need certain IA
cflities. These facilities, in the case in
point, are American houses established
In South American markets to handle
American goods: steamship lines man
aged in the interest of American trade,
and not foreign, as at present; and
American banks, which, In their ac-
commodations to American business
would enable United States houses to
conform to the exigencies OF the long
credits system that prevails in South
America"
Minister Thompson. with the blunt
nass OF snosrity and conviction. says