English. In addition, the files of some 250 of the more important
sconomic, financial, and trade journals published in the various
languages were consulted.

INTRODUCTION.

15

INQUIRY CARDS AND SCHEDULES,

In order to secure a wide basis of fact and opinion the Commission
 sent out inquiry cards, formal schedules, and special letters to
thousands of American business and professional men. The desire
was to reach as many individuals and concerns as possible who had
suggestions on a foreign-trade policy or who had information to offer,
and to make certain that the mailing list was representative of all
classes and interests involved. To previously available lists totaling
about 10,000 names were added names obtained by correspondence
with nearly 300 associations of manufacturers, producers, exporters,
and dealers; names selected from membership lists of various economic,
 scientific, and legal associations; and names suggested by persons
 who were also giving information.
To these persons and concerns, totaling over 25,000 in number,
a general inquiry letter with a blank card for reply was first sent
out. This was designed to obtain a broad expression of opinion on
the advisability of combinations among American manufacturers and
producers solely for export trade. Nearly 10,000 replies were received
in answer to this letter and between 8,000 and 9,000 schedules of detailed
 inquiries (gee Part IT, pp. 329 to 336, for the forms) were
then sent to those who signified their willingness to give the Commission
 further assistance.
From the card replies and from the 2,000 schedules filled out and
returned, as well as from the large correspondence that developed,
the Commission received many suggestions and a wide range of information.
 All this material, which is digested in Part II (see pp.
387 to 450), has been considered in preparing the report.

FIELD INVESTIGATIONS.

A large number of representative companies who had information
on the subject were visited by the Commission’s field agents. Much
of value was secured in this way in addition to the data furnished
in the schedules. It was at first intended to send trained investigators
 to the chief European countries and to the other continents,
but conditions were so disturbed that it was found impracticable to
pursue these investigations except in South America. The results
obtained by the Commission’s agents there are embodied in Chapter
IV of the report. The chapter is of special interest because of the
importance of that market for the permanent growth of American
trade.