The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-01-13

article In tho current issue Of the North
American Review on "The United States
at the Paris Exposition In 1900"
Mr.. Peck agree with others who have
written on this subject that this eXposi-
ton will be tho climax OF exposition
achievements. IN short. that Z, viii be
the greatest fair that tho world has ever
seen. In addition TO the exposition. the
city OF Paris will be arrsyed In ITS most
attractive attire and Will b8 . great
show In Itself. 70 say nothing Of the bril-
liant assemblages or men and women
from all parts OF tho world /, IS rsti-
mated that the visitors from other for
eien countries viii ~ at least two mil
lions. and among these Will be repre-
sentatlves Of trade from every foreign
centre VINO will come 70 examine the
exhibits with a view 20 purchasing Mr..
Peck thinks that this viii he the greatest
opportunity that America has ever had.
ana tho most opportuns time within our
history 20 advertise our products abroad
and 70 extend our rapidly increasing
foreign trade.
The war win Spain and orr brilliant
achievements during that war, which
were as much ~ anything else triumphs
Of American machinery and American
machlnists. have made me United states
conspicuous and nave brought or coun-
try prominently 20 the attention OF AL
foreign nations. Mr.. Peck thinks that
great things Will be expected OF rs and
that we should give the very best ac-
count Of ourselves at the Parts show.
lie calls attention 20 tho fact that our
foreign trade has increased per capita
from sii.37 in 1895 70 Sl2rl I'm 1896. and
SAN in 1897, and while the figures are
not given for 1885 st is well known that
that wear was a record breaker for
American exports. But for all that. We
arc not beginning TO get our share OF
foreign trade. We have been living too
much within ourselves. Yves have been
paying too much attention TO the home
market" and not enough TO foreign mar
kets Although We arc said ito be ~
600 100000 richer than Great Britain. yet
that kingdom. with one-thirtieth Of the
area and not more than one half Of the
population OF the United States. ENJOYS
double our foreign trade. and even Ger
many has been doing a much better ons'-
ness with foreign nations than We have
AIR. Peck saws that while The United
states produces 90 per cent. more bard
ware than Great Britain. we export less
than one third as much; that we have
secured only one seventh Of the exports
that 20 90 tho countries. Australasia and
Asia. with a population Of S52o".O0o
while we are entitled to at least third
Of the commerce that goes to these for
sign fields.
What foreign trade we have has come
almost without solicitation on our part
and as drumming IS the order OF the day,
there IS no telling what We may achieve
II we only take the proper steps 10 pnt
our goods before the peoples OF the
earth. II has been demonstrated beyond
peradvcnture that we are The greatest
manufacturers in the world and IL we
will we may 80 into the markets OF the
world and occupy them.
Mr. Peck tells us that space equal 20
Shat occupied by any other foreign coun'
try has been allotted 20 the United states
In each Of the twenty paviiions which
viii form tho exposition proper, and that
we bave been granted site also for
orr national building This viii give an
opnortunitv to show the diversity OF pro-
ducts OF this country. and IL is simply
a question as to whether we shall make
the most OF tho opportunity Individual
exhibits win not have the same amount
of sooce that they had al the chicago
exposition. but 1t IS desired that the
greatest possible number OF producers
and manufacturers shall show their goods
so chat the benefit from the exhibits
may be most widely Distributed and that
the United STATES may bring away me
larecst number Of awards. That this
NAV Doe done. he adds. 81 may be nece5-
sary for exhibitors 20 unite so collective
oyhfbits which will bear a national char
actsr. preserving at the same time me
individuality Of tho exhibitors.
steps have been taken in this city to
have Richmond products represented al
tho exposition. and while We are not ao-
vised as TO the exact course ih@l W." o'