Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-12
"MADE IN THE UNITED STATES,
This Mark Now Seen on Our Goods
fn Europe.
Chicago Times-Herald

(Chlcago T1meS-Herald)
II appears that Germany is not the only
bette noir OF Industrial Great Britain,
though it is doubtless the chief. The
made in Germany" cry is now supple
mented by another-"made in the United
states" In other words, American
manufacturers are invading English home
and Colonial markets. The first dis
coVery or American supremacy was in
connection with American iron and steel
But little inquiry was needed TO convince
the English technical organs that Ameri-
ca can manufacture steel and iron at the
lowest cost. and that competition with
her is matter Of extreme difficulty, But
now II is seen that England is at a con-
siderable disadvantage In other fields or
production as well.
Thus in recent blue book on the con-
clifton OF Colonial trade It is shown that
united States goods have displaced those
OF English manufacture in the West In
dies. The causes Of this displacement are
frankly stated to be the following: More
attention to local requirements; superior
finish; lower price; more careful packing
and the omission to make special charges
therefor; cheaper freight; and. finally,
more rapid communication. Not all these
Ia1ctors. 1t Is obvious, enter into an ex-
PLANTATION Of American conquest of other
markets, but enough OF them do so enter
10 render IL easy 10 answer the much
deoated question Of England's gradual
loss OF customers and markets. 1t IS,
however, absurd to say. as does tha 81.
James Gazette, that American workmen
are not so eXacting as the English and
work longer hours. There is, apparently
less interference with the MANAGEMENT
OF business affairs on the part Of Ameri-
can trade unions, but in the matter OF
hours and wages the American work.
man, more through natural conditions
than through organization, are decidedly
In advance. OF the English. II the Ameri-
can manufacturer comes, sees. and con-
quers the markets of the world IL is not
because of his expectations" OF labor.
but because Of the efficiency OF hIs labor,
the larger use OF improved machinery.
and the business-like methods everywhere
employed.
Meanwhile the English statesmen are
casting about for a remedy for a check
upon the progress OF their Industrial
rivals. A parliamentary committee APP
pointed 70 inquire into the operation or
the acknowledgements act has recon-
mended that the name of the country OF
origin be omitted hereafter in the required
specifications of foreign goods and that
commodities OF non-English origin be sim
ply stamped Made abroad" The object |
of this little trick is quite evident, though |
various sophistical reasons are given by |
The committee 10 conceal the real purpose. |
Made abroad" is rather vague, but II IS |
his very yaguenesa- that the anxious |
statesmen depend on for safety and Sc
1ally the law which compelled specifica-
ion OF the name Of the country OF origin |
was designed to protect British manufac-
urers against fraud by the sale Of foreign |
merchandise as English! SO sure were our |
friends then OF their superiority that they
compelled dealers to mark their foreign |
FOODS Made in Germany or MADE in
America" as the case might be. Now
hat these marks have become badges OF
merit. they want 10 protect the home
against legitimate competi-
ion by preventing buyers from knowing
where goods superior to their own can be
lad.
Yet the English insist that they are I'M
certified free tradersl Can there be a more
logical and unfair law than one pro-
ibiting people from indicating the origin
{ the goods they sell? Are not the people
ntitled to patronize foreign manufac-
urers II they find foreign goods better
nd cheaper? Let England have the cour-
&c to adopt fair protective system In
he interest OF home manufacturers, or
lse face all the consequences of the
-eest competition. Shifts are humiliatlng
nd Intellectual