" Most
of them were clever American women, married, or thinking they were
married, to Italian or French noblemen. Their chief effort was to get a
cash advance payment to bind the contract. Such details as price,
transportation, credit, and other essentials were unimportant.
Here is a little story which shows how these women did business and
undid American good will.
One day last August, the telephone rang in the office of the General
Manager of a long established American concern in Paris. A woman was at
the other end.
"Is this Mr. Blank?"
"Yes."
"I am Countess A. and I have a letter of introduction for you."
"Yes."
"I represent several large American coal companies and have secured a
large order for Italy."
"Yes."
"Can you tell me how I can get the coal to Italy?"
"Yes."
"Splendid! But how?"
"By boats."
"Oh, yes, I know, but have you got the boats and can I get them? I have
the order, you see, and that is the main thing."
"But, madam," asked the man, "have you cabled your company in America
about the contract?"
"No," answered the woman. "What's the use of doing that. I have no money
to spend on cables. Besides, I have full power to act. The price is all
right and the buyers are ready to sign but they want to put into the
agreement some silly business about delivery and I am asking you to help
me get the boats."
"Come and see me," said the Manager.
The woman promised to call the next morning, but she never came.
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