162 REPORT ON COOPERATION IN AMERICAN EXPORT TRADE.

tric Co., Singer Sewing Machine Co., National Cash Register Co.,
and others. Large concerns like these are now able to compete with
foreign combinations. It is the smaller concerns who are now at a
disadvantage in competing for export trade.
THe present statement is therefore confined to a brief summary
of the activities of the United States Government in the promotion
of American export trade, as well as of similar activities of chambers
 of commerce and trade associations.
Tarrrr prawsacks.—Inasmuch as in a few instances in the above
discussion the drawback features of the tariff legislation of foreign
countries have been referred to as among the advantages enjoyed
by exporters of those countries, it is proper to mention briefly here
the drawback provisions of the tariff law of the United States (par.
0, sec. IV, of the tariff act of Oct. 3,1913.) In substance, this provides
 for the allowance of drawbacks upon the exportation of articles
manufactured or produced in the United States wholly or in part
from imported materials. The refund of duties in such cases is 99
per cent of the duties paid on the imported materials used. The
amount paid for account of such drawbacks by the United States
during the fiscal year ending June 30. 1916, was somewhat over
$15,000,000.
DzrparTMENT oF StaTE.—The Diplomatic and Consular Services
are subordinate to this department. By means of representations
to foreign governments, made through the diplomatic missions, the
Department of State secures to American trade and to American
enterprises in foreign countries the protection and the equal rights
to which they are entitled under the provisions of treaties or by
international law or usage. Through the Consular service this department
 obtains information concerning conditions in foreign markets
 affecting the sale of American goods. Individuals and firms in
the United States are at liberty to address any of the 300 consular
posts requesting general information as to market conditions or
exact data respecting specified points involved in the marketing of
their products. In addition to answering these inquiries, consular
officers prepare, both on their own initiative and at the direction
of the Secretary of State, comprehensive reports on economic subjects
 of timely interest, always with particular reference to the possible
 sale abroad of American goods. They exert themselves in
every possible way to adjust differences arising between merchants
in their districts and American exporters, and in general to increase
the local prestige of American products and smooth the way for
their importation and sale. The letters and reports of consular
officers are transmitted to the Department of State, which edits them
with a view to making the information therein contained available
to the private individuals or firms, and to the governmental depart-