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BS REPORT ON COOPERATION IN AMERICAN EXPORT TRADE.

articles being injured by a new invention, a new method, or a new
suggestion which emanated from one of these educational institutes.
Economical methods of production are a source of constant study.
During the present war these bodies have again demonstrated their
practical value. Substitutes for imported articles have been discovered
 and practically utilized. The energies of these schools upon
the conclusion of peace will be again directed along commercial lines,
and their influence as a competitive factor of importance will be
again felt.

Activities oF THE GERMAN GOVERNMENT IN FOSTERING THE GERMAN
TRADE.

The activities of the German Government through its various
agents can be better reported from South America, South Africa,
the Far East, and other countries where attempts have been made
to extend German trade, than in Germany itself, where these matters
are regarded as of a confidential character. It is generally known
that the German Government has been a pioneer in the placing of
commercial attachés who are experts in agricultural, shipping, or
mining questions in various parts of the world where their knowledge
 of these subjects can be of most advantage. The activities of
these experts are quite generally known.
The dln Government, in recent years, has been particularly
keen upon obtaining concessions for the building of railroads in the
Near East, the Far East, and other parts of the Orient. The governmental
 assistance to these enterprises has largely been rendered
through its diplomatic and consular agents. Many of these enterprises
 have not attained all of the objects for which they were intended,
 but it is now reported by papers interested in the foreign
trade that the projects in Turkey, Asia Minor, and the near East are
progressing favorably.
Favorable shipping laws, subsidies, and similar measures have
long been means by which the German Government sought to extend
its merchant marine and indirectly assist its foreign commerce.
These efforts of the Government are well known, and the present
standing of the Hamburg America Line and the North German Lloyd
Line in the shipping of the world are substantial evidences of the
favorable legislation and paternal attitude of the Government.
The Government through its agents and semiofficial bodies, such as
chambers of commerce, advisory boards, ete., has always assisted the
great banking interests of Germany, or combinations of exporters,
to establish satisfactory financial agencies abroad, so that drafts can
be cashed and credits be collected to the ultimate benefit of the German
 exporters. These and other activities of the Government and
semiofficial bodies need only be mentioned, as they are well known.
The sending of students or other investigators, either by semiofficial
 bodies or by associations of manufacturers, has been a common
method of trade extension which has been encouraged by the German
Government, by practically showing how such travelers would be of
value. These travelers study the models, designs, and customs of
foreign countries, and become proficient in all features of the trade
with their country which would increase its sales abroad. By such