The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-11-15
HOUSTON, WEDNESDAY. NOV. 10
TEN PAGES TODAY.
no SECURE FOREIGN TRADE.

Every observant traveller In Mexico and
South America has discovered how Ems
lish, German and French trade has been
fostered by observing peeulIari,iss ana
methods thai obtain with the merchants
and tradesmen OF these countries. Take
Mexico for example. In that country.
whose progress under the wise admins
tration of President Diaz has been The
amazement of the international family,
goods are distributed from the trade cen
tiers 10 of railroad points by burro trains
Each burro can carry SO macy pounds O.
freight, therefore the Mexican wholesaler
wants his goods baled or packed 10 the
regulation burro capacity. American mer-
chants, for long time, insisted on the
Mexican customer accepting goods shipped
in packages o. their own designing, with
the result: that, SO long as they thus IN
sisted, more remote and less advantageous
~ situated nations enjoyed practical mo-
nopoly Of this trade.
Mr.. John T. Williams. United States
consul to Africa, In a letter touching upon
the opportunities for trade in American
textiles in West Africa. indicates that
American manufacturers and merchants
are standing in their own way in that
direction as they once stood with reference
10 the trade of our sister republic. Mr
williams writes:
with the growth OF American trade il
competition with that of other nations, oui
manufacturers should pay more attention tt
making goods for export according 10 the re-
qniTementS OF the trade sought. Attention
given to these details, together with our e%'
tensiSs facilities for superior work, Will en-
able us TO win.
The traditions OF the African race should
not be ignored in manufacturing for this
market; for example certain animals, trees.
plants, vines and even seashells are held in
great respect BY the natives, having been
worshipped by their ancestors. The present
generation does not forget these traditions,
though many are educated and enjoy the
advantages of civilization.
1T is by observing these points that the
European exporters have gained such footing
in African trade No doubt In many instances
their goods are inferior to our own in dura-
bility-starch taking the place Of hody-yet
they sell because African and not European
ideas are respected in the design and manu-
facture OF the goods.
Credit would not be great inducement
except to European houses, as the terms OF
trade here are generally cash. American goods
OF all classes would have a better show in
tilS ualhtl II tuele WnFe uilect communion
ton between the United states and this coast.
There is now a spirit of keen mercantile
rivalry among the nations seeking this trade,
but there is announcement for American
dealers TO compete II they will make the
necessary efforts along the lines suggested.
There are no discriminating tariffs. no re-
strctive legislation with which to contend.
Aside from the 10 per cent nd yalorem duty,
this is practically an open field, and with
more energy on tho part Of our exporters OF
cotton goods their products can find a good
market in West Africa
Hero is another opportunity of spread
ing our commercial conquests. in demon
siration of the wholesome fact. undisputed
by any reputable authority on sound
economies. without standing armies and
imperialism.