CUSTOM-HOUSES 
275 
to remedy the situation by themselves. At 
tempts to improve must come from the outside 
and be presented through diplomatic channels 
and most emphatically insisted upon. A de 
termined effort on the part of this government 
would do much to bring about a change and 
would be a most potent factor in extending our 
trade relations in these lands. 
It may be argued that despite the system of 
fines, bribes and graft which are so intimately 
associated with the Latin American custom 
houses the lands are prosperous and their 
merchants thriving, but the fact cannot be dis 
puted that the practice is decidedly wrong and 
reflects materially on the integrity and dignity 
of the nation permitting it and positively 
hampers the legitimate growth of trade.