Page:Face to Face With the Mexicans.djvu/551

Rh kindred topics. The pride of the Mexican is naturally gratified when he finds one man at least who knows how to take things slowly and pleasantly and without brusquerie. Perhaps half a dozen such interviews occur before a word is spoken about business, but the agent, beyond all doubt, has secured his victim.

The apostolic injunction to "let patience have her perfect work" must here be heeded in the business world no less than in the higher discipline of life.

Good faith in all transactions is a prime necessity; therefore it is essential that goods supplied should be according to samples. Two intelligent Mexican merchants with whom I became acquainted, informed me that their own experience had been unsatisfactory in buying from traveling agents. Goods furnished not only did not correspond with samples in color or texture, but even the prices were different. They also said that in such matters other foreign sellers were careful to send exactly what was ordered, even if it required much time and labor. European importers cater to the popular taste, even to the packing and shipping of goods, making a reduction in bulk and weight by shipping in bales instead of boxes, giving long credit on all bills, and by every available means endeavor to save trouble to their customers. Calculations are also made that the native railroads, in the shape of burros or carts, may readily transport the goods to interior cities. Americans generally overlook these details, and ship their goods in heavy wooden boxes, in every way objectionable.

Besides, the fastidious taste of the Mexican as to color and texture is lost sight of; they forget his whole nature is antagonistic to dull colors, coarse woof, and unseemly assortment. The French have caught the popular fancy in taste and delicacy. Light and airy fabrics with cunning devices, adding unique effects to the artistic arrangement, catch at once the Mexican eye.

Foreigners from the old country are content to make a very little headway at a time, and to utilize every facility they can command to the very best advantage. If they prosper in business, the young brothers and cousins at home are not forgotten, and as soon as