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offering to supply us with something we wish to buy; as a rule they do not study our needs."

"Goods shipped from the United States are often carelessly packed, and consequently the percentage of loss through breakage and other causes is often very great."

"Shipping rates from European are generally lower than from American ports."

If these handicaps were removed, and our manufacturers made to see the wisdom of conforming to the business methods of our most successful rivals, the superior quality of our goods-which is acknowledged even where lack of attention to essential details. in marketing them is condemned, would soon give us the leading place in the export trade of the world. That the transcendant importance of the subject is receiving recognition, both from a patriotic and a business point of view is shown by the fact that very recently some hundreds of the leading manufacturers of the United States, representing upwards of $300,000,000 of invested capital came together in New York City, and organized the "American Manufacturers Export Association." It is asserted by those who have brought about this organization, that patriotism, no less than a desire to increase the foreign business of our manufacturers is the inspiration, and that united action and interchange of experiences on the part of American shippers, will do for American export trade what commercial organizations in Germany have done for German export trade in the last ten or fifteen years.

Within its comparatively limited sphere, the duties of this Bureau as prescribed by law, are practically the same as those of the Federal Department of Commerce and Labor; one must endeavor to help along the industrial and commercial interests of the State, as the other strives in its immensely larger field for the advancement of the same interests throughout the entire country. The act under which this Bureau was organized thirty-three years ago, provides that it shall, among other things: "In all appropriate and lawful ways encourage, foster and enlarge the manufacturing and every other form of productive industry, with a view to their permanent establishment upon a prosperous basis, both to employer and employed."

Various means are employed to foster and enlarge our manufacturing industry and to carry out the particular purpose indicated by the above extract, all contributing in some way to the desired end, but none of these has been more productive of tangible and enduring results than that which is now being done in bringing home to each and every manufacturer in our State,

accurate information relating to his trade in all parts of the world, which, if acted upon, may open new outlets for his products in directions that were unknown to him before.

The information and data which forms the basis of this service is derived from the direct correspondence before referred to with American Consuls in all parts of the world, and also from the consular and trade reports which are issued daily by the Federal Bureau of Manufactures. Through the courtesy of the National Department of Commerce and Labor, a copy of this invaluable publication, of which only a limited edition is printed, is received every day in this office where it is carefully examined, the trace information of its contents classified under proper industry headings, and sent out in the form of bulletins or circular letters to all manufacturing corporations or firms in New Jersey that are interested in the production of these several lines of goods. For example: We learn that in the district of which Vancouver, B. C., is the commercial center, there is great activity in building, and that permits for new structures of various kinds aggregating $5,000,000 in cost, were at that time on record, in consequence of which there is a large demand for hardware, especially that used in the construction of buildings. Immediately a circular letter setting forth all the facts in the case, with the names of dealers in the district to whom correspondence should be addressed, is drawn up and mailed to every manufacturer in New Jersey engaged in the production of such goods. Again, a manufacturing firm in Germany, one that supplies a large proportion of the leather goods used in the Imperial German Army and Navy, writes expressing a desire to be placed in communication with manufacturers of certain varieties of leather with a view to opening trade negotiations. At once an English translation of the letter is mailed to every manufacturer of leather in the State, thus affording an equal opportunity to all who might feel themselves capable of handling the trade to which their attention is invited.

The same course is pursued with regard to all other industries; every particle of information relating to foreign trade gleaned from the daily consular reports, or secured by any other means that offers a prospect of trade extension, is placed as promptly as possible in possession of every manufacturer who, from the character of his business, may be interested, to be acted upon or not as personal inclination or the exigencies of business may determine.

During the twelve months ending September 30, 1910, approximately two thousand copies of circular letters or bulletins

on trade subjects were sent out by the Bureau to an equal number of our manufacturers, and details relating to the tariff laws of various foreign nations, with names of merchants and importers in foreign cities, were furnished to all applicants for such information.

PART III.

Industrial Chronology of New Jersey.

Accidents to Workmen While on Duty.

Permanent or Temporary Suspension of Work in Manufacturing Establishments.

Changes in Working Hours and Wages.

New Manufacturing Plants Established and Old Ones Enlarged.

Industrial Property Destroyed by Fire or Flood.

Trade and Labor Unions Organized.

Strikes and Lockouts.

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