Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-10-13

that at last the people of the United
States are measuring them and their
countries at their full value.
THE sum and substance OF the
whole situation Is that unless the
United States at this moment takes
advantage OF this Pan-American oppor-
tunity and meets this Pan-American
responsibility. II will at the end OF the
war find that Il has become a laggard
where It should have become a lead
er among the nations of the world.
Nothing could be more unfortunate
than that the people of the United
States should look upon Latin-Am-
erican as a field alone of profit. They
must also look upon Latin America as
a field which they can help. with which
they can work as well as for the fu-
ture prosperity of the United States. II
the Latin American countries and peo-
pies realize that this is the attitude
OF the United States and its people we
will soon enter upon an unprecedented
era of both Pan-American commerce
and comfy.
Before going further I must sound
word of caution. Nothing could be
more unfortunate than that host of
, American manufacturers. business ag-
ents and statesmen should rush 10 Lat
in American today with the expecta-
ton of finding an Ell Dorado or a gold
mine of trade. a greater portion of
Latin America is suffering. not by its
own fault, but as a result of the war,
from a financial depression and mon
ey stringency which naturally inter
feres greatly with its buying capacity.
&c nnmUunrnfaI
been disturbed to the very foundations
by the European war and il must take
some time for these relations to be re-
adjusted before the commercial inter
ests of that part of the world can con-
duct the commerce with the United
States which they otherwise would.
If. on the other hand, American bust
ness men will visit Latin America now
for the purpose of studying the field, OF
mastering the conditions OF demand
and supply and of competition. and OF
acquainting themselves with the char
acteristics of the people and what may
be called the commercial environment.
they will put themselves in a position
of extraordinary strength TO build up
great commercial exchange when the
war is over and peace has come.
Want Market For Raw Products.
While Latin America must have in
large quantities the manufactured pro-
ducts OF the United States and al
though they are now buying them in
remarkable quantities in view of the
war depression, they are still in need
of market for their raw products and
of credits to be allowed them by the
exporting interests of the United
States. 1t might be said that the chief
problem of the hour in Latin America
is that of credits. Fortunately, banks |
representing United States capital are
now being established in several of the
principal commercial centers of Latin |
America. which will be great help to
the exporters and importers of the |
United States, especially in solving |
the question of credits. But it will take |
some time for these banks to get into
working order. If they had established |
themselves some years ago as l repeat |
eddy urged them to do the United |
States would be in a far better posi- !
ton at the present hour to take legiti- |
mate advantage of the present COM |
mercial opportunity in Latin Ameri- !
ca
When you ask me what is the best !
thing to do under the present circum |
stances, / have TO make q few sugges- |
tions. In the first place, 1t is highly ad- |
visable, if a firm can afford il, to send |
a trustworthy representative to inves- !
tigate thoroughly the situation, estab-
fish connections, and wherever posi- /
bic to sell TO responsible Latin Ameri-
can buyers on a reasonable credit. AS,
however, many firms cannot afford
this expense, IL is advisable that a |
of them should combine and
send a man who will look after their
varied interest. arranging sales If pos
sible of their products and at least Civ
ing them data and reports which will
be of value for the future. Where how
ever. il is not possible under any con-
ditions to send a man. resort should be
made TO manufacturers agents and re-
sponsible commission houses in the
principal exporting centers of the Unit
ed States, for oftentimes a large bust
ness is built up through their assis-
lance in view OF their intimate know
ledge of the field. The manufacturer
who has not become acquainted with
the Latin American trade opportunity
can secure abundant data with COM
parative ease through not only the
union in Washington,
but the Bureau Of Foreign and Dom
astic Commerce, of the Department OF
Commerce. The United States Cham
per OF Commerce In Washington also
s doing everything IL can TO provide
business men with needed Information.
local western organizations, moreover :
such as the Chicago Association of |
Commerce. and the Illinois Manufac- ,
urers Association. the Business Mems 1
league OF ST. Louis. gladly provide .
iata on this great subject. As you may '
De aware. however, there has recently I
1een established, with headquarters {
n New York City. the National For J
ign Trade Council. representing the I
whole country. which is giving par I
ocular attention TO the Latin Ameri- !
an field
Plenty of Vessels. {
"Af this mint 81 me dfgnnza NJ a |