The times., 1898-12-27

vate enterprises. but to what extent is
matter of conjecture. Technical edu-
cation is receiving substantial assistance
from the government.
''The government has signally aided
the development of foreign trade by
bounties and subsidies. and this would
seem to be its distinctive policy in this
line. This policy has been pursued by
the imperial government since the year
1870, and seems likely to continue. as its
results are understood to be satisfactory.
Industrial and commercial circles in
Japan are close observers of the foreign
trade methods of the various great manu-
featuring and exporting countries. and,
it would appear, have successfully adopt
ed in many Instances similar policy
Soren Listoe consul at Rotterdam. the
Netherlands. writes that statistics are
difficult to obtain. Dutch home Industries
not extensive. and there is little oppor-
tunity for the Netherlands to take rank
among exporting nations. There Is
separate governmental department which,
together with the care of the waterways,
has charge of the commercial and indus
trial interests of the country.
No support is given by the government
to the merchant marine except small
subsidy to the municipal schools, for
maintaining a department where naviga-
ton is taught. No foreign agencies are
maintained for the exploitation OF prod
ucts of the country, except that the Meth
erlands consular service gives periodical
reports and advice. In several provinces
there is considerable manufacturing. but
it is not owing to any encouragement
from the government. The consul. in
conclusion, says: Il have been unable
TO discover that the Dutch government
has any distinct policy in the develop
ment of foreign trade.
With the exception of the traffic of her
own colonies In the Indies and with South
America-which is very extensive-the eN-
port of the Netherlands is very limited,
and it does not appear that the govern
ment is exerting fostering care over the
trade with foreign countries. Holland is
practically free trade country.
A Market for America.
THE sentiment in trade and industrial
circles toward competitors in foreign
countries must be said to be friendly and
hospitable All the American manufac-
turers have to do in order to get their
share of the trade is. in my opinion, TO
send active and energetic representatives
and appoint local agents for the sale of
same l would call the especial attention
| of all interested to this latter point of adj
vice 1t has been the custom of many
American manufacturers, when disposing
| of European territory to agents. TO in
| include the Netherlands in some German
| agency. Probably they think that this
country is too small to warrant the es-
| tablishment of separate agencies here.
| If the Holland trade is worth having. II
| is quite safe to say that il can only be
| obtained by intrus;ing the agencies to
natives. or at least to residents OF the
\ country"
| Vice Consul General Magnus. OF st. Pc
| tersburg. says: ",The Russian government
has special department devoted to the
| interests of commerce and industry, called
the department OF manufacture and trade
| which forms part of the ministry o
finance. This department has a spec!a
section for collecting statistics of domes
tic industry and commerce. The govern
ment extends no support to the merchan
4 marine of this country. except that the
large Black Sea Steamship Company re
| ceives yearly subvention. For the ex
ploitation of Russian products In foreign
countries, special agents attached to th'
legations in foreign countries are ap
pointed. There is also an exhibit of sam
pies of Russian products and manufac
lures at the consulate general in New
York and similar exhibits in Paris, man
aged by private persons, but under th'
/ direction of the Russian government. II
order to develop technical education II
this empire a number of special school
have been established in the large cities
as we'll as large technical museums.
"The high import duty affords protec
tion to all manufacturing undertaking.
So far, Russia has not been able to expor
any machinery or products Of teehnica