The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1914-09-12
FIELD FOR UNITED
STATES TO TRADE
IN SOUTH AMERICA
Walter Bates Sees Golden
Opportunity for Business
Relates Exciting Expert
ences on Return Trip.

That there is great field of op-
portunity for American commerce in
the countries of South America is the
opinion of Walter Bates, travelling
salesman for the American Seeding
Machine company, who returned to
this city this morning after a six
months business trip through that
country.
"Americans are beginning to realize
the possibilities of the republics of
the south continent" said Mr. Bates.
Heretofore IS per cent of the COM
merce in South American has been
done with England. The war will have
have an effect on this, and conse-
quently the United States has golden
opportunity.
"The National City bank of New
York is now organizing banking insti-
tutions in Buenos Aires, Rio de ia
Metro and St. Paulo. This will greatly
relieve the financial stress of these
districts. l understand the banks are
only waiting in order to be able to
secure the most efficient native man
ayers.
Need Direct Banking.
| "The greatest need of American
commerce in South America is that OF
banking connection with the United
States banks. Heretofore the business
has to be cleared through the banks Of
England, and consequently favor was
shown to England.
another reason for the greater Op
portunity of the United States in
South America is the effect of the
A. B. C. treaties. This has brought 6
friendly feeling toward the United
States" said Mr.. Bates.
On his return to this country, Mr.
Bates went through the most exciting
experience of any of the Richmond
people who have been caught in for
eign countries during the war. The
steamer Vestris, an English ship, OF
which Mr.. Bates sailed from Buenos
Aires required thirty-six days to make
the trip to New York. The regular
time for this trip is twenty-one days
The ship was constantly in danger O.
being seized by hostile ships and the
greatest precaution was taken to pre-
vent capture.
Under British Fire.
On one day while sailing in the opeI
sea, the steamer was overtaken by {
British cruiser at night, which mistak
ing the "Vestris" for a German ship
opened fire One of the shots wen
over the bow.
Many of the passengers became hys
terical and pandemOnium reigned OF
board for while. Because of THU
fear of being captured and taken pris
oner by German ships, every precau
ton was taken by the Vestris' crew
! They sailed without lights at night.
I'VE went through almost thirty
six nights of suspense" said MY
Bates. Many of the women became
hysterical. Most of the passengers re
NAMED in their cabins all day. W.
passed three German cruisers patrol
ing the east coast of South America
Our ship did not take it's regula
course but took every precaution t.
keep away from hostile ships. W.
would sail in port by day and sneal
out at night.
I'VE were overhauled at Monmouth
by another British ship. The officer
came on board and took a large mum
Der of German stewards and hel,
them as prisoners" Mr.. Bates relates
cat the Barbados Islands, the British
have over 200 German prisoner
whom they have captured on the higl
, seas. Our ship stopped at this place
"At Pernambuco our ship took o.
: 80 marooned passengers. These pee
pie had been brought here on Germa,
ships which had been captured by tn
, English said Mr.. Bates.
In spite of the long trip, the pro
: visions held out. Every day some ne,
: thrill presented itself.