The sun., 1901-10-09
AMERICAN
PROSPERITY

review of American prosperity in almost
every branch of trade and phase of pro-
ductive industry, that is presented in the
following compilation of fact and com
ment upon the business conditions of to-
day. The reader will find in these state
ments, prepared by students of economies
and practical men of ery-day affairs,
by inventors and by railroad men, by art
lists and by merchants by men of books
and by men of iron, the reflected light of
knowledge from many varied sources.
When one speaks of the domestic in
dustries and of the commerce of the
United States, the phrase so easily ut
tered involves, when considered in its full
scope, almost every aspect of national
activity. These contributions make, there
fore. pages of current history, living and
breathing. They involve retrospect of the
pas. and they look forward, also. into
future Of waxing prosperity at home and
yet greater expAhsion of foreign mar
kets.
The reader will be impelled to direct
special attention to the wonderful tale of
the growth of the commerce of the
United States and to the causes which
have led to its increase, as well as to the
methods suggested, in legislation and i'll
the administrative functions of govern
ment, for its progressive enlargement
There is set forth in consecutive nara
tive, emphasized by statistics presented
in comparative and analytical form, the
story of the growth of that commerce, as
to exports and imports, and as to our past
and present standing in the markets of
the world.
When the lamcnted President McKin-
ley wrote the speech which he delivered
at Buffalo on the day before the assas-
sins attack shocked all civilization, he
could not have anticipated that he was
preparing farewell address to his conn
trymen. Yet, if he had been moved by
some premonition of impending fate, his
topic could not have been more fifty
chosen nor more forcibly presented. 1t
was the occasion that suggested the prin-
cipal current of his thought. He was
addressing not only his fellow citizens,
but the representatives of the other re-
publics of this continent, who enjoy the
political and sentimental protection and
brotherhood of the United States. The
craftsmanship of the most beloved of
Presidents had asserted itself to obit-
crate all sectionalism at home in united
patriotism. But his craftsmanship ought
also to promote peace and friendship
among all the nations His heart beat
with the pulse of all humanity, and his
brain was concentrated upon the good of
all tho race. All this breadth Of motive
he concentrated into that inspired in
junction: Let us ever remember that
our interest is in concord, not conflict,
and that our real eminence rests in the
victories Of peace not those of war"
1t is in this spirit that an array Of our
national triumphs in arts and industries
and glance at our commercial expansion
is herewith presented. Every patriotic
American may take pride in the retro
spcct. But the pride will not be that
which preccdes a fall, nor will it inspire
that naughty spirit which goeth before
destruction. For it was against foolish
pride and perverted spirit that the late
President warned the nation With pro
pnellc foresight ne pluHucu pOllcleS cOH-
ccrning the pace to be maintained by this
nation in the race for commercial suprcm.
acy that his successor has pledged him
self to continue unbroken. The lamenta.
BILE disaster that cut short the earthly
life of President Mckinley does not
therefore, check the onward progress Of
the nation nor interfere with the further.
ance of his plans for legislation and ad-
mnistration under President Roosevelt
Most interesting is the array of facts
and figures as to the growth and distribu
ton of our commerce, that is contributed
from the Bureau of Statistics of the
Treasury Department at Washington
They show who are our customers. They
set forth the proof that the United
States has become the greatest producer
and exporter of the world, thus taking
the position 50 long pre-empted by Grea
Britain. But they point out, also, tn,
rapidity with which our commerce ha.
grown in newer fields. 1t is true tina