The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-11-28

America, the Far East. AUSTRALIA
South Africa and similar markets.
Our campaign of commercial pre-
%paredness should consider seriously
the problem of putting ourselves on
at least an equal footing with Ger
many and England for the entry OF
these markets.
1t is significant that American
manufacturers are already beginning
To ask for an increase in tarin to
protect them against foreign COM
petition in our home market II
European countries begin 10 discrimi-
nate against ms We may have to re-
taliate. This is only turn about. II,
however. our home manufacturers
are not going to be able 10 hold the
home market they will not be in
shape to win the foreign market. We
must see 10 1t hat u raw ma
terials are as cheap as those abroad
and hat our God Is as cheap. We
| must also see to il that our manu-
facturers are not given such an ad-
vantage in the home market at the
expense of the that they
do not have to max "A determined
effort to win a profit in the foreign
market.
Where We ought to centre our at
tention is not so much on how to
save our HON. market AS on how to
win the foreign market. Plenty OF
pressure will be brought TO save the
home market provided there IL dis
tress in certain lines Of manufactur
ing. We can meet an emergency
when II arises. What we ought to
do is 10 make It possible for our
manufacturer to market his goods
TO advantage abroad. Instead OF
staying at home and trying to pro-
tect what We have II II time for US
to take our chance In international
trade and risk something on a profit.
able market for the future.
There ia very little doubt that We
are at present and have been for year.
at a serious disadvantage in marketing
merchandise In neutral markets. These
disadvantages may be summarized as
follows: !. Financial disadvantages
2. Shipping disadvantages. 8. Market
ing disadvantages. 4. Selling disadvan'
tages.
Financial disadvantages are II
process Of correction. We are nov
securing more direct exchange. Thu
extra commission which W. have Il
pay for exchange through London Il
slowly being abolished. American
banks which have already been estab
lished In South America and which
will be established all over the worlc
vii. also put us On an equal footing al
regards credit information. Loans L
foreign countries are also now beinI
made.
Money In cheaper here than II
Europe and we may expect to max
more loans to South American Oin
tries. Loans are a great source o
orders. II is very encouraging L
recognize that steady improvement 1
being made along financial lines in tn
direction of putting US on an equa
footing with Germany and England
In promoting these ways of financin
great credit is due to the enterpris
of certain American concerns In Wa
; Street which are leading In this worl
Our shipping disadvantages hav
: been due to two things: First, "
have few lines Of subsidized steamer
sailing.to distant markets, Second, W
have had relatively small commerce I
l these markets to provide cargo o
these routes. During the war on
i shipping connections have n Il few In
!, stances been improved. A direct Lint
= for example, has been established I
. Java.
In the main. however, We have mad
1 little Roadway In securing better sci
vice to the Far East. Australia an
!, South America. The la Toilette sea
mems bill, although well intentione
In 10 far as It attempted to protet
the American sailor, has ~undoubted.
4 added to the expense Of operatin
American steamers. II We n
secure shipping connections undo
y existing laws It IL going to cost us
!, large amount. The Administration hs
q been willing to step into the breach b
means of Government owned vessel
This policy has not met With suppol
a on the part of many business men b.
cause thoy feel that It merely gloss,