the British manufacturer and exporter to assume profitably the long
credits so much desired in foreign trade.

From the confidential report of its organisation let me quote one
illuminating paragraph which is full of suggestion for American banking,
for it shows the new idea of British preparedness for world business.
Here it is:

"Nearly as important as the Board would be the General Staff. It is fair
to assume that women will in the future take a considerable share in
purely clerical work, and this fact will enable the institution to take
fuller advantage of the qualifications of its male staff to push its
affairs in every quarter of the globe. Youths should not be engaged
without a language qualification, and after a few years' training they
should be sent abroad. It could probably be arranged that associated
banks abroad would agree to employ at each of their principal branches
one of the Institution's clerks, not necessarily to remain there for an
indefinite period, but to get a knowledge of the trade and
characteristics of the country. Such clerks might in many cases sever
their connection with the banks to which they were appointed and start
in business on their own account. They would, however, probably look
upon the institution as their 'Alma Mater,' Every endeavour should be
made to promote _esprit de corps_; and where exceptional ability is
developed it should be ungrudgingly rewarded. If industry is to be
extended it is essential that British products should be _pushed_; and
manufacturers, merchants and bankers must combine to push them. It is
believed that this pushing could be assisted by the creation of a body
of young business men in the way above described."

The scope and purpose of this British Trade Bank suggest another East