Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-07-11
A GREAT OPENING.
American Products and capitai Being Greatly
Demanded In Russia.

Washington, July 10.-Dr. Herbert II
ID. Pierce. first secretary Of the United
States embassy to Russia, has been in
Washington several days on leave OF
absence from his post. Speaking to a
representative of the press, Mr.. Pierce
said: '"The relations between the Unit
ed States and Russia were never on q
more cordial basis than lat present and
the friendship which is traditional be-
tween the two countries finds constant
expression in Russia, not only among
officials but also among the people Of
all classes. 1t is not too much to say
that from the Emperor down to the
peasantry. there is a sincere friendship
for US and a desire to become acuuaint-
ed with American methods and to
make use in Russia Of the skill and in
genuity which has advanced this coun-
try with such great strides.
For this reason there is a great
opening in Russia for American capi-
tai and for the introduction of Ameri-
can machinery and methods of doing
business. 1t is an immense field. far
beyond anything realized by the people
in this country. Russia IS lust enter
ing an era of tremendous prosperity; a
sort of commercial and Industrial
awakening. Here is the new field for
American enterprise and capital. for
with our Pacific coast facilities, the
Philippines and the Trans Siberian
Railroad route there is ready access for
our goods into the very heart of Rus
STA. During his ministry to Russia,
Mr.. Hitchcock's personality and
splendid ability did much to stimulate
our trade relations. and the effect is
widespread and continues.
There is special opportunity for in
vestments in steel and iron Industries
cotton mills and for the manufacture of
machinery and tools. Then, too our man.
ufactured goods will find almost illimita-
BILE markets although Russias protective
tariff is encouraging her own industries
Still, even with the tariff, she wants
many of our manufactured goods. such
as steel rails. as the home production Is
far short of sufficient to supply the pres
ent state of development In fact there
is hardly line of American industry
which cannot find very profitable invest
ment throughout Russia. Moreover. Rus
STA regards American goods as better
than those of any other country.
People outside of Russia hardly realize
how nearly completed the Trans Siberian
railroad Ii; cXtinued Mr., Pierce. II
lister of ways and communicat ton, who
has charge Of this great work. that he
expected TO make trip around the world
in 40 days during the coming Paris Ex-
position, going by way Of the Trans-Si-
berian route and he had the kindness to
ask me to accompany him on the trip
Even now the route is almost continuous
from Moscow to the Amoor river and
thence to Vladvostock on the Pacific
coast with the exception of a compare
lively short stretch which has been COW
cred by post horses
Mr.. Pierce was asked concerning the re-
cent reports of widespread famine in
Russia. and the appeal issued in London
for relief There really is no cause for
ALARM said he. II am familiar with
this appeal for relief. and while not wish
ing to question any charitable or philan-
thropc move. think il only just to Rus
STA that ii should be known that the dis
tress is confined to rather small and re-
mote regions. and that Russia herself has
thoroughly and successfully COPIED with
the Situati ton.