The sun., 1919-02-10

and trade. This staff directs and con-
troie the whole organization. The in
dividual bankers. manufacturers, indus
trial captains and merchants are minor
officers and soldiers. 1t is n powerful
organization A knowledge OF its COM
position and methods proves that the
world still has before 1t mighty stiff
fight to free itself from the German
menace.
Has Army of Emissarics.
The general staff has an army OF
emissaries which 1t sends a $ scouts and
pioheers all over the world, With pa
tie.ice and persistence these scouts study
the field and prepare the way for the
invasion.
A certain locality In a foreign country
is seen to have great possibilities \
trained commercial scout Is sent there,
well provided with funds, to investigate
The situation. After careful scrutiny he
picks out a suitable victim, generally n
prominent native merchant Overtures
are made to his firm to undertake
German agency Aiuring prospects Of
cheap goods and long credits are
dangled before his etes. local bank
is subsidized or controlled in some way
or other. The native merchant Is led to
make this bank his tinanciS agent. MI
his foreign bills OF ladlng. &c. pass
through its hands. Bills OF iading are
in duplicate at least. The banks copy
is noted and docketed or turned over
hodily to the German scout. The nature,
origin quantity and prices OF his for
eign purchases or consignments are
closely examined and complete infornra-
ton transmitted by the scout to head
uuarters at home.
German goods at lower prices are OF
fered to the merchant. Their Original
cost is OF no consequence. ANY dehclt
il made up to the shipper out OF the
stars general fund German SHIPS as
much az possible are used TO convey
these goods
Soon the time ,s ripe for a German
merchant to appear on the scene. lie
starts an independent house OF buys out
or into an established business. All the
information available through the bank
md ships controlled by the fatherland
IS at his disposal. He can feel sure.
besides, that no matter what the eN-
penses, 1t may even amount 20 a con-
siderable loss at first his personal bank
account will not suffer. The general
stars fund will supply all deficiencies.
lie can be as jolly and good natured as
he pleases. join the clubs and enter into
pearance OF prosperity and good fellow
chip
The native merchant who first acted
as German agent is sucked dry and dis
arded or is utilized "a n political asset,
according to his pliablity. German in
tiuence rs extended gradually. A Ger
man bank is established Other branches
e German trade are opened and de-
reloped in the same way.
One Typical Case.
The forsicn shipper in tie United
states or England wonders why his
trade is diminishing He ,an't believe
that his prices. his shipments. all the
details OF his business are studied and
analysed by the agents OF his COMPETE
tor. Spying. to an unprecedented de-
gree. is the forte OF the German system
knowledge is power. What Is the use
"f scruples in acquiring II?
One OF our American business houses
with a new and promising line of prod
ucts, sent an inexperienced salesman
10 large city In Brazil To his great
surprise and delight the salesman landed.
almost at once, a fine order from one
Of the biggest merchants in the city.
IN American bank had branch in
that place and OF course our salesman
Urged that II should be the fnancia
agent in the transaction. But this could
rot be managed. The merchant had his
own bank and must deal through that.
SO this point was compromised-lu
favor of the merchant. The goods were
delivered and paid for strictly as con-
traCted for.
Six months afterward the same sales
man appeared. prepared to book dupli-
,ate order. But something had happened.
\ German firm had learned all about
mat particular line had offered the
native merchant similar goods at a
much lower price. and our salesman
could not understand how his German
competitor had 20 nearly matched the
Americans product and vet cut under
his price. which, In order to start the
trade, had been made exceptionally low.
There were no further orders for the
United States manufacturer and the
,;erman trade was increased by a new
Inc.
What is the remedy? We probably
amt and won't create q general staff
for foreign commerce in the United
states. At least II We can't obtain Gov
crnmcnt aid in this work, however, we
ought not to be subject to hindrance
rom our own authorities. We can or
Ganize commercial boards and combine
~ protect our merchants and manu-
3cturers against such methods These
'odTuS can SSn0 CdpaDle american buSl-
ness scouts TO study foreign needs and
Conditions
Our American banks have already
begun to establish branches in tho
1eighborinE countries. As capital Is the
most immediate and pressing need OF
thesc undeveloped regions. IL we can
oct teamwork and cooperation among
nur banks, merchants and manufacturers
sc ought 70 get our share Of the trade
81 spite OF the German system,
We can prepare and train young In
'"lligent Americans for this fertile field
10 can equip them with the necessary
weapons and ammunition the Language
r the country, an insight into the de
Sires and aspirations OF the natives a
knowledge Of their needs, their methods.
their spirit.
All this ts fair, straightforward bust
"ess IA We know tho unfair parts ~
'he German system We can guard
against It, We can learn and practise
he good points and win CHILL So, 49,.