. J V_

15c. A Copy $1.50 A Year BIENNIAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The Executive Committee of the Association met on August 23 and, in accordance with the provisions of its Articles of Association, nominated three memhers of the association for the office of President, Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer, respectively. The following con¬ sular officers were nominated for office.

For President: Nathaniel B. Stewart. William H. Robertson. Charles C. Eberhardt.

For Vice-President: Stuart J. Fuller. Alexander W. Weddell. Arminius T. Haeberle.

For Secretary-Treasurer: Donald D- Shepard. Edwin L. Neville. Frank C. Lee.

Ballots are being mailed to all members of the asso¬ ciation. The name of one member for each office should be marked on the ballot and it should be returned as promptly as possible to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Association in Washington. The ballots will be counted as soon after January 1, 1921, as the Executive Committee may meet. The result of the election will be promptly communicated to the members of the association. LLETIN

PUBLISHED MONTHLY WITH THE CO OPERATION OF THE AMERICAN CONSULAR ASSOCIATION TO FURTHER AMERICAN BUSINESS INTERESTS IN FOREIGN LANDS THROUGH THE CONSULAR SERVICE

ENTRANCE TO SHWE DAGON PAGODA, RANGOON.

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER,, J. W. YOUNG - 141-145 WEST 36th ST., NEW YORK, N. Y, The Duties and Rights of American Seamen

Remarks by Consul L. C. Pinkerton before recent Consular Class

The history of the expansion of the American merchant foreigners in this international competition, with the marine is a study in itself and to an American it is a result that their foreign representatives play into the very gratifying study, but at this time it will be possible hands of their own countries in many cases. The of¬ only to hint at some of the most outstanding features. ficers on our ships are not all Americans at heart, be¬ It is said, even by our most bitter competitors, that the cause the people of the United States were not a sea¬ rapidity of the development of the American merchant going people, and we did not build up a competent staff marine was one of the wonders of the recent war, that of American officers. Our crews are not Americans, the American people through their spirit, brains and because our youth have not been trained to the sea. astounding energy, accomplished an apparently impos¬ Therefore, American consular officers must try to see to sible feat. In August, 1919, the United States took rank it that American ideals are carried out in foreign coun¬ as the leading shipbuilding nation in the world, having tries on American ships even though our ships are not more shipyards, more shipways, more shipworkers, and handled by Americans entirely. more ships under construction than any other country. Prior to the war the United States stood a poor third The position of consular officers with relation to the among the shipbuilding nations of the world, but from new American merchant marine is rather difficult to August, 1917, to August, 1919, more seagoing tonnage define. It is their duty to see to it that the seamen was launched from American shipyards than was ever are treated fairly and justly, and it is also their duty launched before in a similar period anywhere. You to help in every way possible to make the operation of will hear it said that with such a rapid growth of our American vessels profitable and to avoid delay in the tonnage, the spirit and thoughts of the American people turnaround of such vessels. In many cases these duties have failed to keep pace with our national ambition. apparently are conflicting, and it becomes necessary to Whether or not this is true, I cannot say, but in order study carefully all sides of the questions. Until com¬ to succeed in this great business game, it is necessary paratively recently the questions presenting themselves to get successful American ships into the consciousness have been few in number and easy of solution, but since of every American as prominently as the railroads are. the development of the merchant marine to its present In other words, our railroads must not stop at tide¬ proportions, questions have been arising in increasing water, but must go all over the world carrying our goods, numbers which have taxed to the utmost the capability our customs, and our spirit, bringing back foreign goods, of the Consular Service. Questions have arisen for which customs, and spirit, thereby internationalizing our coun¬ there is no precedent in the United States making it try and the world. imperative that consular officers proceed with the utmost caution, keeping, so far as practicable, a record of their A chain is as strong as its weakest link, and in this proceedings for their future guidance. chain the weak link seems to be the lack of competent It is not my intent to give in detail the plan to be personnel to carry on this tremendous shipping busi¬ followed in handling seamen’s cases, but I would like to ness. American firms, as a rule, do not have Americans point out some broad principles which may be of to represent them abroad, but are forced to depend upon assistance to you.

