Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1921-01-02
Even as the farmers and other
producers are complaining that it is
the midd e .
Big Profits Have Gone men VINO ses
To Foreign Nations Of the high

To Foreign Nations of the high
cost-of living between the prices paid
for crops on the farm and the almost
prohibitive charges the consumer
must pay, so also in foreign trade
the United States business men are
beginning to realize that Germany.
Great Britain and other nations that
have acted as middlemen have been
getting not only good profits. but
have been Sble to WELD an unfair ad-
vantage in commercial competition.
Direct financial and commercial re-
lations are believed by the wise
men" following the trade star that
leads to a new era in American COM
merce to be absolutely essential for
successful competition in certain or
the most promising markets OF the
world. In order to have economically
efficient direct dealings a thorough
of these markets by the
American exporter. importer and
manufacturer Is prerequisite.
Russia is timely and an excellent
illustration of this, although the same
general principle applies to prac-
ticalIv ali the markets of the world.
The United States is probably less
familiar with Russia than any OF It's
competitors and conducted very little
direct trade with that country prior
to the war. The goods that were ex-
ported from the United States were
sent through Intermediary countries,
such as Germany and England. The
experts in the bureau of foreign ana
domestic commerce, after intensive
study and survey Of Russian trade
prospects, urge that America must
discontinue that practice and en-
m n 1n~
tercourse with Russia.
4
Finland and Poland are in the same
class with the former Russian en-
pire. which includes
Former Russian such grand divi-
sions as Siberia. the
Possessions. Caucasus. the Bal
tic provinces. the Ukraine and Turk
estan. The importance Of this field
lies mainly in it's capacity as an enor-
200, 00Q, 900 people. who are now In
need OF almost every kind of COM
modify.
Russia is rich in raw materials,
some Of which are very much needed
for American industries. Though only
a small portion Of the former RUSSIAN
empire was opened to trade ana
chaotic conditions prevailed. the
United States exported to that coun-
try goods valued at more than $780,
900, 900 and imported from IL ABOUT
SIS, 0OO. 900 worth of merchandise DUR
ing the year ended June 80. 1920; me
total transactions with Russia during
this period amounted. therefore. to-
anproximately ss1.0o0.0 900; with Fin
land. to $26,000,000; with Poland dur
ing the first six months Of 1890, to
$50, 900 900.
It is necessary to bear in mind also
that the imports into certain otner
European countries from the United
States include a large amount OF
goods that were purchased Tor re-
selling to Russia as soon as conoi-
lions permit. Since a fairly large
trade Is now being carried on WIN
certain parts Of the former Russian
empire, it can readily be appreciated
what an enormous amount or trade
there will be when conditions are
again normal.
X i
Russia offers an immense field for
Investments. It's whole economic
fabric railways,
The Rebuilding factories mills.
mines, etc.-is dis
VI HusSla. organized and dam
aged, and the country must have OUT
side help to rebuild it. American
business, through it's organizations
and by appeals to the Department OF
Commerce and other government Or
gRhizations. has testified Regarding
the very great Importance of that
field to the United States. The lead
ing concerns are giving much atten-
tinr IN II and the board of directors
of the United States Chamber of Com
merce have held several meetings
mainly to discuss Russian business. A
bureau of foreign and domestic COM
merce is cooperating with other or
carnations. and offering its service
to business men in dealing with RUS
sian trade problems and opportunities.
Spain also, a market of wonderfully
growing Importance. Is an illustration
Of the need for direct trade and closer
American eYnnrts to SDain Increased