Morning journal and courier., 1882-09-01
CNNsI.naR REPORTS.

One of the best things which the State de- pertinent of our government has lately plan ned Is the system of consular reports which went into operation In July, 1880. One of the great difficulties in the introduction of American goods into foreign markets has been the ignorance of our manufacturers as to the qualities and styles required, and also as to the manner in which goods should be packed and shipped. Heretofore all infor- nation on these points supplied by those con- suls who happened to take some interest in the matter has been buried in the documents ot Congress appearing in print so long after it was sent that it practically valueless Now monthly reports are issued and the in- formation they contain is always interesting, and some of 1t is very valuable.
 Washington correspon lent of the Boston Iost tells us something about the growth of this system, and the good which has been &C., complished, Ten thousand copies of the re- ports are published every month, making in all with one or two special documents, over ,000 separate pamphlets distributed by the State department during the last two years. Of these fair supply is sent to each of our
 
 means are posted as to the progress of our export trade in different parts of the world, and induced to work with more energy for the interest placed in their hands Tb. native American character heretofore buried in some out of the way uncivilized part of the world asserts itself, and we are instructed how to pack butter for Brazil the class of petroleum oil that should be sent to Persia ; why our cotton goods are selling in China in competition with Manchester; the length and width of cloths required in the Buenos Ayres market; the opening for American steamers in the South American and West Indies trade; the demand for lamps and glassware in Japan the necessity for ex- polters to look out for the general character of goods shipped deliberations in canned salmon and flour are referred to. Then we have all the changes in the various tariffs of other countries at once noted, tho crops are watched and reported upon, so that our growers and dealers are informed at the ear Hest possible date and can take action accord ingy. Still farther, new industries are called to our notice; for instance, the aston ishing growth of the silk interest is thought to be largely due to the efforts of Consul Peix otto, whose reports nave been copied by the press all over the country The introduction of the eucalyptus into this country is also due to the reports of our consul upon its | value and health giving qualities Recently the subject of ostrich culture in the Unit ed States has been taken up and discussed with l q reasonable ground of fair results. But it | IS not alone in this country that these reports | are of value. Distributed by the consulf 1 among the people where they are stationed their discussion has led to thought and de. \ sire to know more of American goods, anc their value Is again indicated.
 The demand for the consular reports ii | steadily increasing, and proof of their value | Is found in the steady increase in the expor | tntion of our manufactured goods to coun | tries where they have been till now unknown | They would, of course, be still more valu 1 able If the consular service were improved