Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1940-07-12
A Silver Lining

A oliver Lining
Despite the gloom some profess to
see in the present tobacco situation
the future is not altogether that, and
there is good reason to hope for APP
pearance of the silver lining and I'M
proved conditions when the wars
have run their course and peace has
been restored.
A note of cheerfulneSS was sound
ed at the recent convention of the
Tobacco Association OF the United
States at White Sulphur Springs, ".
Va, by Benjamin D. Hill. chief OF
the tobacco division of the Depart
ment of Commerce. Said he:
4 beg Of you to dismiss from your
mind the opinion Of some that we
are headed toward economic isola-
ton. and that international trade
will be dominated by the axis cotln-
tries. Dismiss from your mind the
thought that economic relations
among nations will not be possible
and that the world will be plunged
into impoverishment."
He made that statement after re-
ferring to the reciprocal trade trea-
ties which Secretary Hull has been
making with foreign countries, and
on which he is still working when
he can get his mind off diplomatic
affairs directly related to the. war.
Mr.. Hill continued:
The current restrictions on for
eign sales. cannot be divorced from
the fact that a constantly growing
vacuum is being created in foreign
countries. and as the months pass
the vacuum grows greater. This
void will be reflected Immediately
upon cessation of hostilities in de-
mand for goods. particularly foods
and tobacco"
The government official said this
demand for American goods will be
met by reason OF pressure from both
consuming markets and producers,
especially holders of surplus stocks.
THE demand for what we have from
those 20 are without these goods
will l.. net without throwing over
any of the basic policy commitments"
he added.
Then this: The South, and parti-
cularly the tobacco industry, have
every reason to be encouraged in
the genuine national acceptance of
this idea, as evidenced in the recent
extension of the trade agreements
act, in the face of strong political
opposition and attack by protection
ist industries"
While no one can foreSee the pre-
else pattern Of the postwar trade
with Europe, Mr.. Hill said he be-
lieyed many of the predictions are
greatly exaggerated, particularly in
repercuSSionS where our own econ
orrly is concerned. I'VE must not lose
sight of the basic fact that we have
the goods which Europe has not
and which Europe will keenly desire
from u.s." Hill said. Our funda-
mental trade policies are well eStab-
lished, and firmly question any de-
Walton from these policies. Means
will be found consistent with these
policies to meet any demand. The
ingenuity of our business men, in
cooperation with facilities Offered
by our government, will get our
goods over to those who need them
In looking to the future OF oul
tobacco export trade. it is necessary
to keep before us the long-term pic
ture, for the immediate future-the
next few months or the coming year
may witness an even greater cur
tailment of the export market. How
ever, it is my belief that we may
look to the future Of our tobacco eX-
port trade with measure OF con-
fidence and optimism.
MIR. Hill is in position to speak