2 /\M ERIC AIM ^ON SULAH jyiULEXITsT /=*■

When an American vessel enters a port where there In discharging seamen a consular officer has more au¬ is an American consular office, the master is required thority and assumes greater responsibility than in the to deposit his ship’s papers in the consulate and the shipment. The law requires that all seamen who are law provides a penalty of $500.00 in cases where the discharged in a foreign country must be discharged be¬ master refuses or neglects to do so. This procedure fore a consular officer and it also requires that all wages is necessary in order that the consular officers may have paid to a discharged seaman must be paid to the con¬ full control over the vessel and its crew. Therefore, it sular officer. The consul is personally responsible to is imperative that this law be carried out to its fullest the Government for all wages which he collects for such extent, and consular officers should notify the Depart¬ seamen and the amounts appear in his accounts. In ment in cases where masters fail to comply with it, every case where it is possible the wages of a seaman forwarding the appropriate form supported by full in¬ are turned over directly to him and a receipt therefor formation of the circumstances. is obtained. Accounting officers accept such receipts for the wages of seamen and the consul is therefore re¬ In some cases, which I will not enumerate, consular lieved from further accounting. There are a number of officers are authorized by law to withhold a ship’s papers, reasons for discharging seamen abroad and the consular thereby holding up the ship, but in most cases a penalty officer is to be the judge of whether or not a reason is also provided to be enforced or imposed after the given by the master of the vessel or the seaman is suf¬ ship returns to a port of the United States. When con¬ ficient cause for discharge. A seaman signs an agree¬ sular officers are convinced that the penalty provided by ment in the United States for a voyage which is pre¬ law is sufficient punishment for the offense committed, scribed and usually for a term of time not to exceed six they will take steps to have the penalty imposed rather calendar months. If the agreement is broken by the than delay the ship, which would work against the in¬ master, in continuing the voyage contrary to that speci¬ terests of the owners and operators of the vessel, the fied in the agreement, the seaman is entitled to discharge, consignors and consignees of the cargo and therefore the if he desires it, and, as a reimbursement for the damages general welfare. In cases where the safety of the general sustained by him, he is entitled to a month’s extra wages public is concerned, such as an outbreak of a dangerous and to transportation to the United States at the ex¬ contagious disease, no steps are considered too strenuous, pense of the vessel. Only in cases where a seaman is and it is well to bear it in mind that the public health discharged because he has been wronged by the master is to be guarded at all expense with as little trouble as or officers of the ship, are extra wages to be paid, and the possible both to the owners and the vessels operated. law specifically states the cases where extra wages are to be collected. It is not necessary to enumerate the With regard to the performance of services for Amer¬ causes for discharging seamen and I would suggest that ican vessels outside of office hours, I think every officer you familiarize yourselves with the law and regulations will have to decide for himself, but it must he remem¬ relating to this subject. You should be so familiar with bered that a consul’s office hours are all hours, and I this law that you are able to interpret it without reference think that it would not be amiss to Say that it costs from to any books or instructions. one to ten thousand dollars per day for the operation of a steamship. Corresponding to the general labor unrest in this country and other countries of the world, you will find When the master of an American vessel wants to that there is a great deal of unrest among seamen, and employ new seamen or to discharge members of his it is your duty to endeavor to reduce this unrest and friction to a minimum. In cases where disputes arise crew, he must apply to the American consul, and the between seamen and the master, the law requires that same laws which apply to the shipment of seamen in the United States before Shipping Commissioners apply a consular officer shall hear both sides of the dispute to the shipment of seamen in foreign countries before and shall decide whether or not the seaman or the master consular officers. In the shipment of a seaman there is is in the right. In this respect consuls become judicial very little that the consul can do except examine the officers and should hear testimony and pass judgment man’s papers and see that he is a fit person to be a in accordance with the law in the case. This matter member of the crew of an American vessel and that he should be handled carefully and effort should be made understands the agreement which he is to sign. The to adjust disputes rather than convict and punish the necessary forms are then to be affixed to the ship’s offenders. papers and proper entry made in the record books of the consulate. (Continued in October Issue)

