New-York tribune., 1916-07-09
u. Seams $685. 100000
in Latin-AmeriCan Trade
Countries South Have Built Up Big Trade Balances
and Look Less and Less to Europe
for Their Goods

Is huNlnG again. For the nine months
TO March 81. 1916. the figure is greater
than for any full year IN the past.
For the twelve months ending June 30
our sales will be larger than they ever
have been by six or eight million
dollars
In the Central American countries,
as n group, transportation with the
United States has been better than
20 South America by very considera-
bic margin. and our business 10 these
countries as a result has grown rap
idly The demand for sugar and dye
woods has been a strong stimulant
More Ships Needed.
In the smaller countries OF South
America the recovery has been slower
than among the leaders. largely be-
cause Of the lack of ships, but in gen.
eral all the countries of the Pam
American Union are coming out from
under the shadow of the war cloud
and are reestablishinC themselves on
hotter foundations than they have had
for a good many years That our bust
ness with them would grow much faster
II we had the ships and If we were pre-
pared TO handle the trade in a con-
structive way may be asserted with con-
fidencc. and that we can obtain more
Of II If we get after II courageOusly
and systematically is beyond question.
Can we hold what we get? That de-
pcnds very largely upon us. To do it
we will have TO show more energy
than we have thus far, and the solution
of the transportation problem is un-
questionably the biggest factor in it..
In addition 10 this we must organize
our business in these countries better
and we must send out more skilful men
than We did twenty years ago. There
has been a great and very gratifying
improvement in the character of the
men who now represent us in these
countries. but we need to increase
their number very largely and we must
back them up at home.
European Competition Little Feared.
VIII we have to face food of Eu-
rOpean merchandise and cut prices af-
ter the war? The South Americans do
not think so. They are successful in
international trade and they have had
long experience in il. While there
may be temporary influx of Euro
pear goods 70 their countries, they be-
lieve the rehabilitation of Europe will
take a much longer time than Is ex-
pected. and they argue that the in
creased burdens of taxation and the
readjustment of European industry
will prove serious handicaps. They
point out that South America has a
smaller stock of goods on its shelves
:han for many years. Again, they
contend that il will be long time
before the organizations of European
business houses will be restored TO
their former efficiency in the South
- Tho hllipc have
been carving on an extremely bitter
warfare against the German houses.
The German business is. OF course, al
mostly completely disrupted and the
German organizations widely scat
tered. There is abundant evidence
that this campaign will not end with
the war South America believes that
Germany will have a very hard ROAD
to hoe in its territory for some years
to come. The anti-German sentiment
is very strong, and it is likely to cut
more of figure in future trade than
is now estimated
Aside from these facts, however, the
South Americans, as whole, are ur-
doubtedly anxious to have the beneht
of real American competition from now
on. They figure that if the merchants
of the United States come into thelr
countries stronger than ever before
South America will be greatly bene-
fitted thereby. Their attitude is un-
doubtedly more friendly than 1t ever
has been. and they are ready to do
their full share in giving encourage
ment TO US.
Look to L. s. for Capital.
South America is well satisfied that
there is little hope of obtaining more
capital for the development OF their
countries for a good many years un-
less they get il from the United States
Europe NAV be able TO contribute some
thing, but they regard aid from tne
United States as essential. win the
investment Of American capital goes
increased business. The records OF the
past twenty years show clearly the
steady expansion of business as capt.
tai has promoted development, and II
is quite apparent that with the invest
ment of our money we are sure TO get
a good share of the increased business
entirely irrespective Of European COM
petition
With all the handicaps Of the past
/ our South American business developed
/ steadily and with keener interest Now
there is no good reason why it should
not expand further and most substan-
italy. The South American thinks the
business men of the United States are
/ smart, but in his view We have STAN
peded after temporary profits IN war
/ orders and neglected TO cultivate what
should be a permanent business IN the
, southern continent if properly cared
for. He thinks the question OF our
future in South American trade IS
straight up to US right now. And 1T is.