The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-12-22

sSeiheu 10 pe Qeslgned Tor the purpose
kof keeping foreign goods out of tn.
country. He urged a simplification
TO make this less formidable barrier
to trade.
He urged the establishment of a
parcel post convention with other
new world countries. He mentioned
the possibilities of such an arrange
ment and cited Cuba as an exam
pie.
Capt. W. +. donzales of Columbia.
former editor of The State and now
United States minister at Habana, Mr..
iioper said, was working hard to Sc
cure such an arrangement to improve
trade relations.
Mr.. Roper also pointed out the
need for improved parcel post and
money order service. saying that the
department was working for improve
ment. Eodies like the Southern COM
.mercial congress, he said, could do
much by campaigns of education.
Americans seeking trade in foreign
countries, Mr.. Roper said, must con-
form to the business customs and
manners of the peoples of foreign
countries whose trade they are seek
ing. He expressed the opinion thai
American exporters should study the
postal laws. He warned the export
ers against causing customers in
foreign countries to pay postage on
This, he said, cre-
ates an unfavorable impression.
America might profit, he said, by
the example of Cecil Rhodes and set
up a system of interchange of edu-
cation by which South American
youths might be educated in the
North and vice versa.
The postal department. he said,
would always strive to assist in the
of trade with South
America.
Mr.. Roper closed with a reference
to the advantages likely to arise from
the United States enlistment of the
A. b. c. powers Of South America in
settling the Mexican problem, he de-
clared would not only make for the
better trade relations, but also would
make for genuine harmony and CO.
operation In the cause Of peace under
the leadership Of "the real peace
general Of the United States, Wood
row Wilson"
The functions and work of tho de-
partment of commerce were described
by Edwin F. Sweet, assistant secre-
tary. After stating that the commerce
department costs the government
$12.00O,000 a year, he said he was not
prepared to say that the department is
of less importance than the depart
ment of war. Mr.. Sweet expressed
the opinion that the leaders in the
league for the enforcement Of peace
are on the right track" in refer
ring 70 the speeches at Il former ses-
sion.
Il can't conceive of a man who
braved peace at any price not coming
to the aid of his country, he said. 81
can't conceave of man who would
not favor war Of Defense" he added.
The speaker spoke of the determi-
nation of the commerce department
to find an outlet for American
products.
He told Of sending ten commercial
to foreign countries to
study trade relations. These men
are doing great work." he said. He
also referred to the work Of the con-
suls in promoting foreign trade.
Mr.. Sweet went into a discussion as
to why the United States was not re-
ceiving its proper share OF the for
eign trade.
Il do blame the American people
II they sit still and not do everything
possible to get merchant marine"
said Mr.. Sweet, calling attention to
discriminatory freight rates between
the United States and South America
as compared with England.
Mr.. Sweet declared that d sane pro-
gramme of preparedness was abso-
lutely necessary He thought that
auxiliary boats of the American navy
should be used in time of peace to
promote foreign trade. These auxil-
iary boats, he said. are absolutely
necessary to keep the battleships fit
for active service.
Mr.. Sweet said that the cost of op-
Grating the merchant marine was one
Of the chief obstacles and that this
problem must be solved In some way
The speaker told of how the war in