New-York tribune., 1898-01-27
THE EVENING ATTENDANCE LARGE.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT Ol
THE MERCHANT MARINE AND THE
CONSULAR SERVICE.

The attendance at the evening session was con-
sderably larger than at the two meetings Of the
day. In addition to the delegates there were also
present many representative business men OF this
city. The proceedings were devoted to the reading
of papers appertaining to the interests for which
the association stands. Theodore {. Search pre-
sided. and introduced the first speaker Fletcher
W. Hewes. series of trade charts wsre exhibited
by Mr. Hewes. by the aid Of which he explained
the proportions Of the goods sold TO other
tries by America. and the goods bought from
those countries by America. There was also an
extremely interesting set of charts relating to tho
decline of the merchant marine Of this country.
ana showing the amount Of foreign commerce
carried by American vessels as compared with
ships of other nationalitcs. BY means of the
charts II demonstrated that tho carrying OF
foreign commerce by American vessels has dwin-
died away almost to nothing He urged, in order
TO amoOrate this state Of affairs. discrimination
by Congress in favor Of American vessels, in the
matter of tonnage dues and the granting OF sub
sides.
In urging the Improvement OF the consular SER
vice Richard Young, who spoke next, said Consuls
should be familiar with the language of the people
TO whom lhey were sent. or have as Interpreters
and deputies American citizens. instead of, as now
la great many cases, native deputies lie Dep,
Ieca,cI iHe pIacuee oI naNIHs loIe,slra :, nors
Of American citizens, acting as commercial agents
for this country. That glaring defects. he
added exist IN the mode Of selecting ana appoint
Ing Consuls must be evident to every thoushtlui
man. The appointment IS too often made az re-
Congress, Senator'S and others who feel this an
easy way to discharge obligation. There is not
enough thought given to the responsibility OF the
position nor IS there enough care taken in the Sc
lection Of men equipped for the duties Better far
put the inferor in the Postal Service, De
partmcnt of the Interior, Internal Revenue Depart
ment the Customs Department, where any harm
they might do could be readily corrected, than TO
send them abroad. to the detriment OF our foreign
trade and the humiliation OF our citizens. You
will at see the Inconsistency OF sending to i'm
portant commercial cities Consuls men from
sections of country having no international re-
lations: who without the knowledge Of inter
national commerce. of the language. and with
out the necessary educational advantages. Yet
such appointments are sometimes the result OF re-
ward for political work. Germany. England and
the other great nations select the best men pro-
durable and reap the benefit Of mistakes. They
are always alert for business and in every land
find the wares "made in Germany" taking the
place Of all other goods. including those made I'm
England even IN English colonies Thus, you
the disadvantage Of placing men who are lacking
IN business experience in commercial cities to look
after interests"
Edward H. Sanborn explained the work under
taken and performed by the associations Bureaus
Of Publicity and Information. and John j. Rooney
presented many reasons to his hearers why Amer-
can manufacturers should send their exhibits to
the Forthcoming Paris Exposition He pointed out
in the course OF his address the benefits which
would accrue to the trade OF this country by a
display Of It's representative exhibits.
The election Of officers for the coming year will
be he'd this morning. Ii said 10 be certain
that Theodore g. Search. OF Phila delpha, will be
reelected president. and that Charles f. Locke
or New-York, may be elected National secretary.