The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1912-04-10
PROMOTING HOME COMMERCE
Confidential Circulars Sent to Manu-
facturers by tho Bureau of
Manufacturers


facturers by tho Bureau of
Manufacturers
WASHINGTON. D. c., April o.
More than hundred confidential cir
culars and bulletins were sent to
manufacturers during the past year by
the bureau of manufacturers, depart
ment of commerce and labor, in pur-
suance of its work of promoting COM
merce at home and abroad.
Many reports to the bureau from it's
commercial agents abroad and from
other foreign sources contain valuable
information which, if followed up i'm
mediately will, in many cases, result
in the sale of goods or in obtaining
foreign contracts or concessions by
American business firms.
These are sent to concerns inter-
ested in the form of confidential cir
culars and bulletins, with the injunc-
ton that the information therein is
not to be given publicity. They have a
wide scope and relate to many sub
jects, including machinery of all kinds,
motor boats, electrical appliances,
railway equipment and supplies, hard
Foreign Plans and Specifications
Frequently plans and specifications
for private and public works in for
eign countries are received. The bu-
reau promptly notifies those who may
be interested, through the medium of
"a foreign trade opportunity" notice,
or confidential circular, advising
themof the receipt of the plans and
specifications and placing these at
their disposal.
The plans and specifications in
many cases are loaned in the order of
application Sometime, however, it is
deemed advisable to forward them to
trade organizations centrally located,
notifying those likely to be interested
of this action, In order that the docu-
ments may be inspected with the least
possible delay Many letters have
been received from firms in this coun-
try stating that as IA result of this in
formation contracts have been obtain
ed and initial orders placed which
have resulted in the esta blishment of
permanent business relations. The
facts furnished by the bureau in this
way materially assist the American
business man to invade new markets,
and when the initial order is placed it
is generally possible to hold and in
crease business provided the oppor-
tunity is handled promptly and intelli-
gently.
Special Trade Monographs
Still another method of dissemin-
ating information is through the pub
10 Of al he q
trade conditions in foreign countries
with respect to special products or in
dividual countries. These monogra phs
are compiled from the reports of for
eign government representatives OF
contain the results of the investiga-
lions of the commercial agents. The
bureau frequently requests various
manufacturers making the same line
| of goods to submit to it lists of in
| terrogatories such as, in their opinion
will elicit the information desired by
them relative to the trade condition in
| foreign countries with regard to the
special line treated of. These interrog-
atories are used as a basis in request
| ing consular officers, of whom there
are some $50. to investigate and sub
question. The reports when received
are edited, compiled and published in
| a special monograph.
| These officials are now sending ir
reports on Investigations regarding
saw mill and wood working machin.
cry, adding and calculating machines
musical instruments, automobiles anG
motor trucks, news and trade papers
and terms of credit
| Samples for Inspection
Frequently the commercial agent.
accompany their reports to the bureau
of manufactures with samples. An.
lnouncement is made of the receipt o.
such samples and they are loaned up.
on application to firms and individual!
interested. Many of these samples
are valuable to manufacturer ant
merchants. For instance, CONNER
cial agent will accompany his repor
on boots and shoes with a line o.
samples of these sold in the country
to which his report pertains. These
samples materially aid those interest
| ed in determining just what class o
| goods must be manufactured oil
handled in order that market en-
Ijoyed by a foreign competitor may bt
invaded with success.
| There are several other publication!
issued by the bureau. The World
| Trade Directory is one. 1t contain.
the names of approximately 25,0O(
individuals and firms located in for
eign countries engaged In the impor
trade or who are prepared to engag,
in that trade. These names are classi
fed by countries and lines of trade
The Instructions requiring commercial
lagents TO furnish the names provided
! that the utmist care should be oh
| served in submitting the lists in ordel
! that the directory would he a valuabl,
adjunct to the facilities OF those in
! terested in trade with foreign coun
tries.
4 In all, the bureau has publishe,
over $50 volumes and monographs
and is constantly adding to them
These constitute valuable CONNER
cial and reference library for any arm