New-York tribune., 1906-06-04
45rERJc4y pROSpECTS ABROAD.

This will not be altogether pleasant sum-
mer for Americans in Europe. The effect of
the disclosures. first in regard to insurance and
then as TO beef packing methods in Chicago,
has become the theme of interest abroad as
well as at home, and the American visitor in
Europe this summer is likely TO hear remarks
about American methods and ways which will
not sOOthe his pride as an American citizen.
The exposures in regard TO insurance were bad,
but those in regard to Packingtown worse
In their effect upon European opinion of Amer
lean ways. For a time, and with superficial
observers, the tendency will be TO discredit
almost everything American. and 1t is unfortu
nately, already becoming evident that for their
own business purposes European manufacturers
and business men will seek 10 profit by this
situation.
This is. of course. unjust and to be regretted,
but il is human nature, which is much the same
whether in the Old World or the New, TO profit
bv such turns in the tide. This condition of
affairs now confronting not only Americans
abroad. but American products going abroad,
is inevitable. and it must be resolutely and hon
estly faced. not evaded Wrong business meth
ods whether in insurance or in the meat indus
try. have for years been preparing just this
trouble and the only way 10 regain and recon
quer the ground lost abroad is by an honest and
determined setting of our own house in order.
AS regards the insurance business, the work OF
the Armstrong committee, followed by the laws
recently placed upon the statute books. was
the first and necessary step toward regaining
confidence, not only abroad but even more so
at home. A similar heart searching and house
cleaning has been started as regards the beef
packing industry, and the friends of the latter,
whether in Congress or out can best serve
American interests IN general by promoting
OP ha
methods.
Old abuses. strongly intrenched, die hard,
but with public sentiment at last thoroughly
aroused. and with a President whose honesty
and aghtforwardness are known, respected
and admired everywhere, they can be corrected.
1t will not avail the packers 10 start cam
paign based upon the damage to American
business such legislation may cause. That dam
age is already done as respects the beef pack
ing interests. as shown by the objection of Eng
lsh troops in Africa TO American canned beef
and by the comments of the English and Conti-
mental press. Whatever the damage TO their in
terests or to those of the American people that
has resulted or may result from the recent dis
closures the packers themselves are responsible
for it. 1t is true that America is, and has been
in recent years, phenomenally prosperous, and
it is also true that in certain interests that
prosperity may possibly he curtailed to a con-
siderable extent in the immediate future as a
result Of disclosures made during the last year.
That must be accepted if it comes as part of the
penalty that generally follows, in the long run,
a course of wrongdoing. But adversity-even
should it come to that's not always a bad
thing. 1t is said to wear a jewel in its head,
and the greatest prosperity is not always
blessing. There is much truth and philoso-
ply in that dialogue between the devil and
Quevedo in their first interview in the lower
regions. How fares it in your world?" says
his Satanic majesty 10 the newcomer do
| prosper there| Much as usual. believe" re-
plies Quevedo. But, tell me truly. how is my
good city of Venice? Flourishing?" More
than ever Then ! am under no apprehen-
sion. All must go we'll"