3 AMERICAN CONSULAR, ^WLLETIN

CONSULAR CHANGES Theodore D. Palmer, of New Jersey, newly appointed Vice Consul de carriere of Class 3, detailed Sofia. First The following appointments, transfers and resignations appointment. have occurred in the American Consular Service since Quincy F. Roberts, of Texas, now assigned as Vice July 17, 1920: Consul, Saloniki, assigned Vice Consul, Apia. Winthrope R. Scott, of Ohio, newly appointed Consul PRINCIPAL OFFICERS of Class 7, detailed Paris. First appointment. Edgar C. Soule, of Texas, assigned Consul, Cartagena. Newton Adams, of New Jersey, newly appointed Consul First appointment. of Class 7, detailed American Commission Berlin. First Francis H. Styles, of Virginia, newly appointed Con¬ appointment. sular Assistant, detailed Department. First appointment. Henry Averill, of Virginia, assigned as Vice Consul Robert S. Townsend, of District of Columbia, now Port au Prince. First appointment. detailed Saloniki, assigned Vice Consul, Aden. Richard F. Boyce, of Michigan, newly appointed Vice Avra M. Warren, of Maryland, assigned Consul Cape Consul de carriere of Class 3, detailed Kingston, Ja¬ Haitien. First appointment. maica. First appointment. Damon C. Woods, of Texas, now detailed Marseille, Andrew J. Brewer, of Kentucky, now Vice Consul and detailed Nancy temporarily. Interpreter, Tientsin, resigned effective, August 1, 1920. William W. Corcoran, of Massachusetts, assigned as SUBORDINATE OFFICERS Vice Consul, Calcutta. First appointment. Eliot B. Coulter, of Illinois, now assigned as Vice William J. Alcock, of Great Britain, now Consular Consul, Helsingfors, assigned Vice Consul, London. Agent at Huevla. Services will terminate upon arrival George E. J. Crosby, of New Jersey, newly appointed of Consul Remillard. Consul of Class 7, detailed Vancouver. First appointment. Irwin D. Arter, of Ohio, now Vice Consul and clerk, Chester W. Davis, of New York, assigned Consul, Nuevitas, transferred to be Vice Consul and clerk, Nueva Georgetown. First appointment. Gerona. Horace J. Dickinson, of Arkansas. Commission as Joseph L. Asbury, of Indiana, appointed Vice Consul Consul, Penang, cancelled. Remained on detail Singa¬ and clerk, Cardiff. First appointment. pore. Frank H. Baxter, of Minnesota, now Vice Consul and J. Preston Doughten, of Delaware, now assigned Lem¬ clerk, Saloniki, transferred to be Vice Consul and clerk, berg, detailed Warsaw temporarily. Athens. Hugh S. FuUerton, of Ohio, now assigned Vice Consul, Austin G. Boldridge, of South Carolina, now clerk, Geneva, assigned Vice Consul, Huelva, Spain. Valencia, appointed Vice Consul there. Raleigh A. Gibson, of Illinois, assigned Vice Consul, David L. Brown, of New York, appointed Vice Consul Buenos Aires. First appointment. and clerk, London. First appointment. Harvey T. Goodier, of New York, now Vice Consul Alfred T. Burri, of New York, now detailed Crimea, and Interpreter Yokohama, appointed Vice Consul and transferred to be Vice Consul and clerk, Constantinople. Interpreter, Nagoya. Thomas B. Dawson, of Rhode Island, now clerk at Wilbur Keblinger, of Virginia, now detailed Venice, Paris, appointed Vice Consul there. detailed Zagreb temporarily. Thomas Dickinson, of Texas, now Vice Consul and Irving N. Linnell, of Massachusetts, now assigned as clerk, Nuevo Laredo, transferred to be Vice Consul and Consul, Plymouth, detailed London. clerk, Nogales. Harry A. McBride, of Michigan, now assigned as Con¬ William W. Edward, of Arizona, resigned as Consular sul, Warsaw, detailed Department. Agent at Agua Prieta, effective June 30, 1920. Renwick S. McNiece, of Utah, assigned Consul, Penang. Peter H. A. Flood, of New Hampshire, appointed Vice First appointment. Consul and clerk, Southampton. First appointment. C. Cletus Miller, of Iowa, Consular Assistant, now Frank Gibler, of Maryland, now Vice Consul and unassigned, resigned, effective July 19, 1920. clerk, Southampton, transferred to be Vice Consul and John R. Minter, of North Carolina, assigned Vice Con¬ clerk, Guadalajara. sul, Port Elizabeth. First appointment. Jack D. Hickerson, of Texas, appointed Vice Consul Edmund B. Montgomery, of Illinois, now unassigned, and Clerk, Tampico. First appointment. assigned Vice Consul, Barranquilla. James M. Hill, of Kentucky, now Vice Consul and George Orr, of New Jersey, newly appointed Consul clerk, Vancouver, transferred to be Vice Consul and of Class 7, detailed Panama. First appointment. clerk, Prince Rupert.

4 A^MERICATSf >rON SULAR/J^ULLET I Jsf 9--

Curtis E. Huebener, of Massachusetts, now clerk, Rio P. Harley Moseley, of Tampa, Florida. de Janeiro, appointed Vice Consul there. James 0. Murdock, of New York City, New York. Percy G. Kemp, of New York, now Vice Consul and Robert D. Murphy, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. clerk, Valencia, transferred to be Vice Consul and clerk, Alexander K. Sloan, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Malaga. Leland L. Smith, of Portland, Oregon. Henry H. Leonard, of Indiana, now Consular Agent, Robert Lacy Smyth, of Berkeley, California. Buenaventura, Colombia, appointed Vice Consul and Leo D. Sturgeon, of Chicago, Illinois. clerk, Corinto. Marshall M. Vance, of Dayton, Ohio. Edwin H. Long, of Indiana, now Vice Consul and Rollin R. Winslow, of St. Joseph, Michigan. clerk, Cardiff, transferred to be Vice Consul and clerk, Messrs. Dominian and Millspaugh are the only suc¬ Swansea. cessful candidates eligible for appointment as Economist Robert T. Oliver, of District of Columbia, appointed Consuls. Vice Consul and clerk, Port au Prince. First appointment. William C. Perkins, of District of Columbia, appointed The following appointments, transfers and resignations Vice Consul and clerk, Reval. First appointment. have occurred in the American Consular Service since Richard R. Smith, of Nevada, appointed Vice Consul August 7, 1920: and clerk, Nanking. First appointment. PRINCIPAL OFFICERS Swain Smith, of Missouri, now Vice Consul and clerk, Lawrence Palmer Briggs, of Michigan, now Consul Rio de Janeiro, transferred to be Vice Consul and clerk, Rangoon, assigned Consul Riviere du Loup. Para. William H. Gale, of Virginia, now Consul General George P. Wilson, of Pennsylvania, now clerk, Catania, Copenhagen, assigned Consul General Hongkong. appointed Vice Consul there. Carlton Bailey Hurst, of District of Columbia, now Consul General Barcelona, assigned Consul General The Department of State announces that twenty-seven Habana. men passed the Consular Service examination held in Marion Letcher, of Georgia, now assigned Consul Gen¬ June. The names and home addresses of the successful eral Callao-Lima, assigned Consul General Copenhagen. candidates are as fallows: Bradstreet S. Rairden, of Maine, now assigned Consul Austin C. Alden, of Milton, Massachusetts. Riviere du Loup, assigned Consul Curacao. George Atcheson, Jr., of Berkeley, California. Samuel Sokobin, of New Jersey, now Vice Consul and Charles A. Bay, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Interpreter Chungking, appointed temporary Vice Consul F. Harold Brown, of Leesburg, Virginia. and Interpreter Swatow. Harry E. Carlson, of Joliet, Illinois. SUBORDINATE OFFICERS Culver B. Chamberlain, of Kansas City, Missouri. Thomas Dickinson, of San Antonio, Texas. Frank H. Baxter, of Minnesota, now Vice Consul and Leon Dominian, of New York City, New York. Clerk, Athens, appointed Vice Consul at Saloniki. Hooker A. Doolittle, of Utica, New York. Edward Swan Dana, of Vermont, now Vice Consul Harold D. Finley, of Saratoga Springs, New York. and Clerk, Curacao, transferred to be Vice Consul and Peter H. A. Flood, of Nashua, New Hampshire. Clerk Trinidad. Walter A. Foote, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thomas Dickinson, of Texas, now Vice Consul and Ray Fox, of Berkeley, California. clerk Nogales, transferred to be clerk Vancouver. Arthur B. Giroux, of Brooklyn, New York. Wallace B. Houston, of Pennsylvania, resigned as Con¬ Donald R. Heath, of Topeka, Kansas. sular Agent Caimanera, effective August 12, 1920. Jack D. Hickerson, of Temple, Texas. David Donaldson, of Washington, now Vice Consul Clark P. Kuykendall, of Towanda, Pennsylvania. and clerk, Prince Rupert, transferred to be clerk Arthur C. Millspaugh, of Augusta, Michigan. Vancouver.

