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146 aside their national idiosyncrasies as to neglect entirely the opportunities which may occur to them. American trade in Mexico has prospered more by good luck than good guidance. The idea seemed to gain currency in the United States, after some experience of Mexican trading, that "any old thing" delivered in "any old way" would do for the people of the sister Republic. How trade stood this sort of thing it is difficult to say. This was, of course, before the days of German competition; and as British methods were even more slovenly, the Mexican had perforce to remain contented with what his Northern neighbour dispatched to him. Then the silly legend arose in British commercial circles that America had "captured" the Mexican markets, and that to fight against American trade in Mexico was to combat hopeless odds. As a matter of fact, the American consular service, until recently, was never tired of holding up British commercial methods to the admiration of American traders. The truth is that the traders of both countries cooked their samples and scamped the goods sent in bulk in the most unblushing manner over a long period of years, and grossly neglected the consular regulations. But the factor of contiguity told at last and secured the rich satrapy of Mexico for American commerce.

To write of British opportunities in Mexican trade may, perhaps, strike the keen commercial man as absurd. America, he will tell you, has swallowed up Mexican business. But the scene has changed during the past few years, and where once the "Gringo" had not a rival, he is now execrated. Assuredly his chances of retaining Mexican trade are on the decrease. Germany, through a host of skilful agents, has laid hands on Mexican commerce such as it is at present, and is patiently waiting to nurse it back to health after its fitful revolutionary fever. The German officer who is also a commercial representative of his country is a strong force in Northern Mexico to-day, some advices estimating