Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-08-15
GREAT CHANGE IN
SOUTH AMERICA
American Business Men and
Manufacturer Have oppor-
tunities to Get Trade.
FOREIGN NATIONS LOSE
Imports. Exports, Shipping and Loans
All Open Lines for Ameri-
can Enterprise.

The European war has developed
such a critical situation in South
America that Director General John
Barrett OF the Pan American Union.
IN his capacity as Al International Of
ncer-that is. an Officer Of all the
South American countries as well as OF
the United States-makes the follow
ing urgent appeal to the commercial
and financial interests OF the United
States.
As the executive officer OF the Pan
American Union. the organization of
the American republics devoted 10 the
development Of commerce, friendship,
intercourse and good viii among them
ali. ! appeal TO the banking, shipping,
manufacturing. exporting and import
ing interests of the United States 10
give at this moment every possible
aid and attention TO the critical South
American situation brought on by the
European war. l also ask the news
papers, in both their editorial and
news columns. to give al publicity
possible 70 this matter SO shat their
constituents interested in Ibis situa-
ton may be informed OF their respon-
sibiIity and opportunity.
While everybody must profoundly
regret that a condition OF war and the
sufferings of European nations engaged
in a great conflict should in any way
be exploited for the selfish gain OF the
United States. its business interests
have a duty and responsibility in this
crisis 9.lich must be met even If II
may bring them vast material benefits.
10 n thor
oughly unselfsh way, il presents de-
mands upon the United States from
South America which can not be neg
lected. but which. II responded TO in
the right spirit, will be enormously
beneficial TO South America and the
United States alike. The problem d.
vides itself into four heads-imports.
exports. ships, and loans.
South American Imports.
All South America IS an enormous
producer Of the manufactured products
of Europe. \ large portion Of this
supply will be shut of during the next
six months and possibly during the
next pear or two If the war continues.
AS many South American countries de-
pend largely upon Europe for its alb
OF these orders are placed but a short
time ahead because Of the excellence
OF the regular shipping facilities, they
are now face 10 face with an immediate
famine in the articles which they most
generally import. According to the
latest available figures collated in the
Pan American Union, the 10 South
American countries-Argentina DO
uvia. Brazil. Chile. Colombia, Ecuador.
Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Vene-
zusla-annually import products val
ued at 1851. 600, 600. Of this there come
from Europe products valued close to
$3.50. 900 900. While Great Britain sup
plies products of this total 20 the value
OF approximately s2T3.OOO,0 900, Ger
many. which is completely cut OF bf
the war. supplies $4,000, 600: France.
ss4. 900, 900: Italy, 100000; Bel
GUM. 100000: Austria-Hungary.
100000 Netherlands. 100000;
Switzerland. 100000. and other Eur
opean countries lesser sums. For com
parison. f. can be stated that the aver
age imports from the United States OF
theEs ten countries of South America
amount 10 approximately s155, 100000.
Bearing the fact in mind that the COM
me-cial relationship OF South America
and Europe has been so well organized
and systematized THAI - per cent of
these imports are only ordered about
a month or two months ahead of their