New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-03-29
distributed as follows:

Comparing the state Of things in 1860 with
that indicated by the census and official re-
turns of 1870, it appears that while in the
former year we manufactured wooden goods
valued at sos, 100000, and imported more, worth
$3S, 32S, 439, in 1870 the value of wooden fabrics
made in American factories had increased
to Sl55,4O5,Ojs while our imports were
only $34 490,632, or nearly 100000 less than
we bought in 1860, when home and foreign
woolens worth $1O9,OOOOOO, suficed for the
years demand. The progress which these
figures indicate will satisfy every reasonable
mind of the superior merits of a policy which
within decade nearly trebled the production
attained after fourteen years of Free Trade.
In view of these figures, the alleged depres-
sion in the clothing branch of wooden manu-
features cannot be deemed so serious as to
warrant change in our national pOlicy-espe-
cially as the leading houses in this city at
tribute the present dizziness almost entirely
to over reproduction. The cause, it is evident,
will in any business entail heavy losses
If man needs only five yards of
cloth, you can hardly induce him to buy
five more on any terms, and the same is true
in large transactions. Miscalculating the eI-
tent of the home consumption, manufacturers
have continued making woolens, and find they
cannot obtain the prices which ruled when
there was a smaller stock on hand. The u s.
Economist Free Trade authority cited by
Mr.. Wells, confirms this view of the matter in
these words
From thei beginning of the year s7g to its close
constant efforts induce curailment OF produc
ton by any method possible Manufacturers by their
actions chose q different path, and endeavored 10
cheaper the cost OF production by an increased pro-
ducon rather than enhance the price OF goods reduc
ing the supply With the close Of the production OF
Autumn goods, many mills however. shut down, as to
continue at the prevailing prices for goods would
be suicidal In the extreme BY this action though taken
late the day. find about 800 sets Of machinery idle
vet Notwithstanding this curtament Of production and
the large destruction at the Boston fire. heavy goods
be purchased to-day at less price than for many years
Instead therefore, of needing those who
make the tariff responsible for dull trade with
the view of removing all protection, it be-
hOoyes our manufacturers to maintain firmly
the compact made with the wOol-growers in
1867, which the latter, the more numerous and
influential class, are resolved to uphold. If
relief be needed when Congress assemblies, that
body is more likely to advance the duty
on cloths, &C., than reduce that on woods. 1t
is doubtful, however, if any changes will be
required, for the cost of production is increas-
ing 50 rapidly in England as to render their
wooden manufacturers less able to compete
with us than heretofore. Just consider the fol-
lowing from The London Economist of the 9Th
inst:
LEEDs.-rhe wooden market has been OF the quetest.
In consequence OF the dcartb OF Goals the wooden mills
hereabous thrown idle to greater extent than
ut first imagined Under the circumstances, cothiers
are at their wits end As the season Is fast drawing TO
q close, many OF them have TO complete orders mmedl
ately or else submit to heavy pecuniary losses. Wool
and all other materials arc slow Of sale and firm in
price.
RoCHDALE.-some orders for fancy fannels arc being
placed aud there Is some inquiry for plain goods. but