79 REPORT ON COOPERATION IN AMERICAN EXPORT TRADE,

ng in better touch with the credit of customers. Orders received
would be distributed among the members. Another manufacturer
of silks thinks, however, that it would be almost impossible in the
case of textiles to differentiate between competing and noncompeting
products as the shades of difference are so fine.
A combination of competitors in which the several lines of goods
sould be so divided up as to have only noncompeting lines handled
by the combination is a suggestion that comes from a member of a
frm of cotton manufacturers.! A manufacturer of men’s clothing
suggests two organizations—one, composed of producers of noncompeting
 but kindred lines, for advejtising and soliciting trade; and
another, made up of competing manufacturers, with power to fix
prices for export and to look after matters of legislation and tariff.
He thinks it impractical to consider a selling combination of comvetitors,
 as “no one of them could get full value out of the arrangement.”
 A manufacturer of waists and dresses also advises that any
such organization must be composed of noncompetitors only. Manufacturers
 in his line, he says, would never permit their samples to be
inspected by anyone representing a competitor.
Advantages of cooperation for export trade.—In addition to thegeneral
advantages of export combinations there are a number which apply
particularly in the case of textiles. The range of fabrics used by the
foreign buyer is so immense and differences in construction, design,
and many other characteristics are so numerous that no one manufacpurer
 can make more than a small fraction of the many varieties
likely to be called for. Goods are sold on sample and different
buyers may prefer the product of one manufacturer over that of
another, some feature making a particular appeal or answering some
special purpose. Furthermore, the terms or speed of delivery which
one manufacturer can offer may not suit, while those of another may.
A combination comprising a great many manufacturers could bring
the buyer into relations with the particular variety of goods, terms,
and conditions he desired, at the same time representing all its memhers,
 by attempting to bring each into touch with the buyer whose
tastes call for his particular styles or terms.

SECTION 4. ELECTRICAL GOODS.

INTRODUCTION.

Since the demonstration of the electric current by Volta in 1800,
slectricity has become one of the most important factors in communication,
 illumination, transportation, and industrial power. Its
value as a heating agent is being steadily developed. It is the essence
of speed, and cleanliness is its characteristic attribute. This natural
force touches the welfare and comfort of millions.

Pt, II, p. 267 for details.