Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-06
TO EXTEND FOREIGN TRADE.
Proposed Deposit Of Manufacturers
Lists With Consuls.

Mr.. n. e. Barnes, representing manufac-
turers Of the United States in their nght
to extend foreign commerce, had an inter-
view with Secretary Root at the State De-
partment yesterday Secretary Root as
s,rred Mr. Barnes that the manufacturers
Of the United States would have whatever
aid and support 1t was possible to give
them through instructions to consuls
Speaking for the manufacturers. Mr.
Barnes desires to have permission granted
to each one of the 4s7 American consuls to
set aside a part of the consulates for use
as a library. which would contain complete
lists of leading manufacturers here and
which information could be given to buyers
IN foreign ports.
with the aid Of the State Department
in the extension of our commerce abroad,
said Mr.. Barnes at the Ebbitt last night to
export trade to three billion a year over
the one and a half billions reached last
year. Methods which a large number or
manufacturers have followed in distribute
ing circulars have proved unwise. Con-
suls and buyers are unanimous In condemn
ing the folly of sending circulars and cata-
logues to foreign countries where English
is not generally spoken or unders tood. Clr.
cuars are unintelligible to foreigners. IL
Is proposed to print in five different IAN
guages lists of manufacturers, thereby ia
ciltating the relations between the foreign
buyer and the bona fide maker In our own
country.
Our movement for the extension of for
eign commerce started two years ago. In
personal talks which / have had with near
iy all of our consuls it readily seen
that they are in hearty sympathy with
this as they would be with any proposition
for opening up foreign trade. ConsulS
everywhere say that as representatives or
this great nation abroad they should be
equipped with this information.
Mr. Barnes further said that reliable in
formation furnished by the consuls to prob
able buyers of American goods would have
at once vital effect in strengthening our
foreign commerce. 1t Is the absolute maker
with whom the buyer wishes to get in
touch. for he is shrewd enough to see that
there is a saving of from 2 to Is per cent
in the cost of goods.
IF we as a great nation" he continued,
wish to get trade away from foreign COM
petitors by giving the buyer bottom rock
perative that we should fight with the right
weapon. Our present methods are akin
to going to war without ammunition. Our
production, 1t is well established, Is far
greater than our home consumption. I'm
less look to foreign markets for the
disposition of our products will have to
close our factories The whole world real
we must recognize that American com.
merce is today suffering in consequence of
the inability of our consulS to supply the
information they are daily called upon to
furnish regarding our leading manufac-
turers"
Mr.. Barnes believes that upon the wise
conduct Of our manufa cturers depends our
foreign trade; that trade which is not So
licited today cannot be obtained tomorrow,
and that In every quarter of the globe we
are confronted by vigilant rivals ready TO
profit by our laxity or impromptitude.