S A TRUE STORY OF FELIPE ANGELES RECENTLY IN WASHINGTON By Consul J. B. Stewart The following consular officers have recently General Felipe Angeles, who has heen vari¬ visited the Department of State: ously characterized as a military genius, E. M. Lawton, Consul assigned to Sao Paulo. philosopher, orator, gentleman, revolutionist E. C. Soule, Consul at Cartagena. and patriot, was last fall captured by Carranza J. Frank Points, Vice Consul at Toronto. government forces, tried and executed in Chi¬ O. A. Glazebrook, Consul at Jerusalem. huahua City. Throughout the public trial, and P. H. Cram, Consul at Nancy. up to the minute he was executed, Angeles Ralph H. Bader, Consid at Teheran. talked long and seriously on many different sub¬ Robert H. Frazier, Vice Consul at Christiania. jects and phases of life. However, he was cheer¬ Robert W. Imbrie, Vice Consul at Viborg. ful and at times humorous, as, for example just Jose de Olivares, Consul at Hamilton, Ontario. a few minutes before his execution when he George D. Fitz Simmons, Vice Consul at joked with the officer in charge of the firing Monterey. squad. As the general was taking his place Fred C. Johnson, Vice Consul at Riviere du against the “adobe” wall, and in front of the Loup. waiting soldiers, he said: “Officer, my only re¬ J. A. Smith, Consul General. quest is that you give your men but two com¬ Hooker A. Doolittle, Vice Consul at Tiflis. mands, ‘aim!’ and ‘fire!’ because, you see, never Thornwell Haynes, Consul assigned to Berne. having been executed before, I am liable to get Edward A. Dow, Consul at Ciudad Juarez. nervous.” CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

Referring to the articles which appeared in the February and March numbers of the NECROLOGY American Consular Bulletin relative to the Judge James Clifford McNally, former Vice Chambers of Commerce in foreign countries, Consul at Zurich, Switzerland, died August 5, Consul W. T. Gracey submits the following list 1920, at Atlantic City, N. J. Judge McNally had of the Chambers of Commerce in the Birming¬ been in the Consular Service since January 14, ham Consular district which were, apparently, 1898, when he was appointed Secretary of the not previously included: Legation and Consul General at Bogota, and he Chamber of Commerce, New Street, Birming¬ served at various times at a number of impor¬ ham. tant posts both in the Far East and in Europe. Chamber of Commerce, Walsall. He was born in Stratfordshire, England, May Chamber of Commerce, Earl Street, Coventry. 12, 1865. Chamber of Commerce, Wolverhampton.

