The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-09-01
ANNUAL REVIEW
OF THE
NEW ORLEANS. MARKET,
SEPTEMBER 1, 1875.
sEPTEMBRR 1, 1878.

In accordance with custom, at the close of the
commercial year, we submit to our readers the
following condensed review Of the course Of the
principal articles which constitute the trade of
our port, but in dscharging this duty can not
omi. prefacing the details with such preliminary
remarks as are suggested by the occasion
At the corresponding date last year despond-
ency was the prevailing feeling in our COM
mercial circles. Most branches Of trade had
been unsatisfactory. 1t was under the competi-
ton of other markets to reduce prices below
fair profit, or there had been such shrinkage in
the volume Of business that it left but little
more than paid contingent expenses. In some
cases the year was closed with heavy stocks of
goods, consisting to some extent Of styles or
kinds which night go out of use in another
season. But the general complaint was loss of
trade, and those who bou4 ht no more than suf-
ficient to meet the demand, found their business
too limited to pay fair remuneration.
1t was hoped, however, that the incoming year
would result more favorably. An increased de-
mand wa. anticipated from the country still trib-
utary to this market, caused by an exhaustion o.
stocks in the interior and the pressure of the
actual demand for consumption upon reduced
supplies.
These hopes have been disappointed. The
causes which restricted the movement last year
have had similar influence since. The depres-
sion has been even more marked, and of greater
extent. But the revival Of trade can not be de-
ferred much longer. Consumption, however
much moderated by a rigid economy, has steadily
depleted stocks of goods in the interior
Country merchants and planters will be forced
to come forward more freely. The labor of the
country must be fed and clothed. Its payment
moreover, IS guaranteed by law and usage. The
white man and the freedman will be amply able
to obtain all the necsssarles they need, and most
of the luxuries they desire. Their custom, even
if there were no other, would create large de-
mand for staple goods, whether for food or raj
ment. The wants Of an individual laborer seem
to be trifing, but when we consider the aggre-
gatecSf the multitude employed in cultivatiDg
the soil, it becomes evident that it must cause
demand sufficient to impart a vigorous vitality
to most branches of trade. 1t matters not how
this demand ia enforced, whether by orders from
planters and country merchants, or by direct
purchases from. the New Orleans dealer. It must
inevitably assert itself and give active employ
ment to many branches OF business which are
now languishing.
Another favorable feature is the situation Of
the planting interest. Deprived Of the advances
formerly obtained from New Orleans factors who
we're lavish in their iberaiity even to fault, bat
have been literally compelled by the force Of cir
cumstances to observe q more cautious and less
generous policy, the planter, as he has always
done, in peace or in war, has risen to the duties
of the hour, and while he has practiced more
rigid economy in his household, has exerted re-
doubled energy in the field. We have heard Of
examples of this kind which are reslly heroic in
their character, and reflect as much honor upon
the actors as their most brilliant galantry in the
tented field. Such men must inevitably rise VIC
torious over all discomftures and misfortunes.
They have ennobled labor, and afford the surest
and most solid b isis for future accumulations of
wealth.
With a fair supply Of labor at reasonable
wages, a harmony between the employer and the
employee growing out Of their common interests,
fertile soil and salubrious and genial climate,
nothing can prevent the early recuperation Of
the agricultural classes and their re- established
independence, except such crushing disasters as
overfows, or destruction to crops from unfavor-
able weather.
All the probabilities, however, indicate
marked Improvement in the condition OF the
planting interest, on which the prosperity Of New
Orleans mainly depends. If there were no other
causes for reinspired hopes and condolences, this
alone would be sufficient to lead to cast apon the
future more cheerful look and enter the new
year with courage rather than dependency.
But there are other causes why the future
prospect is really encouraging. The undertak-
ing to make q connection with the Texas and
Pacific Road by rail from Alexandra to Shreve-
port promises speedy success. Every grocer,
every receiver of Western produce, every whole
sale dealer, whether in dry goods the shoe trade,
hardware, varieties or drugs and medicines sees
the great importance Of this enterprise, and is
convinced that it will largely increase his bust
ness and repair his rscent losses. Under these
circumstances the members Of these various
branches of trade will be bliad to their own inter-
est il they do not contribute literally to the con-
struction of this road.
Three completed suitable freight boats will be
placed in tho trade from Alexandria to this port,
which will charge reasonable rates in oil local
business and make o considerable reduction on
through freight by the rail. This will answer all
practicable purposes for the present 1t will give
to Northwestern Louisiana and Northeastern
Texas cheap access to the eaboard-cheaper
even than by all rail to this city, and cheaper
than to st. Louis, where the delivery would still
be at an inland point whence there would still be
long stretch Of road to reach The Atlantic. With
the completion Of this road we may confidently
anticipate to large portion OF the trade,
the diversion of which to Northern cities has
been one OF the principal causes OF the general
depression of business in this city, and the conse-
quent decline in real estate.
On this point we have no misgivings. differ
ence against US Of hardly more than mill per
pound will be more than counterbalanced by the
economy in freights from Shreveport, compared
with the rates thence to the West. The sale OF al
the products Of the district referred to will natur-
ally be followed by its purchasing in this market
all its supplies Of imported goods and groceries,
as we'll as most articles of Western manufacture
The Importance of this connection has not led
us to depreciate the value of connection with