Milford chronicle., 1905-04-28
Extended Foreign Markets for Ameri'
can Products.


The proposition to exploit American pro.
ducts in the markets Of the world through q
duly accredited odiclal commission, which
shall visit various countries, is one which, in
the opinion Of the Sentry, possesses great
merit, and Is worthy Of serious considera'
tiOu.
We are not without the encouragement Of
precedents along this line. Our government
has advertised its industrial achievements
many times at the worlds fairs aad exposi-
tions. These exhibits are due not alone to
national pride, but their principal object has
always avowedly been to secure new markets
for our rapidly increasing variety Of agricul-
tural and manufactured products.
Cities and towns as well as different states
have continuously exploited their opportu-
mites and advantages, not only by expensive
exhibits at expOsitions, but by paid agents,
who have travelled at the public expense with
profitable results. individuals engaged in
business spend millions Of dollars annually
in advertising their wares to customers and
consumers, not only in the home market
but through all civilized nations. They also
send commercial travellers to foreign parts
70 introduce and make sales Of their various
products.
The National Government maintains con-
suls and commercial agents in the leading cit
les OF all the countries Of the world, for the
special purpose of ascertaining the demand
for American goods and stimulating the trade
therein. The official reports made by the
representatives are among the most valuable
publications OF the country, and have helped
amazingly in extending our export trade to
all foreign markets.
1t will thus be seen that the bill introduced
in Congress for Especial cOmmissiont to carry
on still further, more systematically, ,and,it Is
believed more efficiently this work Of exploit
ing and advertising American productive
enterprise is merely following beaten paths.
Some will oritcise this proposal as 'junket-
ing" but there is unquestioBably a serious
purpose back gift aRd It can be carried out
in good faith II properly organized and placed
IN the right hands.
The bill referred to, which will no doubt be
again pressed at the next session, promises to
advertise our wares, not so much by dis
play OF samples as by talking directly to
dealers and producers in foreign countries,
and telling them about our methods Of man
ufacture and the superior quality of the |
goods we offer for sale. Properly handled,
such q movement must necessarily result in /
great gain to our export trade. We believe |
we have the goods to offer, but the demand |
for them can be vastly stimulated by having |
foreign dealers and consumers better under |
stand their merits.
One instance OF what has been accomplished /
by an inexpensive effort along this channel 1
may be mentioned. Within a few years prl- /
vate and state enterprise has sent several ex-
to various European countries, to I
to the people the value Of Indian I
corn as an article Of food.
A tangible result is seen in the fact that our |
exports OF this cereal grew from sO,OOO,OOO I
bushels in 1891 TO 2O9.OOOOOO bushels in 1900
European countries taking 95 per cert Of the I
total export. Il Is now stated that more corn !
Is used In Belgium and Ireland for human .
Bood than is used by the people OF the United 4
states.
This successful achievement is certainly
m encouragement TO further experiments In
he same direction. The United States may
low be producing an enormous surplus OF
.ereals, cotton and manufactured wares, but
he people OF other countries would not know
4 this fact or avail themselves oft, unless we
ive them information.
A properly chosen commission would india
rip round the world with this business in
sew not a mere pleasure excursion, but filled
nth hard work and highly responsible duties.
he scope OF its labors would bring It into