6 CONSULAR, BULLETIN

QUINTUPLICATE COPIES OF DESPATCHES (b) When relating in any manner to relief funds: AND REPORTS To Department 3 To File 1 (Provided for in General Instruction No. 714) By Consul W. E. Chapman 4 The following outline is intended as a ready desk reference to show quickly and accurately the require¬ 4. Seamen (See No. 5 (b) below)— ments of General Instruction No. 714 as to the number (a) Shipment of seamen: of copies of despatches and reports to be sent to the To Department 3 Department, the subjects being named below in the To File 1 order in which they are treated in the instruction of reference: 4 1. Economic Matters, Politico-Economic Matters, Steam¬ (b) Mutiny of seamen: ship Lines, Fuel Supplies, and Docks— To Department 4 Despatches referring to economic matters in any man¬ To File 1 ner must be sent to the Department in quintuplicate, including economic reports such as were heretofore sent 5 in triplicate. To Department 5 5. Death Reports— To Embassy and Consulate General 2 (a) Citizen of the United States who is not also a To File 1 seaman: To Department 2 8 To File 1 Note: No two distinct topics are to be dealt with 3 on a single page. For instance, when foreign concessions are treated generally and then some particular concession (b) Citizen of the United States who is also a seaman separately, the general discussion and the treatment of (See No. 4 above)— the separate concession should be on separate pages. To Department 3 2. Enclosures (If possible, one with each copy of re¬ To File 1 port)—

The expression “if possible” refers to printed matter 4 gathered outside of Consulate, Department recognizing that it is not always within reasonable possibility to 6. Changes in Office Personnel, Leaves of Absence, Al¬ secure five copies of such matter. lotments, Etc.— Typewritten enclosures, including copies of newspaper Send extra copies of despatches (number of copies cuttings are to be in quintuplicate always in connection not stated, but I will send)— with the above stated subjects. To Department 3 To Department 5 To File 1 To Embassy and Consulate General 2 To File 1 4

8 3. Whereabouts and Welfare Cases— Acknowledgement (a) When not involving relief funds: We are indebted to Consul Lawrence P. Briggs To Department 2 of Riviere du Loup, Province of Quebec, Can¬ To File 1 ada (formerly of Rangoon, India), for the photo¬ 3 graphs used in illustrating this issue.

7 .(S. ^MHRICAI^Jj^ON SULAH ffillXETm

INTERESTING S

Interior of Temple, Sagaing

Caravan Scene with Shans

8 AMERICAN CONSULAR, BULLETIN

ES FKOM INDIA

The Oil Wells, Yenangyoung

River scene

9 Senator Harding, who writes more at length on the subject, says:

LLETIN "I think the Diplomatic and Consular Service and the Department of Commerce should be COPYRIGHT 1919--J. W. YOUNG brought together in a concerted and efficient VOL 2 SEPTEMBER NO. 7 effort toward finding markets developing trade and expediting its transportation through the service of an American Merchant Marine.

Editor and Publisher - - - - J. W. YOUNG “I do not think anyone will take issue with 141-145 West 36th Street the position of your Association concerning the New York City, N. Y., U. S. A. proper policy of our government in the training of its diplomatic and consular agents. America has been very greatly remiss in this particular Subscription $1.50 a year—15c a copy function of government as it relates to our ex¬ panding of trade, and I hope the next adminis¬ tration will do everything within its power to HARDING PLEDGES AID TO EXPORT make amends for our remissness in the past.” TRADE The above expressions of opinion were COX RECOGNIZES NEEDS OF DIPLOMATIC AND prompted by the following letter recently for¬ warded to both Senator Harding and Governor CONSULAR SERVICE Cox by the Export Association:

Presidential Candidates Give Expression of “In its efforts to increase the export trade Views on Foreign Trade to American of the American manufacturer, the American Manufacturers Export Association Manufacturers Export Association has constantly advocated an improvement in the Diplomatic (By American Manufacturers Export Association) and Consular Service of our country.

Senator Harding and Governor Cox have ex¬ “Among the various recommendations made pressed their views on foreign trade in com¬ by this Association are several which we deem munications received by the American Manufac¬ of vital importance, namely, that the United turers Export Association. States should own and maintain proper homes for its diplomatic and consular representatives, Senator Harding writes that, if it should be and that there should be established graded po¬ his fortune to be elected to the presidency, sitions with promotion as a reward of merit, America’s export trade is a proposition which in order that a diplomatic and consular career will receive “immediate and deeply interested may be offered to the ambitious youth who has attention.” been properly trained, and who desires to fol¬ Governor Cox writes: low this profession. “I long since recognized the justice of proper “The Association respectfully asks you for an attention to the needs of the Diplomatic and expression of opinion on this subject, which is Consular career. These services should demand of vital interest to the exporting manufacturer the best we have.” of this country.”

10 ITEMS

U. S. AND BRITISH BUSINESS MEN CONFER After spending the major part of the morning at the IN LONDON American Chamber, the delegates were received by the English Speaking Union at its new headquarters over¬ (From “Anglo-American Trade) looking Trafalgar Square.

