New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-03-07
The Grain Trade.

The St. Louis Republican makes some ex-
cellent suggestions in the following article:
We alluded briefly yesterday to the ar
rival of the first bulk cOnsignments Of corn
from the Illinois river. The amount re-
ceiyed was not large but as a fOre-runner of
larger shipments from that direction. it was
deserving OF especial mention: and We recur
70 the subject again in the hope OF attract
ing the attention Of the merchants OF New
Orleans to point worthy OF their consld-
Grafton. Upon change yesterday there were
two gentlemen not directly interested in st.
Louis, each of whom holds over one thou
sand bushels of corn On the line of the Hi
nois, and who both visited St. Louis in the
hope of making arrangements to ship their
grain ont via the Mississippi river, il being
understood that the canal from the Illinois
river to Lake Michigan will not open until
late in the season-prObably not until the
first of June. And beyond the grain re
presented by these parties 1t is probable
that a million bushels would seek market.
or. at least, an outlet in the direction Of
New Orleans this spring, from the same.
cause.
Yet at the very outset there arises a diff
fculty not easily overcome. This corn
could, even if the canal referred to should
tie opened as early as usual. be. from the
earlier opening of navigation South.
shipped out of the Mississippi and reach
New York or Liverpool before shipments
by the lakes and the Erie canal could pos
sibly reach the same markets. This could
be done even if sent by sail from New Or
leans al the risk OF a voyage of forty or
fifty DAYS. Neither would the rate of
freight favor the Northern route. But TO
gain this advantage the freight transporta
ton must be continuous, there can be no
DELAYS allowed en- route IN transfers, etc.
1t is impossible however to obtain through
bills of Iading from this point to New York
for anv considerable quantity of bulk corn
or to obtain rate from New Orleans.
kilograms to the latter city asking for a
rate are invariably answered AL vessels
are locking for cotton; send grain forward
and we will soon find vessels" But ship
pers do not desire to pay extra charges
below Eor are they willing to pile up corn
70 heat at New Orleans at their expense:
and be IT understood in this matter they
ask no one at that city to share their risk
Of shipment.
They simply want an outlet: they ask OF
New Orleans only the accommodation of
vessels TO carry the freight. The profit OF
such carriage the ship owners OF New Or
leans, if such there be, can pocket, and the
natural commerce following the transporta-
ton Of large freights throug n city and the
consequent turning of purchases OF supplies
which must excite return shipments in the
same direction, may be shared by all the
merchants Of that city. But TO secure this
trade New Orleans must be willing to do
the same as other cities do-accept and be
content with the profit of transportation
until from the presenting of facilities for
transportation surplus accumulates and gives
employment to commission merchants. man
ufacturers and spectators. In other words.
the profits of the middleman must follow.
not precede trade.