The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-04-04
PROSPECTS OF TRADE.
f. C. WORCESTER.

hOoT VT lhADE.
We stated few days since that the prospects of
an Improvement in the business orthe country were
beginning to manifest themselves in various sections
Of the country. We are now gratfed to perceive
that this opinion is confirmed by that of Mr. Appleton
of Boston, of the soundest s. most sagacuus mer
chants in the country. In the early part ofthc win
ter, the Secretary fthe Treasury,n obedience to an
order from the House of Representatives. addressed
circulars to the collectors of the revenue in which he
requested the opinions of the prominent mercantile
men on several points relating TO the Commerce Of
the Union. Among the objects of the inquiry
the probable amount Of imports during the present
and ensuing year, and the expedency of establishing
| ware house system. Among those who at the re-
quest of the Collector of the port of Boston, furnish
cd answers to the inquiries of the Secretary, was Mr.
Appleton, and we find by his letter which is publish
ed in the Daily Advertiser, that he believed the Pc
Rod Of stagnnon and depression has nearly reached
its term. He says, 'The country is not in debt a.
broad. Large crops in the process Of finding
market which even at the present low prices, prepare
the way for increased consumption. A great
check upon importation has existed for six months
and the stock Of foreign goods is by no ex-
cessve.
1t is inevitable that very considerable improvement
in trade should take place during the first half of the
year 1S43.
The imporntions, however, during this period will
be moderate; but the year commencing with July,
lS43, will doubtless be one of average activity, and
the mportations OF foreign merchandise reach their
average amount, which I should estimate at $780,
OOO, 900. From the imports into New York and Bos
l.
whole import of merchandise into the United States
Exclusive oftpecie) will not exceed $35 900, 900
for the last half of the present year. 1912, which
the nett revenue will not probably vary much from
5000, 900. The imports for the six months ending
30ih juno, lS4S, will, think, be somewhat greater
say from 40 900 900 to 45 900 900, which should
give n revenue of from 10000, 900 to $l2,0O0,-
600.
Mr. Abbott Lawrence, another eminent merchant
and manufacturer, also addressed by the Collec-
tor at Boston. From his reply we make the follow
ing extract:
The causes for low prices may be found in large
stocks on hand after the passage Of the tariff. Many
persons imported goods in anticipation of higher du-
ties; and others, from France and England, were
brought in under the expectation oflow duties, gor
poinment in the amount of business done the present
season. The demand from the South and West has
been very small, and the Middle and Northern States
much less than was anticipated. These causes have
produced general depression, which time only s.can
relieve.
am;incIined to believe that those large stock Of
merchandise will have cleared off by the first of July
next when mportations will then be free, and the
revenue gradually increased to the end Of the year.
should not deem it safe to estimate the revenue for
the fist half year at than three lhs of the a
mount of the corresponding period of the last year;
and for the year ending on the 30th of juno, 1874,
I should estimate the revenue at $24 100000 At
this period, have no doubt that larger amount will
be realized.
With the opinions Of Messrs. Appleton and Law
renee, our business generally concur,we believe,
in all our chief commercial cities If,therelore their
anticpatons shall be realized, we may look forward
to return of s'better tmes,' during the next six
months so far as the general business of tho country
is concerned.
There are some sections, however, in which the
revival of business will probably be postponed to
I,tA