Congressional Edition Volume 7768 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920 edition. Excerpt: ...and otherwise promoting trade in its own territory, a corresponding service is rendered to the United States at large by those bureaus in Washington whose function is the promotion of this country's foreign commerce, and which serve in a larger way as clearing houses of trade information, advice, and assistance. As each foreign office is in close touch with its own field, so are the bureaus in Washington constantly in communication with the several hundred foreign posts. Cable dispatches, letters, newspapers, bulletins, reports, statistical statements, yearbooks, directories, photographs, and other trade exhibits pour into the Washington bureaus from all parts of the world. Kesident agents from time to time return to Washington for brief stays and on these occasions they impart much information which is impracticable to communicate in writing. Traveling agents return to Washington for the preparation of their reports in consultation with those in charge. Likewise, both American and foreign traders in calling at the Washington bureaus on errands of their own contribute considerable information to the general fund of commercial intelligence. All this vast amount of material is grist for the mills of investigation, research, statistical analysis, verification, and preparation for use by the commercial public. Yearbooks, bulletins, reports, statistical tabulations, and monographs are published and distributed throughout the country. Inquiries received by mail and telegraph in a constant stream are answered by the dispatch of the latest available information from the supply at hand. Information is given orally to great numbers of applicants who make personal inquiries. These central clearing houses of foreign-trade information are several in...