The Express.
London, England, 1853-01-04 00:00:00

THE INDIA AND CHINA TRADE.

Ile vie the Chi•ese and
Australian markets, Messrs. Tootal and Browne in their
circular, dated London, January 1, 1843, say :
•• In preventing our usual monthly circular, we would
take the opportunity of its being our first issue for the new
year, to make a short review of commercial mitten for
the put twelve months. We believe that we may confi-
dently assert, never were twelve months passed under such
• high state of prosperity by all classes, and whether this
has been occasioned by • recent legislation,' or the extraor-
dinary development of the mineral resources of various
parts of the world, which, attracting our surplus popula-
tion, finding them the means of wealth and employment,
has also produced • greater demand than ever heretofore
existed, and by this means contributed to raise prices, in-
creme wages, and make all classes prosperous and contented
certain it is that never did a year close on such unparalleled
prosperity, or a new one open with such brilliant prospects.
Extending now our view to those markets in which we are
mostly interested, it is with pleasure we are enabled to
I make the following remarks. Calcutta is at length roasour-

imp from its long &premien, and this market, se suasively
orentockad, and returning such suareenuneratiag prises in
the early part of the year, several fa lures occurring and
confidence shaken, is now showing signs of real improve-
ment, with stocks considerably decreased, and there being
but moderate supplies in the way, we expect to see this
market one of the most encouraging to shippers through-
out the ensuing year. Madre, has laboured under severe
depression throughout the year. Shipments have been
made far exceeding the requirements of the market,
and unless supplies are very limited for some
time to come, we cannot look for improvement. Bombay.
This market has exhibited a considerable degree of activity
throughout the year, and, though • market somewhat
limited, is one well worth the attention of shippers. Singa-
pore has generally been • remunerating market throughout
the year ; but the prices to be obtained in this market arc
so dependent upon the demand from the neighbouring
markets and provinces as to make it very uncertain. It is,
however, a market we can strongly recommend to the no-
tice of our friends. Batavia has been a market strongly
depressed throughout the year, but is now showing some
signs of improvement. China : The markets in china,
both for imports and exports, have been exceedingly active
throughout the year, and A larger business been done in
both branches of trade the in any former period. Cape
of Good Hope, Algoa Bey, and Natal: Owing to
the circumstance of the Kaffir war, the business iu these'
parts has not been so large or satisfactory as it otherwise
would have been. The extension of steam intercourse with
these parts, and Cape Town being the principal place of call
for all steamers going this route to India and Australia,
must ultimately be very beneficial. The Australian colo-
nies have undoubtedly attracted more attention during the
past year than any other part of the globe. The extraor-
dinary development of mineral riches, which have far
eclipsed California, have attracted thousands from our
shores; land markets, which hitherto have been very
limited in extent, aro now so increased that all pre.
sent supplies have been inadequate to the demand.
What the result of this will be it is yet ins.
;risible to tell. The raw article is increased in demand
owing to the increased demand for the material; the
great Increase for the material and employment of capital
in these parts, will materially lessen supplies to other
markets, and cause higher prices to rule in consequence in
them; it seems inevitable, therefore, that with increasing
wealth and decreasing labour, a universal rise in price will
gradually extend itself all over the world. The wool crop
for the last year exceeds its predecessor, and we fear that
that circumstance has too much allayed the anxiety that
was then shown to secure the usual supplies of this neces-
sary article to our manufacturers; we shad shortly be re-
milling this season's crop, and can we expect it to be equal
to theasst? We fear we must answer in the negative.
Thousands of sheep have perished of neglect ; thousands
have been slaughtered ; and will shearers be found to clip
thou there an ? The matter is one of the most serious con-
eideration, and should not be overlooked. The establishment
of steam and regular mail communication to the colonies
is an event which must not pass unnoticed, though its
benefits have been but little so far, from inexperience; we
:rust, however, a better state of things in this respect is
before us. San Francisco continues to improve and pros-
per. Trade has been flourishing throughout the year ; and
though former extreme prices have not been obtained,
articles well selected have always paid well. There is,
perhaps, no market better worth attention, at the same
time so disastrous to shipments made, without reference to
the actual wants and requirements of the market. We
shall be at all times happy to furnish the fullest informa-
tines to parties desirous of shipping through as to any of
the foregoing markets; and trusting our expectations may
be fully realised for the year we hay* entered upon."