The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-01-05

and coal whereas the demand for fabrics OF
British manufacture had signally fallen Off.
This was plainly an untoward exhibit, but
it's whole Significance was not brought out
until Mr. MALLET had placed beside it tho
record Of French trade with italy during
the same term. Whic for instance, the
value of linen cloths exported from England
to the peninsula fell of more than fifth,
or, in exact figures, twenty-five per cont in
the five years, the same goods forwarded
from France showed an augment OF sixty
nine per cent Again, cotton fabrics of Eng
lsh manufacture were appraised in 1871 by
the Italian Custom Houses at about five mil
lion dollars. and in 1878 at little more than
three and half millions, the difference
representing u decline OF thirty per cont.
In the same lustrum, on the other hand,
like articles Of French origin exactly
doubled, having risen from an aggregate
value of one and u half millions to three
million dollars. Passing to woollon stuifs
or tissues Of wool and cotton mixed, we
learn that the British exports destined for
Italian consumption represented in 1871
about four million dollars, but I'm 1875
only two and half millions, the
latter figures implying u shrinkagc OF at
least thirty-hve per cent. Meanwhile the
value of analogous articles sent from France
had expanded from two and quarter to
four and n quarter Millions showing gain
of about ninety per cent. These last figures
demonstrate that, as regards the trade In
woolen sturs with Italy, England has now
sunk to the position held by France at the
beginning Of the quinqucnnial period, while
the latter country occupies at present u
more commanding situation on the Italian
market than did her rival even In 1871. In
the exports of linen goods, also, 1t is proven
that France has dstanccd England, though
in II lcss impressive ratio. As to cotton
fabrics, IA we have seen. the factories Of
Manchester still maintain certain advance,
but they have lost in five years n third Of
their old outflow, while French makers have
doubled their sales. What follows from
these decisive figures Simply this that
French industry is rapidly cxpclling the
products of British workmanship from the
markets of Italy.
WHAT possible explanation can be offered
for the marked preference suddenly cvinced
by the Italians for the articles Of French
manufacture II can scarcely be claimed
that their protective tariff has introduced
disturbance into the commercial relations of
England with the peninsula since that tariff
presses with equal weight upon the exports
from France. Mr.. MALLEr does not assume
to settle the causes of the grave phcnomc-
non which he attests. He refers, however,
among other things, to the indsputablc stag
nation OF British fabrics in point Of quality.
He would ascribe, too. considerable mpor-
lance to the greater celebrity Of French mcr-
chants in their business transactions. lie
distinctly recognizes, moreover the supc-
rior ability OF French commercial agents
and travellers. These are significant ad-
missions on the part Of the British diplomat,
and they are by no means calculated to cx-
tenuate the facts II the French are to drive
tho English out Of Italy by the intrinsic
merit Of their wares, and by dnt OF superior
enterprise and dcxtcrity what shall pre-
vent their renewing the process In South
America and eastern Asia, and in all the
markets OF the world where the factory
lords of England have hitherto levied tribute,
aud made good their title to prominence