The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-10-07
A Short Step in a Right Direction.


At the recent meeting Of the New Eng
land Cotton Manufacturer Association,
q resolution was adopted which may
prove Of importance to the cotton manu-
featuring industry of the country. After
stating that the present production of
manufactured cotton is in excess of the
home demand, the resolution instructed
the secretary Of the association to COM
muncate with the proper departments
In Washington with the view Of obtain
ing the assistance of our foreign Consuls
in securing all possible information re-
garding the cotton trade in their re-
spective fields.
This is an excellent measure, so far as
it goes. 1t is an exhibition of American
trade energy, although it appears in a
most elementary form. A Consul who
was educated for the bar, or who has had
some experience in the editorial chair Of
a rural newspaper, or who has been in
politics for a living, may obtain samples
Of the cotton goods used in his bailiwick,
and may obtain certain amount Of in
formation regarding the conditions OF
the trade. That may be of some use and
service, but it is at best crude and in
efficient method to apply to business
in which more than thousand mills turn
out $500, 100000 worth Of goods year
A far better and much more business
like plan would be for the mill owners OF
the country to subscribe fund Of say,
100000 for the purpose Of making a
thorough and competent investigation
Of the world market. That sum would
pay the salary and expenses of ten men
who know cotton goods in all that per-
tains to them-weights, weaves, patterns,
withstand all else that affects the in
dustry. 1t would engage men who
could speak Spanish In Spanish-speaking
countries, and French, German or Italian
where those tongues prevail. In year,
one man could cover the east coast OF
South America, while another covered the
west coast, another Central America
another the West Indies another Aus
tralia and New Zealand, another east
Africa, with others studying other fields
The amount thus expended for the SER
vices OF group Of alert and intelligent
men Of experience in a special line Of
business, and having general knowl-
edge of business and business methods,
should determine within a twelvemonth
the important points where cotton trade
was either possible or impossible, and
the reasons therefor.
Another method, more broadly based
than this, but vastly more promising
in It's results than the consular report
system, would lie in the engagement by
the new Department Of Commerce of a
proper number Of men of suitable mental
and personal equipment who should be
sent to foreign markets for the purpose
OF general investigation of all lines Of
possible trade opportunity, in the inter-
est OF all American manufactures, from
ploughs to hairpins, from structural
steel to breakfast foods.
This Is proper work for the Depart
ment Of Commerce. 1t can serve no
higher end, be Of no greater value in our
national life, than to act as a repository
OF general information for the benefit Of
American producers at large, whatever
their line OF production. Few American
producers or dealers have either the time
or the means for personal investigation
Of possible markets abroad. knowledge
OF those markets is matter Of important
concern for all the people, workers as
well as pfoprietors. Acquisition Of that