Workers for British-American co-operation see signi¬ Reception at Savoy ficant progress in that British Chamber of Commerce At 1 o’clock they were the luncheon guests at the should have extended an invitation to American busi¬ Savoy Hotel of the Association of British Chambers, ness men to come to London, and that so many Ameri¬ after which the entire afternoon was devoted to an in¬ can business men should have availed themselves of the formal round the table conference under the chairman¬ opportunity to “get together.” ship of Mr. Hobson. Here these business men dis¬ cussed with the utmost frankness matters of shipping The determination of the best elements in and insurance, banking and exchange, world food and fuel supplies, explaining to each other in a personal British and American business to work together way the situation in their respective countries, and in and to understand each other is emphasized by many cases clearing up misapprehensions which had the recent conference of American and British gained prevalence largely because of the incompleteness business men held in London at the invitation of the information arriving in each country as to actual of the Association of British Chambers of conditions and the meaning of various developments on the other side of the Atlantic. Commerce. World’s Food Problem As pointed out in the last issue of Anglo-American At this conference the urgency of the world’s food situation was specially discussed, with the object of Trade, the British Chambers took advantage of the pres¬ ence of representative American business men in Paris finding out just how the two nations can best co-operate for the meeting of the International Chamber of Com¬ in helping to solve the problem. It was pointed out merce in June to invite them to come to London on that in 1914 Russia produced 569,000,000 bushels of wheat, which is more than 20 per cent of the world’s July 19th, there to meet in friendly and informal dis¬ cussion of various problems before the business com¬ total supply. This is no longer available, and the world munities of the two nations. will be forced to look to America to meet the deficiency. Meeting at Chamber Sugar Situation Immediately after the Paris conference the American The sugar position was also considered, and it was delegates scattered, many by previous arrangement to stated that, although Cuba had increased its output by Italy, others to other parts of the Continent, still others over 600 per cent, this has been neutralized by the direct to England. On the morning of the 19th, how¬ increased consumption in the United States following ever, a preliminary meeting of the American delegates on the adoption of prohibition. to London having been called at the rooms of the Guests of London Chamber American Chamber, it was found that more than thirty At 7 p. m. the American delegates had the unusual had come in response to the British invitation. experience of dining in the hall of one of the famous The chairman of the delegation, Mr. H. A. Black, and old City Companies of London. This was the hall of Mr. William A. Butterworth, Director of the Chamber the Worshipful Company of Carpenters, where they were of Commerce of the United States, had been among those guests of the London Chamber of Commerce. Mr. who came in advance, and had arranged with the As¬ Stanley Machin, president of the London Chamber, pre¬ sociation of British Chambers a tentative programme, sided, short addresses being made also by Lord Des- which was approved warmly by the American delegates borough, Mr. Charles F. Coffin, of the Indianapolis at this meeting. Chamber of Commerce; Mr. W. H. Booth, of the

11 ^ AJMBRICAN ^QNsm AR^ T\U3LJ^T_IT^

Guaranty Trust Company, and Mr. Hobson, the presi¬ pally to strikes will be moved rapidly to their dent of the Association of British Chambers. destination and that in the future shipments will be more regular. On Tuesday a luncheon was given for the delegates at the Carlton Hotel by the Department of Overseas Trade of the British Government, and later on in the NEW CONSULATE AT DUNKERQUE same afternoon they were received at the American Club By Consul Paul C. Squire by the Directors of the American Chamber of Commerce in London. I take pleasure in submitting a photograph of the consular offices opened by myself May Wives Entertained 10, 1920, at Dunkerque, France, the former Con¬ In the meantime, while the delegates had been busy sular Agency here having been abolished. with their many conferences, luncheons, etc., their wives and daughters were not neglected. Through the cour¬ This consulate is particularly adapted to a tesies of the English Speaking Union, they were able seaport, being on the ground floor and opening on Monday afternoon to take tea on the Terrace of the directly upon the street . House of Commons overlooking the Thames as guests of Lady Swaythling, and on Tuesday afternoon to at¬ tend a reception given for them by the Union at its headquarters in Trafalgar Square.

Throughout the period of their stay in London the delegates made general headquarters of the American Chamber, and in several cases added not only to their pleasure, but to their business interests as well by making use of its service organization and its trade facilities".

GOVERNMENT COMMISSION FOR FOREIGN TRADE

(American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil)

The United States Government has appointed a commission of twenty-five members of which Secretary of Commerce Alexander is President and Admiral Benson vice president, to investi¬ gate the problems in reference to shipping and communication between the United States and Latin America and to recommend improvements for the expansion of commercial facilities be¬ tween the United States and Latin-America. CONSULAR OFFICES, Through the efficient work of the commis¬ Dunkerque (nord), France sion it is expected that merchandise that has been piling up in the different ports due princi¬

12 AMERI CAN rON S U LAR,j[^nLLETIN .» ■ ■ ■ ■— ■■ ■

Trading with Belligerents Facilitated

(From “Foreign Trade Bulletin, Issued by Foreign Trade Department, American Express Co., New York)

