The sun., 1901-10-09
OUR EXPORT TRADE.
by Congressman W. IL. DOUGLAS


ternai growth. and increased wealth and
the gradual awakening reality to the
possibilities Of export business, cannot
have been but greatly impressed by the
enormous strides which our country is
making Specially is this true in so far
as exporting to foreign countries is in
question, notwithstanding the fact that
we have worked under the very consid-
cradle disadvantages of poor banking
Iaciiities, by reason of the fact that
practically all exchange to-day between
our country and foreign countries is
done through English and German bank
ers, we having no national system of our
own The manufacturers again have
had to learn the necessities and require
ments OF foreign markets, and the absO-
lutte necessity, on their part, of having
goods continually in supply. and not
looking for export trade only when home
trade was dull, and when there was an
active demand in our own country aban-
doning for period the prompt turning
out OF the expOrtable goods.
Markets Of the world, so far as quick
transit is concerned, are far away and
our people must educate themselves up
to the necessity Of keeping patterns
which are suitable for export in stock,
and not changing their styles too fire.
Quently.
We again have had to labor under the
most serious detriment Of ALL the want
of proper freighting facilities, and espe-
chilly the fact that such facilities as are
offering are practically entirely under
the control of steamers and sailing yes
sells OF other nations. This may mean
discrimination against American goods
and payment of heavy freights, which
has naturally been to our detrimcnt.
There are, OF course, other minor obsta-
ces to contend against, one of which is
the manufacturers present system of
selling goods for home business on long
terms of credit, and yet demanding prac-
ticni1y cash for export business, although
we venture to say that during the past
twenty years the American manufac-
tnrer has lost far less taking the volume
Of business done home and abroad,
through bad debts, by dealing with the
exporters. than they have with their do
nestle customers.
Notwithstanding the circumstances
mentioned, and others which we need
not n1lude to at present, this country has
astonished the world by its ability to
turn out goods suitable for the require
ments Of foreign nations, combined with
cheapness and excellent quality, and
would state here that it is most impor-
tant that our manufacturers should APP
preciate the necessity to maintain quality
under all circumstances.
Foreign countries have undoubtedly
now recognized that we are in this field
for permanency, and all we need do is
to have a wise administratio of the
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such new ones as may be necessary by
reason of the changed trade conditions,
TO upbuild and encourage this growing
industry. The time is past when our an
nuaI immigration, large as it is, will be
sufficient to absorb the growing extra
output of our manufacturers. We. must
look abroad, and it behooves our govern
ment to use the greatest care in aiding
and fostering such trade for our welfare,
the increasing of our factories and the
continual employment of our working
men, which we all desire. at Il fair pay
ment.
We must see to it that we are given
absolutely fair treatment in all countries
abroad, so that when our merchandise
reaches any port there are no restrictive
laws which will call upon us to pay addi-
tional duties, or in any way hamper the
introduction of our goods OH less faVor-
able basis than conceded to any other ma
ton bringing goods into such port. 1t is
our clear duty to no longer continue the
national disgrace of having our goods
carried to the extent of over 80 per cent.
under foreign flags. When the whole
world is at peace we can readily obtain
steamers and sailors to do this carrying
for us, even il we pay them fair or large
returns, but should complication occur,
especially in Europe, undoubtedly large
amount of tonnage would be withdrawn,
and we should unfortunately find our
selves in the position of having to pay
extremely high rates for charter if we
would secure vessels to meet the de-
mands at all, and we would suffer ac-
cordingly. This lis probably the greatest
feature which we have to contend with
in the future, and it must be met OIL a
broad plain Of good to the whole country
when the issue is determined, and sec
tional feeling should not in any wise
enter into it.
The question of reciprocity is of course
= hroad one and can be used unuues-