The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1899-07-01

Efficiency Of American Represents
tives Abroad.
Their Services Of Great Practical
Value I'm Connection with Our
Hnpidly-tncrensinE Ex-
port Trade.


ment I'm commentator Of the rapid
strides OF the export trade of the Unit
ed States, not enough credit has been
given to one branch OF the federal serv-
ice which has contributed much to
bring about the excellent results. That
there has been marked improvement
IN the consular service of the United
States within the past two or three
years Is generally recognized. not only
by observing Americans, but by rep
resentative foreigners 1t is safe 10
say, from a careful analysis Of the work
done by the consular agents and rep
resentatives OF this government abroad
during the past few years, that to no
other one cause Is due so much that Is
gratifying TO the American people in
the growth of their foreign trade.
For many years the exporters OF this
country were at the great disadvantage
of snpposing that no trade could be
worked up for the producers of this
country in foreign markets, bccduse, as
was assumed, all foreign countries pro-
duce goods Mt lower cost than do the
Y people of this country. While this Is
vtrue 10 some extent, and upon certain
lines Of goods into which labor extends
very largely. IL has been shown within
the past few years that the machinery
methods of the producers and fabri-
cntors In the United States have
produced many lines of goods which
are not only made at less cost, but are
Of a character that cannot be readily
initiated by foreign producers. These
facts have been demonstrated in the
rapidly growing export trade Of this
country. 1t is shown that ON certain
lines Of goods we can undersell the for
eigners. and that we produce lines that
find q ready market in distant lands
market that is absorbing increased
quantities OF American goods.
Another drawback TO the export trade
OF this country was the difficulty our
producers found in introducing their
commodities into foreign markets.
Having so long given almost exclusive
attention 10 the domestic market, the
home producers were not prepared 10
extend their markets and to meet the
peculiar competition of the foreigners,
who. from long experience in that di-
rection. Ind learned TO cater TO the
wants OF consumers in distant lands.
The American exporters have found diff
ficnlty IN learning the wants of the for
eigners, and in presenting products
In manner taking TO the foreigners,
not only in respect to the character of
the goods exported, but In the manner
of packing and delivery.
II is In these directions that the
nAmerican exporters have been given
valuable aid by the improved consular
service Of the United States. In almost
every country there Is now stationed
one or more consuls OF this government
officials who are not only interested
in caring for the purely administrative
business of their respective offices, so
far as such administration relates 20
the interests of the United States gov
eminent proper. but these agents are
rendering important and valuable serv-
ice in finding markets for American
products. The consular reports from
many countries attest the activity and
intelligence OF our consuls in striving
10 learn the wants Of the people among
whom the agents arc stationed, and TO
keep the producers OF this country in
formed as TO the best methods for ex-
tending trade among these people.
American manufacturers who are bid
ding for export trade can do no better
than make n close study OF the reports
from the consular agents OF the United
Suites, not only in the South American
republics, but on the European CONT
nent and in Great Britain. The manu-
facturers Of this country know full well
how meaningless is the constant clnt-
ter OF the free trade doctrinaires about
the ''inability OF the American people
20 sell abroad SO long as we maintain
a protective tariff In the interests of
our own industries" Facts and figures
respecting our export trade during all
periods when our protective system
was most adequately protective, dem
onstrntc how far wrong are the Cob
denites i'm this matter. While we give
the highest and best measure OF protec-
Jon 10 our domestic industries. those
Xndustries are better enabled TO pro-
duce goods and wares cheaply, and are
not only ready TO supply the home mar
kct AZ lower prices. but are able 20
reach ont and command markets in
foreign lands.
Advices which come 20 the state de-
partmcnt show that the governments
Of Great Britain and Germany, which
are the most active In promoting the
export trade OF their respective coun-
cries. have observed the excellent work
ings OF the United States consular scrv-
ice. Repeated attention is called 70 the
valuable service rendered by American
representatives abroad In introducing
and aiding In many ways the extension
OF Americnn-made goods 70 foreign
lands. Much valuable information has
u&come 10 the state department on this
enbjcct since the negotiations were