Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1916-11-16
ITALY EASTS GATE|
Wartime Conditions Far Less
Filled With Hardship Than
Supposed.
WELCOME TO AMERICANS

Correspondence of The Associated Press)
Milan, Italy, Nov. 20.-The explana-
tion OF the increasing number Of
American firms settling in Italy, is the
realization that Italy is the future
gateway to the Orient and to the
near east, according to Charles F.
Hauss, president OF the American
Chamber of Commerce for Italy.
Because Of its geographical posi-
ton, joining the north OF Europe to
the Orient" said Mr.. Hauss to a
correspondent Of The Associated
Press, Italy today offers better bust.
ness opportunities for Americans, in
my estimation, than South America or
the far east. 1t has fine commercial
stragetic position and its government
and people are actively aware of the
fact, and intend to push this advan-
tage of location.
Dividends Are Paid.
Wartime Italy is far more prosper.
GUS than is generally known. The re-
cent declaration of dividends showed
earnings higher even than in peace
times. It is also not generally known
that Italy bought more products in
the United States during the past year
than in any four other great coun.
tries. 1t bought over 100000, 900
worth from US, as compared to $780,
100000 in England, $50,000,00O in the
Argentine, $50000,000 in France, and
81 100000 in Switzerland. 1t is SELL
ing to us something over $4,000 900
worth year, which is about its nor
NAL yearly sales before the war.
There is going to be much more
business between Italy and the United
States, as this big fact Of its geo
graphical situation is better appre-
ciated, and when both Italy and the
United States increase their number
Of merchant ships, at present sadly
inadequate to handle the cargoes
either way. Italy has provided and
will continue to provide abundant re-
turn cargoes, such as its renowned
silks laces, furniture, alimentary
foods, wines, cheese. its beautiful
marbles, hematite iron. lead and zinc
ores, as we'll as certain other manu-.
features in which 1t excels. Before
the war, Italy was laying the ground
Tor fine national merchant marine
and right now during the, war, it is
continuing that policy. i'
Il have lived in Italy nearly eight
OF the seventeen years have been
in Europe, and can say that Italy
has the most liberal government I
have ever lived under. Its laws,
though severe, are Just and when
you get to know Italians and their
customs, you will realize what great
strides they have made In science,
industry and commerce during the
last forty years of United Italy.
Milan, with its more than 100000 in
labitants, the heart Of industrial Italy, |
las a record growth unique in mod
I'm European history. Its popula-
ion has increased fifty per cent in the |
asst ten years, due to the wealth and |
iustle OF its business men.
"All OF the American firms now in
tally to my knowledge and belief are |
'rospering. some even more than pre-
vious to the war.
tits no more difficult to organize
e separate company here than else
where, though it would be well before
citing for an American company to
lrst carefully try out the field BY ac-
ual trial Of its goods on the Italian
market. Obviously, for some kinds
i goods, a separate company is not
dyisable, as in the case Of goods
light in weight, Of small volume
nd OF a certain value, such goods
nay be sea-shipped and easily en-
cred, if the tariff is not high.
Italian tariffs are not Oppressive
nd they are always specific, never
d valorem. This, of course, means
hat the higher the value Of the mer-
handise the easier it is to export to
tally.
Italy welcomes American initia-
I've. capital and merchandise of all
:inds, especially semi-hnished pro-
ucts and raw materials.
THE war has opened Its eyes to the
atent capabilities it possessed finan-
tally as well as industrially, and it is
I