Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-28
MANUFACTURES IN THE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Advantages Offered and What Is Needed to
Boom Things Along.

g. 8
ssssMasseaassssasMsssahsesss6sass
it was first published. because it has re-
ceiyed the sanction of many individuals
who have considered it. and the press of the
country has favorably commented upon 1t.
believe this great park is suitable place
for such buildings. not only because the
government can provide the necessary iano'
one acre for each building. without ex-
pense as acres out of a vast tract OF 2.OoOI,
but because they would adorn and improve
the park. attract people not only for pleas
ure and recreation. but for enlightenment;
,, aid in the acquisition of knowledge, and
thus advance the trade, commerce, manu-
featuring and business interests or our
country. If we can construct PUBIC Duilu-
ings in the small parks of the old city, why
not construct them in this vast park OF the
new and greater Washington? If, now
ever it be thought that the beauty or TINS
large tract would be seriously damaged by
the use of forty-five acres out of the 2OOo
acres "a suggestion with which l am not In
sympathy, then this objection can pc
easily overcome by placing the state build
ings on other ground; for there Is plenty
of land to be had in the District at a rea-
sonable price Let us, therefore, secure
forty-fiye acres within the limits OF the
District of Columbia and have here a per-
petual exhibit at the cost and expense Oh
each state.
The use of so small a portion of this ex-
tensive park for building purposes would
seem to be trivial as compared With the
policy of the government with reference TO
our city parks (Which ! deplore), because
we find that much. of the limited space
available therein for recreation and pleas
ure where the population is dense, has peen
used for public buildings, simply because
those charged with the administration OF
public affairs are not disposed to purchase
land sufficient for the purpose elsewhere.
This is greatly to be regretted re1er 10
the Carnegie Library in Mount Vernon
Square, the city hall and pension ONCE
in Judiciary Square and several buildings
proposed to be constructed In the Mail on
low, swampy land. where thousands of dol
lars will have to be spent to secure suit
able foundation.
Advancing Exports.
Your second question
What general plan of advancing the ex-
ports of the United States would you pre-
fer?'
is answered, in part as follows:
The consular service is not only recog-
nized as being of great advantage to our
merchants and manufacturers. but 1t IS
unquestionably a great educational factor,
furnishing Information from all parts of the
world concerning business necessities of the
people and their advancement in civiliza-
ton generally. Men to fill consular posi-
lions should be selected with great care
and because of their peculiar fitness and
qualifications, and not because of political
considerations. They should know the lam
guage of the people of the country to which
they are sent, and they should be educated
along lines calculated to qualify them for
the important positions they are called upon
to fill.
We ought to have another pan-American
Na got ,nF,di n CI in.
creasing our trade with South America as
with other sections of the world. The fol-
lowing statistics will show the relative con-
ditons of our trade with that section for
the last five years. to wit.
1900 ea e.. sos sss74 sssss7ss 81. "a eoe
1 IsSs i9s - s5Ss?sss g e. go IS IS
Our tariff should be revised; the cost of
living to the people of the United States
is becoming too great. We are paying too
much for many of the necessaries of life.
Congress should create a non-partiSan and
impartial tariff commission, whose duty 1t
should be to consider this highly important
question, involving as 1t does the entire
business of the country and the welfare of
the people. 1t should not be a question of
party politics-high tariff as advocated by
one political party or low tariff as ad-
vocated by the other. 1t is an important
business proposition which should be con-
sdered by a competent commission and
judiciously acted upon by Congress regard
less of party effect 1t is a technical and
intricate question, involving the necessity
for serious and careful consideration by
men well versed and competent for the
business.
Should Call Convention.
AS to your third question:
Would it be advisable, In view of our
foreign opportunities, to call general con-
venton of commercial and manufacturing
associations to consider ways and means
of developing our manufacturing interest
abroad?
l say yes. Great advantage can surely be
gained by such a meeting, at which de-
bates, conversation and general considera-
ton of commerce, business and trade may
be had and committees may be formed to
carefully examine, consider and report upon
such questions as need investigation. Be-
ing convinced that no small benefit and ad-
vantage would come from such a conven-
ton of business men. to consider BUSH
ness interests, under the auspices of your
department, i am of the opinion and VEN
ture the suggestion that such a convention
should be held in Washington annually, so
that these important questions could be
considered and reports of committees re-
ceived and discussed. Respectfully,
LOUIS p. SHOEMAKER.