The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1870-03-12
Industrial Competition.

The following highly interesting article
is clipped from the last issue Of the Org
Goods Journal.
The several leading nations of both the
old and the new world have, within the last
century, exhibited great enterprise IN the
development of agriculture, manufactures,
and commerce. All these various pursuits,
in that brief period, have been developed
to a wonderful extent. Napoleon's taunt,
that the English were a nation Of shop
keepers, will no longer apply with the same
force as formerly. France, Belgium. Hol-
land, Switzerland, and even Austria and
Russia, have each made gEeat strides In the
same direction. ar n
A war in Europe Of late years has been
more than once prevented by the efforts of
merchants and bankers, and even the safety
and tranquility of kingdoms and empires
have been secured by the unwillingness of
the masses to disturb the even currents Of
trade by revolution in the government.
Great competition is displayed in certain
quarters Of the globe in the production Of
many fabrics that enter into general use !;
but there are certain specialties in manufac-
tured goods, Of which some nations have,
until quite recently, held an almost sxclu-
sive monopoly. In the line Of cotton goods,
England for long time maintained an rs
cendancy. The liberal use of capital, the
enterprise Of her manufacturers, and the
skill and application Of her artisans, all
operated in her favor. In hardware and
cutlery, the English have occupied prcmi.
nent position but within a few years the
United States have made rapid strides in
this direction, and now we are able to com
pete with England in many foreign mar
kets.
France takes the lead in dress fabrics,
furniture, upholstery goods, perfumery,
jewels, clocks, and fine paper. The French
also produce the best yarns the product 10
brighter, cleaner, and Of finer material,
than those made by their neighbors across
the channel. In the manufacture of gloves,
also, they have long been celebrated the
best and finest gloves worn are made in
Paris The most beautiful artificial flowers,
artificial feathers, Grape shawls, ribbons, and
superior descriptions Of fancy goods, are
made in large quantities by the skilled
operatives Of her workshops. In white
embroideries, France is in advance of all
other countries. She is also proficient in
many smaller industries, that employ no
inconsiderable share of her population
The manufacture Of hair ornaments alone
give employment to fifteen THOUSAND per
sons.
Belgium is famous for its excellent lace,
and the superior qualities Of its carpets.
The latter, known as Brussels, and named
after the principal city Of the kingdom, are
used largely wherever civilization extends.
Holland is inhabited BY very industrious
people, who have acquired q great reputa-
ton for the manufacture Of superior linens.
Ireland is also famous for her productions in
this line.
Switzerland retains it's old-time SUPERIOR
ty in prints, and especially in those gener-
ally known as the Turkey red It is the
headquarters Of the manufacture of fine
jewelry and watches. Velvets Of the best
qualities are also produced. Children's
toys are made and exported, in Immense
Quantities, to every quarter Of the globe.
The Swiss also supply one-half the armici
OF Europe with gunpowder.
Italy is the home Of Byzantine Mosaics,
artistic Canoes, ornaments in bronze, inlaid
wood ornaments, sewing silks, paintings and
musical instruments.
Austria is famous for her leather
goods, glassware, and mathematical instru
ments.
1 Russia manufactures cotton, and liner
duck, sordage, hardware, and fur goods fOl
both ladies' and gentlemeA's r.
Spain competes with Turkey in the ex
cellent quality Of her morocco leather. Be
sides, she manufactures superior wOoler
goods, and fine glassware.
In colored embroideries, carpets, silks
shawls, and rare tissues, Turkey, Thibet
Persia, Egypt, India, and China, exec
other nations. The last named country ais
, makes superior lacquered ware, porcelain
ivory ware, and 6ligree work.
Prussia is actively securing . market e
, her woolens, porcelain, and musical instru
D ments.