Evening star., 1902-02-18
OUR PRODUCTS ABROAD
VARIETY OF SALES STEADILY
BEING ENLARGED.
Effect of a Modification Of the Tariff
on Restrictive Legislation Pend
ing in Europe.

The important document entitled, "The
Foreign Commerce of the United States in
1901 showing the pace at which this coun-
try ran during the last calendar year in the
great race for supremacy in trade in the
markets of the world, has been made public
by Mr.. Frederic Emory. chief of the bureau
of foreign commerce Of the State Depart
ment
1t is stated that the commercial reports
Of our diplomatic and consular officers last
year record continued growth in the sales
of many lines of manufactures from the
United States in foreign markets and the in
Crease of the. general concern throughout
Europe as to the possible results of our In
dustrial competition
American Novelties Popular.
Although the figures of our exports COM
piled by the Treasury Department show a
considerable falling off in the total value of
manufactured goods sent abroad, it is
stated, there seems to beea steady and un-
interrupted spread in the popularity of what
may be termed American novelties all
over Europe. BY the word novelties are
meant not only labor saving implements
and machinery to which most Europeans
are strangers, but a great variety of art-
cles of merchandise, all of which possess
distinguishing points of excellence and rela-
tive cheapness, new to Europe, which COM
mend them to purchasers there in prefer
ence to similar articles of home manufac-
ture. In other words, while the aggregate
of our exports of manufactured goods has
shrunk, the variety of our sales in Europe
is being extended and the territory upon
which they are encroaching is being steadi-
ly enlarged.
A striking example Of this is given in the
case of Austria Hungary. The country
originated the idea Of European combina-
nd fhara
Notwithstanding the hostility of the indus
trial classes is most pronounced imports
from the United States are increasing rap
idly. The United States again heads the
list of countries selling to Germany and is
causing the economists Of that great nation
much concern. Indeed, it is pointed out,
this same concern is felt in France, Great
Britain, Belgium Switzerland and the
other highly developed manufa curing
countries of Europe
Exporting Where We Imported.
1t is shown to be fact and surprising
one that we are now supplying European
nations with goods which have for years
been distinctive of the countries them
selves and which we used to import from
them We export silk to France. tinplate
to Wales. cottons to England and our Cali
| fornia fruit is making such headway in
Spain as to provoke the query In Spanish
| newspaper Shall we live to see American
In Belgium more American goods are being
consumed than ever before.
Due to Business Depression Abroad.
The falling off in American exports is at
tributed, not to the goods being in less
favor, but rather to business depression in
| Europe affecting the purchasing power.
The treasury figures show that during the
calendar year there was falling off of
ST., 500, 1874, compared with the previous
wear manufactures falling off $40 262, ,912,
but being offset by gain in agricultural
exports Of $50, sol ,O77. Mr.. Emory says it
is evident that 1.-The American invasion"
of Europe has ceased for the time being to
be Of that sweeping character that distin-
guished 1t at first as an economic phenom-
ena He recalls what was said In the Re-
view a year ago Of the danger OF more
strenuous European competition, and the
use of new processes and our own models
of machinery, but he says that Europe has
no, made any sensible progress in that
direction.
Effect Of Reciprocity.
As to restrictive legislation, pending
measures in Europe may be abandoned II
the United States modifies its tariff policy
and permits more imports from Europe.
AS factors making in our favor. the Re-
view points TO alleged obstruction by Brit
| ish labor, which increases our trade op-
portun.ties; to the combination of labor and
capital here, as shown at the recent con-
ference of employers and employees in New
York, and to the fact that our competitive
energy Is SO far bu: partly developed. II
is stated that American workmen general
! ly, instead of seeking TO limit output, strive
to cheaper 1t, and they find their reward
| In the cheapening OF production, which en-
ables US to. compete In foreign markets
| and keep our factories epsa al the xsar