Substantial modifications of the restrictions Forms for requesting allocation certificates against trading with the former enemy countries may be obtained from the War Trade Board of Russia, Hungary, Austria, Bulgaria and Tur¬ Section of the State Department, and these cer¬ key were announced by the State Department tificates when granted must be returned to the on July 7. Special Export License RAC-77 has Section, together with completed import appli¬ been amended so as to authorize the exporta¬ cation (Form M) to receive attention. tion to those countries, by freight or express, Trade With Russia on Separate Basis and without individual licenses, of any commo¬ While trade with all the abovementioned dities except munitions of war and articles sus¬ countries except Russia has thus been made sub¬ ceptible of use as such. Persons desiring to ex¬ stantially more free, a further announcement port ordinary articles need only present their made on the same day by the State Department shippers’ export declarations in duplicate to the places trade with Russia on an entirely different collector of customs at the port of departure, basis. The announcement warns merchants con¬ and secure his endorsement. templating commerce with Russia that relaxa¬ tion of export restrictions in no wise constitutes Individual export licenses will be required a recognition of any Russian government; that for the export of excepted articles. Such li¬ the United States does not undertake to give censes for articles used almost exclusively in protection of contracts, and that the ownership warfare will be granted only in exceptional of commodities or other values offered in pay¬ cases, but licenses for locomotives, motor ve¬ ment for American goods may thus later be hicles, barbed wire, electrical equipment, and brought into question. similar articles of only an auxiliary or incidental As long as passports to Russia are still re¬ military value will be granted on proof that fused, and no mail or cable communications such articles are for civil purposes only. provided, any considerable revival of commerce Restrictions Taken Off All Imports Except with that country was not to be expected. But Chemicals until American merchants can be sure that in At the same time all articles except synthetic accepting payment for exports they are not lay¬ organic drugs, synthetic organic chemicals, dye¬ ing themselves open to future lawsuits for re¬ stuffs, and coal tar products, may now be im¬ covery by the rightful owners of the funds or ported from any country in the world without commodities accepted, it is difficult to believe license. Import of these articles from Germany that any material resumption will be attempted. will be allowed only on proof that they cannot International Clearing House at Copenhagen be obtained in this country in sufficient quan¬ An international clearing house for trade will tities or quality, or on reasonable terms of de¬ be established at Copenhagen, according to an livery, and then only a six months’ supply may agreement recently signed by representatives of be purchased at a time. the Russian Soviet Government and various in-

13 H c AMERICAN roNsuLAR, RWLLETIN

ternational industrial and commercial organiza¬ that the power generated at the dams would tions. Tile establishment of branches in most make the proposition practically self-financing. of the countries of the world is contemplated, it is said, and that in the United States will be The work, partly along the international among the first to begin operations. boundary and partly in Canada, is necessarily an international undertaking, and by act of Con¬ Italian Production Increases gress is now before an International Joint Com¬ Italy’s economic recovery seems to be pro¬ mission, which has been requested by this Gov¬ ceeding more rapidly than that of either France ernment and that of Canada to prepare a plan or England, according to information received for joint action. Upon its recommendation, it from our three Italian offices. For example, will be necessary for Congress and the Dominion while France has under construction fifteen Government to decide on final action. The times the shipping tonnage that was under way Commission is now holding hearings, while the in 1913, and Great Britain eighteen times, Italy engineer corps of the two countries are putting has seventy-five times as much. It has been of¬ the field data in shape for a working plan. ficially estimated that Italy’s merchant marine, which was reduced by the war to a little more Advocates pf the project claim that, with all than 1,000,000 tons, is now about 2,750,000 tons. Europe comparatively close to tidewater, the The lack of coal in Italy, which in the past farmers and manufacturers of the Middle West proved a serious obstacle to industry, is being are greatly handicapped in meeting foreign remedied by rapid construction of hydro-electric competition, but that if the St. Lawrence were plants, while in the southern part of the coun¬ opened from Lakes to sea a great development try the utilization of volcanic heat for steam¬ of the Middle West and a great increase in its making purposes promises a substantial supply exports may be expected. of power. Duties High if Invoices Are Delayed The trade balance has been steadily moving Ad valorem duties on imported goods will be toward normal since July, 1919, the movement levied on the basis of the theoretical gold value having been especially rapid this year. Italy of the foreign currency in which bought, in¬ has 750,000 more acres in wheat than in 1914, stead of on the actual dollar cost, unless the and other crops have been similarly increased. consular invoices were certified to before the vessel cleared, regardless of whether a “depre¬ An Ocean Channel to the Lakes ciated currency certificate” is attached or not, A movement to deepen the St. Lawrence River according to a recent ruling of the Treasury so as to provide deep water from the Great Department. This refers to previous rulings Lakes to the ocean, thus “placing the Middle providing that where accompanied by such cer¬ West on the Atlantic seaboard,” is being pushed tificates authenticated by competent authority, with considerable publicity just at present by shipments would be valued for duty purposes at the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Tidewater Asso¬ their cost in dollars. ciation. Advocates of the movement claim that free passage from the Great Lakes to the sea The Italian Chamber of Commerce in New for ocean-going vessels may easily be made a York has forwarded to the Treasury Depart¬ reality by damming the St. Lawrence at certain ment a formal protest against the ruling, point¬ points, thus drowning the rapids and making ing out the practical impossibility, in many the river a series of pools. They assert that it cases, of having the consular invoice certified is not a formidable engineering project, and before the vessel clears.

