Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-06-16

Total yds 6S 1874 293 so, l4 81 75s 166 g. ISL
This table shows to what markets we have
access in the sort of incidental export trade
ties of improvement there are when we shall
regularly manufacture for the foreign mar
kets, and run that trade to all the extent the
superiority OF our goods and the energy and
skill of our American merchants will enable
us to TO do. There are some particulars in
which the above table is very deficient, as
for instance, in the proportion by colored
goods and goods undyed. The defects partly
arise from inaccurate entries, and in great
degree from the shipping being done on
foreign vessels, our protection system de-
priving us of much of the protection nation
enjoys, that of owning the bottoms on which
it freights. In this way it often happens
that shipping to China is done by way of
England, and the exports SO shipped are
credited to that country. We really have no
market, on business principles, for our man.
ufactured cottons in England. The above
explanation shows that the export to that
country is apparent, not real. To all
countries our statistics are befogged in
various ways, through shipping on foreign
bottoms, to which we are driven by our own
unwise and irrational laws. Our exports to
Mexico are Left in the dark for a different
reason. Mexico carries on the short-sighied
policy of protection by putting on such high
duties that smugglers are well paid to con-
vey on large scale American merchandise
IL. I. IL
countries. OF goods thus clandestinely trans
fsrred we have. of course. no recora- How
much Of the same thing may go on with
Canada nobody knows, but in some way the
American statements Of exports to Canada,
and Canada's statement Of her imports from
US, do not agree. Oar expectation of cotton
goods is at present hampered with several
important difficulties. Our whole protective
system stimulates the manufacture of COM
modities, but obstructs their sale beyond the
home market. We are manufacturing about
$500, 100000 worth OF cotton products every
year, but are exporting only s13 500, 900.
The export trade renders fair but not large
profits under this condition of things, but it
is invaluable as giving US an outlet for our
surplus manufactures, as manufactures are
increasing the need of a foreign outlet
becomes every year more obvious. AS we
have shown, we are not at present manufac-
turing expressly for a foreign market, there
fore our merchants have not made the most
of the exporting business. Such customers
as we have are liable TO be neglected when
the home market leaves but little overplus.
In this way our merchants are behind COM
petitors in experience, knowledge of the
specialties of individual markets, and of
the many details that are known only when
constant direct intercourse is kept up. We
have not the proper arrangements for branch
houses abroad, or for transportation, and for
banking transaction that are indispensable
to an extensive commerce. In short in all
these things competing countries are far our
superiors, as we have never yet fully entered
the field we are not fully equipped TO con-
tend in it. In proportion as our manufac-
lures go beyond the requirements OF the
home market, circumstances will arise that
will compel such changes in our tariff as
will not only discourage, but will
sharply stimulate expectation. Our mer-
chants, delivered from shipping and