The herald and mail. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1873-188?, 1874-07-24
The Merchants of the Future.

A German statistician has lately given
a tabular view of the commercial move
| ment of the world as shown in the ex-
port and import trade of nations. In
some regions, as 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, new ones are dawning, as it were,
into the activity of commercial day.
On looking at 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
as its natural productions are in de
mand by other people. This influences
the export trade alone. The imports
depend more op, first, the available ex-
portable matter, and secondly the nec-
essities 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
nese 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 as
Egypt show us the probable impetus
which will mark the trade of what may
be called undeveloped commercial re-
gions of the world.
It 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 ac-
quainted with the products of civiliza-
ton. Till such time as these new coun-
tries themselves begin to manufacture,
they will doubtless be customers of
Great Britain, France, Germany and |
America for such articles as 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 |
sll the advantages which its immense
and skillful population will give it. In |
kinds of mani factures it is
more than probable 1t will completely |
shut out European competitors. Late
travellers through China have not only
been amazed at the progress the Chinese
are making, but are filed with appre-
hension at the perspective.
Another revolution in the importing
and exporting business is preparing,
which may involve a complete transfer
nation in banking and exchange. When
the commercial relations of two coun-
tries are sufficiently regulated, ex-
changes will be made in products, and
will be paid in orders on other
which will also represent so
much value in merchandise. The reg
1lating power viii not be gold, or gold
alone, but what coin can only repre-
'ent-the commodities. These COM
noeities will be symbolized on paper,
md the use of metallic currency, in
will be proportionately
diminished. Transactions will be made
IN samples, and the merchants of Che
uture will be speculators in products,
IS our brokers are in railway shares.
The spirit of the age is speculative. and
he tendency beyond question. What
hanges commerce may undergo, it is
lificult to determine, but it would
peaceful contest with the world for its
ield of operation. York Com
'2erci0E Bulletin,