New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-07-28
MEYICAN RELATIONS.

The great success Of the Mexican loan IN this
country is reported to have created most IA
vorable impression In Mexico and led to gen
eral manifestation of friendly feelings toward
the neople of the United States. Likewise, II Is
said those newspapers in the City Of Mexico
controlled by European interests show much
ANNOYANCE at the growing disposition OF the
Mexicans to look this way for commercial and
financial transactions. They fear such dispo-
sition means the beginning Of n new era OF
close relations between the two great republics
of North America, and are naturally jealous OF
any friendship which may mean the diversion OF
the great profits which European bankers and
traders have for years enjoyed through the al
most absolute possession OF Mexican markets TO
the virtual exclusion Of ourselves, the neigh
bors. with every geographical advantage, but
strange lack Of enterprise or adaptapihty IN
dealing with Latin Americans.
The past blindness of our people to the advan-
tages OF intimate business relations with Mex
leo Is almost inexplicable. We are supposed TO
be a pushing people, eager 10 improve opportu-
mites. vet ever since our intervention restored
a republic in Mexico and removed whatever OF
III feeling had persisted from the disputes and
conflicts of slavery and pioneering days, that
rich undeveloped territory has offered us
chances for trade which we would not take, but
| left 70 enrich English French and German mer-
| chants. The size Of our home market accounts
| i'm some measure for our neglect Of foreign
fields. and we were so unaccustomed to adapt
ing orr wares and our commercial customs to
| tho requirements Of others that we could not
compete with traders who cared enough for the
foreign market TO comply with its demands.
| n
doubtedly been an awakening among American
manufacturers. as our growing export list
shows. We begin to realize the need of foreign
markets and must do so more and more as our
| industries increase their output and larger
nronortion Of our population becomes dependent
on commerce Under such circumstances Mex
leo is one of the fields that should be earliest
and most thoroughly cultivated.
If lies nj our very doors. and we can supply
almost everything now purchased by Mexicans
IN Europe. The only reasons we have not done
en- already are that we have been slow TO estab-
Iish adequate transit facilities. while Europeans
had convenient lines and commercial and bank
ing houses already in occupation AS all loans
were negotiated in Europe, naturally trade
went there The creditor nations always have
an advantage in controlling the commerce Of
undeyeloped countries. Ii Is new thing for
the people OF the United States TO become large
holders of foreign government securities. The
investment in Mexican bonds Is as significant
in its way as the foreign steel contracts which
have attracted so much attention. The pay
ment OF interest here means purchases here IL
We have any desire to make it. The Mexicans
seem ready enough to favor US. and all we need
TO do is to take IN interest in their trade. to
offer them reasonably convenient and speedy
lines Of transportation and provide facilities for
banking and exchange equal to those now en-
joyed by them in dealing with Europe. The
lack Of these instruments Of commerce has been