The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1874-07-16

the surrounding country, nave Always
rendered it an object of cupidity and
longing desire to foreign powers.
The Merchants Of the Future.
A German sratistican has lately given
n tabular view of the commercial move
ment of the world as shown in the eX-
port and import trade of nations In
some regions, us in Africa, it is difficult
to make an estimate; but what is equal
ly striking is the fact that while old
commercial countries maintain their
trade, now ones are dawning, as it were,
into the activity Of commercial day.
On looking ut the trade figures OF half
civilized countries, we see IN them the
great KEY to the commerce of the future.
The trade of some countries does not
always grow in proportion to the supe-
rior intelligence and commercial spirit
of their people, but oftener according
rs its natural productions are in de
mand by other people. This influences
the export trade alone. The imports
depend more Oh, first, the available eX-
portable matter, and secondly the nee
essitics of the people, or rather on their
appreciation of the wants of civilized
life. But here again calculations are
often at fault, for it is not the people
upon whom most dependence is placed
that always turn out the best CUSTOM
ers. Even in two peoples like the Chi
ncse and japanese there is a great diff
ference Of willingness, to avail them
selves of the result of progress. Social
habits and chronological considerations
both enter as factors. The surprising
developments of such countries MS
Egypt show us the probable impetus
which will mark the trade of what may
be called undevcloped commercial re-
gions of the world
1t is this very fact that will preserve
such manufacturing countries as Eng
land from decline. Trade is only be-
ginning with some lands, and their in
habitants are but Just becoming &C.
Quaiutcd with the products of civlllza-
ton. Till such time as these new coun-
tries themselves begin to manufacture,
they will doubtless be customers OF
NIItul lDlllulu, L ldIbOs WIN ''hN'
America for such articles rs each can
sell cheapest. In the meantime, how
ever. there is little doubt that when
once the barriers which separate China
from the rest of the world are broken
down, it will enter in the markets with
all the advantages which it's immense
and s,illful population will give it. In
diff rent kinds Of man features II is
moro than probable it will completely
shut ont European competitors. Late
travellers through China have not only
been amazed at the progress the Chinese
are making, hut are filled with appre-
hrnsion Mt the perspective.
Another revolution in the importing
and exporting business is preparing,
which may involve a complete transfor-
nation in banking and exchange. When
the commercial relations of two coun-
tries are sufficiently regulated, ex.
changes will be made in products, and
balances will be paid i'll orders on other
countries, which will also represent sc
much value in merchandise, Tho reg
uIating pow will not be gold, or gold
alone, but what coin can only repre-
sent-thc commodities. These COM
moditics will be symbolized on paper,
and the use of metallic currency, in
consequence, will be proportlonately
diminished. Transactions will be made
on samples, and the merchants of the
future will be spectators in products,
as our brokers are in railway shares.
The spirit of the age is speculative, and
the tendency beyond question. What
changes commerce may undergo, it is
difficult to determine, but it would
seem to grayitate to an excited but
peaceful contest with the world for Its
field of operation.- -New York COM
mcrciui BULlctjn.