354 REPORT ON COOPERATION IN AMERICAN EXPORT TRADE.

modity handled; that commission houses and export associations
might exist side by side; that the nature of the organization proposed
must be known before an opinion as to its usefulness could be
formed, etc.
The majority of these noncommittal or qualified replies came from
the exporters and commission men themselves. With these exceptions,
 the weight of the opinions expressed was that the disadvantages,
 if any, of export organizations would be small in comparison
with the advantages.
The advantages most frequently named may be classed as follows:
(1) The patent advantages of large over small scale organizations,
such as elimination of wasteful competition, etc.
(2) A more efficient and less expensive mechanism of foreign
trade.
(8) Superior effectiveness in development of new foreign trade.
The bulk of the favorable replies come under this head. The greater
ability to sustain the temporary hardships and losses incident to the
capture of new trade; the broader knowledge of conditions, and the
better facilities for tempting and accommodating the foreign buyer
are the benefits named most specifically.
(4) The direct advantages over commission houses and export
agents are recited by a great number of respondents. These advantages
 include a closer relation between producer and consumer,
and especially a greater keenness of self-interest on the part of the
exporter of the particular commodity.
The disadvantages of export organizations generally stated were
as follows:
(1) The lack of that individual self-interest and direction necessary
 to enterprise in any field was repeatedly urged in objection to
export organization.
(2) The abuse of such organizations by cliques or larger producers
or through mismanagernent and internal dissension was predicted by
several respondents.
(8) Other general economic objections appeared—that higher
prices and restraint of trade at home would result; and that the spur
to exports without a corresponding one to imports would disturb
the economic balance of the country, etc. Objections of this kind
were few in number.
There seems to be considerable conflict of opinion as to whether an
export organization or a commission house would better represent
the individual interests of the producer who exports.

A. ADVANTAGES.

1. GENERAL EFFICIENCY OF COMBINATION OVER COMPETITION.—On
this point a teacher of economics writes:

Competition is wasteful. There is almost endless duplication. These expenses
 could be saved. Centralization of control would be as advantageous
here as in all other contests. Wasteful methods of advertising would be eliminated
 and great savings would result.

A real estate dealer suggests that combinations would result in
“ iniform packages, uniform brands, standardization on grading of
products, honest dealing.”