14 ^ AMERICAN CONSULAR,BULLETIN

Foreign Exchanges Very Weak ton. The Consul decided that the men were not entitled to their discharge and free trans¬ Below are given the average quotations for portation to New York, and, since the men re¬ bankers’ cheques in large amount, during the fused to work on the vessel, he had them ar¬ third week in July, as reported by our Foreign rested and returned to the United States on a Exchange Department. The depreciation or charge of attempted mutiny. The case was tried appreciation of each foreign currency in terms in the United States District Court for the East¬ of dollars is indicated in percentages of the ap¬ ern District of Virginia, and the seamen were proximate value of the gold unit. found guilty and fined $50, and sentenced to two Mint Pai Country and Average Per Cent of Rate Currency Unit Quotations Depreciation days imprisonment. 4.866 England (pound). .. .. 3.810 21.7 .193 France (franc) .. .079 59.0 The case was appealed and was argued be¬ .193 Belgium (franc)...... 084 56.4 fore the Circuit Court of Appeals, Fourth Cir¬ cuit, on April 27, 1920. The decision of the .193 Italy (lira) . . .055 71.4 .193 Spain (peseta) ...... 157 18.6 District Court was affirmed. The decision which .193 Greece (drachma) . .. .127 34.2 was given by Circuit Judge Woods contains the .193 Switzerland (franc) .. .173 10.3 following important points: .268 Sweden (krona) ...... 216 19.4 “(1) The master cannot discharge the crew .268 Norway (krone) ...... 164 38.8 and the crew cannot demand wages in full until .268 Denmark (krone) . . .. .163 39.1 the end of the voyage. .402 Holland (guilder) . . .. .345 14.1 “(2) The end of the voyage is not a port of .238 Germany (mark) . . .. .025 89.4 distress, but the port of destination. .424 Argentina (peso) . . .. .396 6.6 “(3) Seamen are bound to serve until the .500 Philippines (peso) . .. .481 3.8 voyage ends in the port of destination, unless .498 Japan (yen) .. *.513 *3.0 there has been a breach of the contract by the Hongkong (dollar) . .. .730 master as to the time of the voyage or in some Shanghai (tael) ...... 1.024 other material particular. *Premium. “(4) Extension of the time of the voyage by intention or neglect of the master is such breach EXPIRATION OF SHIPPING ARTICLES of the contract as entitles the seamen to de¬ mand their release on that ground in any safe The Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fourth port. Circuit handed down a decision on July 6, 1920, which should prove of considerable interest to “(5) But extension of the voyage beyond the consular officers at seaports, inasmuch as it in¬ time mentioned in the contract due to perils of volves the right of seamen to demand their dis¬ the sea which the master or owner could not charge upon the expiration of the shipping be reasonably expected to guard against is not articles. The decision was handed down in the a breach of the contract as to time and does case of the steamship Poughkeepsie, which en¬ not warrant seamen in leaving the vessel or tered the port of Hamilton, Bermuda, in dis¬ demanding wages in full before reaching the tress. While it was there the period of time port of destination. specified in the shipping articles expired. The “(6) On the other hand, seamen are entitled crew of the vessel demanded their discharge on to their wages and discharge when the ship this ground, which the captain refused to grant. reaches the port of destination before the ex¬ The case was referred to the Consul at Hamil¬ piration of the stipulated time of the voyage.”

IS AMERICAN CONSULAR jyUXJU&TITST |

PRINTING AND BINDING MACHINERY, SUPPLIES and COMPOSING ROOM EQUIPMENT

ESTIMATES SUBMITTED ON APPLICATION FOR COMPLETE PLANTS OR ANY SEPA¬ RATE ITEMS F. A. S. NEW YORK

The Omaha Paper Hoist with Rachet and Chain Hoist or fitted for Motor Drive. Specify maximum size of sheet to be handled.

George C. Andrews Company 71 WEST 23RD STREET, NEW YORK CITY

“ Caldwell Serves Well” HOW TO SHIP FOR EXPORT Our specialty is furnishing clients export rates and information, not via one port of exit only, but giving comparison of railroad and ocean rates via all ports of exit. Lack of such information results in Joss of business. Ask for rates or other information. CALDWELL & COMPANY, Inc. Established 1857 CALDWELL SHIPPING COMPANY

Soliciting Agents Osaka Shosen Kaisha Nippon Yusen Kaisha New York Chicago San Francisco Seattle Tacoma Detroit Philadelphia Boston New Orleans

16 Standard Oil Company of N ew York 26 Broadway New York

%

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BRANCH OFFICES IN THE PRINCIPAL CITIES OF

Japan Siam India China Philippine Islands South Africa Indo-China Straits Settlements The Levant Netherlands India Waldorf-Astoria Hotel McAlpin

-

The The Hotel Aristocrat of Convenience of Hotels . and Comfort

MR. CONSUL: Naturally you are interested in the comfort and welfare of any foreigners you may know who are coming to New York. We, too, realize the special attention requisite to their comfort and stand ready to co-operate with you by giving special care and con¬ sideration to foreign guests you may send us. A letter of introduction to either of our hotels will be all that is necessary; or, if you wish, you may cable us collect making reserva¬ tion and giving name of steamer so that we may meet guests upon their arrival. It is our sincere desire to be of helpful service and we hope to have your co-operation. We maintain two European offices and reading rooms in the American Express Company building, 6 Haymarket, London, and 11 Rue Scribe, Paris. Any of your friends traveling via these cities may perhaps find these offices a convenience. New York

Under the Direction of L. M. Boomer.