134 REPORT ON COOPERATION IN AMERICAN EXPORT TRADE.

An international classifcation for the turiff c¢f all countries, so that, for
example, a cheap padlock with spring shackle (American construction) should
not be subject to a higher duty than a bigh-grade padleck Laving a shackle
without spring (German construction).
At present, while the tariff rate may be the same for the products of all
countries, the classification, in some countries, discriminates in favor of German
 or other manufacturers against those of the United States, or other
countries, because of differences in style of construction, as in the case above
referred to.
In Venezuela, request the repeal ¢f laws relating to the sending of advertising
matter with goods or separately. By making an exorbitant charge on such
printed matter, business is frequently restricted or prohibited.
In Australia, request the repeal of laws requiring duty to be paid on catalogs
and printed matter.
The extension of the parcel-post service to countries where not now in effect.
Lower postage (2 cents if possible) to all foreign countries.
The encouragement of loans by American capital to foreign countries.
The investment of American capital in, undertakings in foreign countries,
aspecially those relating to public utilities.
The encouragement of American banks to establish branches in foreign
countries.
The development of marine insurance by American companies.
Batter office accommodations for foreign consuls. The enlargement of the
office force to relieve the consul himself from routine work. The payment
of salaries sufficiently large to secure competent men. Permanent employment
and promotion by merit.
The upbuilding of an American merchant marine.
The repeal of the present seamen’s law and the enactment of laws tending te
promote the upbuilding of our merchant marine.

PROBABLE EFFECT OF EXPORT COMBINATIONS ON DOMESTIC TRADE.

(Manufacturers’ schedule, question 6: other schedules, question 3.)

Do you think such export organizations of manufacturers or producers as
you have indicated in your answer to the preceding questions would be used to
restrain trade in the domestic market? Please give the reasons for your answer,
How would you prevent their being so used?
This question was included in the schedules sent to manufacturers,
export commission houses, domestic merchants and importers, publicists,
 economists, lawyers, bankers, etc. This particular question
was answered on more than 1.600 schedules, or 80 per cent of those
received.
Of the 1,632 respondents replying in a direct manner to this question,
 there were 148 who, according to their replies to the preceding
question, had in mind combinations for the export of noncompeting
products. These naturally in most cases would say that such combinations
 would not restrain trade, and one finds that about threeuarters
 of these so replied. The ratio differed but little, however, in
the case of the 1,103 respondents who were speaking of combinations
covering competing products, 839, or about three-quarters, believing
no restraint of domestic trade would result while 264 believe the opposite.
 A number did not reply to the preceding question or were
noncommittal.
In view of the frequent statement that one of the effects of such
cooperative organizations would be to crush or drive out small competitors,
 it is of interest to compare the replies of the large and the
small concerns on this question of restraint of trade. About 82 per
cent of the manufacturers and producers, whose gross sales amounted
to more than $1,000,000, thought that restraint of domestic trade