The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-12-04
OBSTACLES TO TRADE.
Barriers Created by American Manu.
 lecturers.

Consul Halstead of Birmingham, England, furnishes a report in which he describes obstacles that are cre- ated by manufacturers and merchants in this country in efforts that are made by merchants in England to place or- ders. The Consul's report Is based on statement made to him by Bir- mingham merchant. who subsequently, expressed his views in writing on this subject, The merchant declared, that his firm had recently been trying to eS- tend their operations In this country. and that overlures to that end hao been met by many American manufac- turers in manner that was not at all encouraging, and in few cases bor- dered on discourtesy. The hrm,. It IS explained, has established satisfactory relations with number Of united States manufacturers, but when 1t de- sire to take up a new article. difficult ties arc likely to arise. The. consul quotes the Birmingham merchant as follows:
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 The vast majority do not seem to have any understanding for the exigen- cies of the export trade at all and seem particularly to be quite incapable or comprehending that terms. which may be quite logical between two firms Tn the same city are unwrkable under the alternal circumstances. Either they refuse to do business at all or they present terms which are unacceptable. Some of them wish to attach sight drafts to the bill of lading. which means a heavy loss in exchange, apart from the fact that we. in common with many firms of standing in this coun- try. do mt wish to have drafts levied on use at all. When 1t is a question of large sums and for transactions or metal, etc, this may pass but for gen eral lines of goods and smaller amounts 1t is quite out the question. Other firms suggest cash with the order, which means that we should have to intrust them with cash two. three or even four months before we get the in voice and documents for the goods. Yet again, others a trifle more accom- modating, appear willing to accept our terms, but state that they will not al- low the cash terms they give on the other side unless they receive payment within ten days of dispatch.
 On the the one hand we can not at- ford to lose the per cent for cash. but on the other hand 1t Is impossible to comply with such a request, unless we keep funds lying idle in New York for the special purpose of paying our invoices there. Even if we did so, it would mean an extra commission be- sideh the loss of a good deal of inter- est When, however. firms have proved themselves reasonable enough to sug- gest the latter alternative they usual iy end by being amenable to argument and. as a rule. after the exchenge of a few letters to make them see that we are in earnest and wi!l not do what they want, they give way. It is, how ever, a pity that there is so much cor respondence necessary. 10 obtain what ought to be granted without delay. and of course this attitude of the greater portion of the American manufactur- crs we have had to deal with does not make us eager to extend our relations with them, and is decidedly discourag- ing when comparied with tho replies We get to similar inquiries addressed to other foreign countries.