The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1915-07-01
of Chamber OF Commerce

The aim of a commercial organiza-
ton is, We all know, to create COM
munity interest among the citizens of
the town and county; to bring out the
different ideas of its many citizens
and. by association and cooperation,
to formulate and to execute plans for
the physical upbuilding Of the COM
munity. It's aim is broad in its scope,
and many things might be stated re-
garding it's commercial advantages;
but in this article will endeavor, to
the best of my ability, to discuss its
advantages from one standpoint on
ly-the standpoint of the worlds
markets and their effect upon Ameri-
can commerce.
We of the smaller towns feel the
effects of the fluctuations of the mar
kets of the whole world. 1t is ma
terial fact that the prices of Ameri-
can export commodities depend upon
the worlds supply and demand. The
price of the South's greatest commod-
ity, cotton, is dependent upon the de-
mands of Europe. Many belligerent
countries are dependent upon Ameri-
can consumption of potash. salts,
grain, coffees, leather. and many
other imports. Taking the worlds
markets as a whole, we see that the
prices of all commodities are based
upon the supply and consumption.
While exports of cotton are still
greatly below normal, exports of
other commodities have increased to
such an extent that America is now
a creditor nation, in place Of debtor
nation. The demand for American
goods and American credit will prob
ably call for more American indus
tries to help meet this demand. 1t is
said that the estimated value Of
American exports over imports at the
end of the year 1915 will, at the
present rate of increase, be some
thing near one-half billion dollars.
1t does seem possible, though, that
South America may be able to in
crease her exports to this country to
offset this trade balance. On the con-
trary, they have not been able to do
so in the past. Outside of fertilizers
her principal exports are coffee and
teas, corn. wheat and other grain.
AS it is, America is virtually self
supporting in grain, and her markets
for coffees, teas and sugar have not
been materially affected by the war.
American imports have had a tend
ency to decrease rather than increase.
A lack of increased imports will prob
ably call for a large demand in our
own country for these import goods.
Opportunities, therefore, for more
enterprises should naturally present
themselves. BY organized effort each
State. and even each town in the
State, can do it's part in assisting our
country in holding balance of trade
and thus secure a more commercial
independence.
The establishment and mainte-
nance of a trade balance means great
er seaport facilities; and the thing
that is important to South Carolina
now is making Charleston an import
ant seaport town. The Importance
Of Charleston as a seaport will be
known when the United States and
South America can inaugurate such
relations between themselves that
will guarantee commercial independ-
ence of Europe. 1t is said that the
financial conditions of Ecuador. Chile
and other western countries of South
America are deplorable. There must
be relief for such conditions. and the
time will inevitably come when South
America will appeal to us, and thus
pave the way for an indefinite favora-
BILE trade balance.
Coming nearer home, we readily
perceive that a greater seaport must
be maintained by large transporta
tion facilities. The advantages of ad-
ditional railroad facilities in some
sections of South Carolina should be
apparent to all. 1t is a necessary
element in maintaining this credit
trade balance that has come over US.
incident to the European war. 1t
would be a stimulus to all manufac-
turers of export goods, being saw
ing in carriage charges, storage. in
tesest on advances and all expenses