East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1919-12-31
CARRANzA HOLDS ROAD
OF TRADE OVER BORDER
BY RALPH H. TURNER

Omitted Press Staff Correspondent
LAREDO, Tex, Dec. 31.-Trade
figures and present business conditi-
ons, according to Americans in Lare-
do argue that in at least one district
of Mexico Carranza Is in control.
They refer to the territory along the
Mexican National Railway line which
operates between Laredo and Mexico
City. Shipments going south from
here do not meet the slightest diff
Guilty, the merchants here declare.
Bandits and disorders. they say. are
practically non-existent along the line
to the Mexican capital.
The customs collector here substan-
tiates the impression, gained by An in
Ivestigator, that American trade with
Mexico through this district is in a
prosperous condition.
The United States is buying from
Mexico today productS that range
from gold and silver bullion to pecans
and parrots. To satisfy the demands
of American bird fanciers 1,S14 par
rots, ready for instruction in any ver-
nacular, were shipped through this
port in the three months ending Sep
ltember 80. Hides, fibre, cattle and
rugs are other imports American mer-
chants are buying today in large
quantities.
Someone back in the States start
ed series of art exhibits a few
months ago, with Mexican pottery as
the chief object of art. The result to-
day is that Mexican pottery is on the
boom. There was basket shortage
in the United States. An appeal to
Mexico followed. Now two or three
cars of baskets pass through here
weekly, bound for the American con-
sumner.
Chief among the American exports
to the country ION the other side" are
hardware, agricultural machinery and
lumber. The Mexican government, to
promote modern culture of the soil.
has placed several orders for tractors.
These orders have gone to American
manufacturers.
Figures may be boresome, but they
speak forcefully of American trade
trade with Mexico. In the fiscal year
which ended last June merchandise
with a value of $22.S33.393 was ship
ped through here across the Rio
|Grande. This amount represents II
per cent of the total exports handled
Through the 23d customs district.
which comprises Laredo, Eagle Pass.
Brownsville, Del Rio and few minor
points.
In July and August, this year, the
exports through Laredo totaled $3,-
399,373, an increase of S.S per cent
over the corresponding months or
1918. So
But while these shipments are going
into Mexico unhindered, it is pointed
out that Laredo's growth in Mexican
commerce is partly due to the unset
tied conditions in Chihuahua, Goods
which normally would have been sent
south from Ell Paso are now directed
through this point
And while American merchants are
shipping a volume of goods to Mexico,
they are demanding as rule. cash
payments In the old days credits
were extended. &C. o. d. is one mark
left by the turmoil of revolution.
Another difficulty encountered to-
day is that of rolling stock. Amer
ican and Mexican cars do not cross
the border with the freedom Of the
past. American cars are not allowed
to move into Mexico unless bond is
given by the shipper. The bond is
required whether the cars are merely
crossing the Rio Grande for transfer
Of a load, or whether they are intend
ed for passage into the interior OF
Mexico. The Mexican national lines. |
because of their shortage of equip
ment, do not permit their cars to go
north on American roads.