business, but essential in dealing abroad, especially with the Latin countries.
Owing to the great expense of introduction, small manufacturers will find direct trade in foreign markets impracticable. As a rule, they had better deal through our great commission houses. Their travelers represent many different varieties of merchandise, thus greatly reducing the cost of selling any special line. By the exercise of proper care in making goods, in packing and shipping as directed, risk is practically eliminated; bills being usually paid when goods are delivered on board in New York, or at least payment guaranteed. But they also may largely increase their trade by sending out a well-equipped traveler who understands the language and who will work in connection with the commission merchants in introducing their goods.
Valuable information as to export trade may always be obtained from the Department of Commerce by addressing Mr. E. E. Pratt, Chief of the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, who is a most obliging and able official. He is appointing attaches to represent the business of this country in various leading commercial cities of the world, who will be a great aid. We can also get assistance from the Pan-American Union in Washington, the Philadelphia Commercial Museums and the National City Bank of New York. At the Philadelphia Museums samples may be found of nearly everything wanted abroad.
In short, to earn success in foreign trade it is only necessary to follow the examples of European nations that have made a success, and to persuade our politicians to cease from hampering us. As an indication of the value of this foreign trade I may say that our exports of manufactures abroad amounted in 1913 to one billion five hundred million dollars, and the total exports to two billion four hundred sixty millions. Our exports to Latin America were two hundred and fifteen million dollars. We furnish two thirds of the cotton raised in the world, yet South America imports from us but about 2 per cent. of her supply. We are far away the largest steel-manufacturing country in the world. South America buys about 20 per cent. In fact, but about 15 per cent. of her purchased manufactures, all of which might be made in this country, are bought of us. The major portion of this came from the warring nations. It is especially this trade we must look after and prepare ourselves to obtain.
May I suggest in passing that we should prepare for hard times by restoring the simple life of our fathers? Waste less. Three cents a day saved by every inhabitant of this country would amount to more than the thousand million dollars a year that it takes to support the national government. Less than ten cents a day per capita would pay the total expenditures of governments, federal, state, municipal, dispense with further taxation and greatly lessen the cost of living. Astonishment is
