Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-05-20
The TRADE OF SAVANNAH.
An Interesting Resume.

The New York Times OF the 18th issues a
supplement giving interesting accounts OF
the trade of the country. We find among
them the following furnished By CORE
spondent in Savannah, under date OF the
18th:
THE trade Of Savannah is mainly de-
pendent upon cotton, rice, lumber, and
naval stores. In good years in these pro-
ducts general trade always bOoms and vice
versa. Fortunately, however, a bad year
in all these simultaneously has never yet &C.
CURED, and so our business can be always
relied upon to keep a fair equilibrium.
During the present year, the cotton crop
being very short, receipts have been much
lighter at this port than usual. Up to
date these receipts have amounted to
7O5, JIG bales of uplsnds and 1926
bags OF sea island, against S36,O56
bales of the former and 1898 bags Of
the latter at the corresponding date
last yesr-a very decided falling off Still,
in cotton Savannah has held her own and
remains the first cotton port Of the South
Atlantic, the Virginia ports coming next to
her with 5S7 OBS bales to date. Formerly
this large falling of in receipts would have
exerted very depressing effect upon gene
raj trade, for up to few years ago cotton
was the life and soul of Savannah. Now 1t
is different. We have become the second
naval stores port Of the Atlantic, and are
striding on rapidly for the first position in
that line also. OF these stores we have re
ceived since April l. the beginning Of the
naval stores year, 80, Ass barrel of rosin and
u 40 barrels of spirits, against 2l,Og1
barrels of the former and 6,757 OF the latter
a. the same date last year. Inis shows
a very gratifying increase, and all the indi-
cations sre that this industry, yet In Its IN
IN
steadily and largely increase year by year.
This will prove Of double advantage to our
port. 1t VIII give us s summer trade and
keep the wheels Of business rolling rapldiY
throughout the entire year. In the olden
time, when cotton was almost the onlV
mainstsv, our summers dragged their slow
lengths along in absolute dullntss. NOW
The naval stores season begins Just as tne
cotton season ends, and, IS the industry
grows, in the same ratio will our summer
business increase. The high prices
Of rosin and spirits which have so
far prevailed have had the effect OF in
eressing largely the turpentine farms and
so stimulating cur spring trade, and our
merchants all say that their business has in
creased from p to so per cent. over that OF
last year, while future prospects are encour-
aging. During the year our rice trade mas
suffered because ofthe unprece denied storm
Oh august 4det 4hNluk NCA uCNtNSN-J
the crop. At present stands are good, and
while 1t is too early to predict anything re-
gArding the outcome, If no setback occurs,
our planters anticipate profitable yields:
Our lumber trade, both coastWlse ana
foreign, is good. Mills are well supplied
with work and the demand is active. This
branch OF business also shows gratlfy-
ing increase over last year, and Is
steadily growing. Savannah has already as
sumed the position as the second lumber
port of the South Atlantic, which position
her excellent harbor and shipping facilities,
added to her fine railway facilities, will as
suredly enable her to maintain, even II at
length she does not assume the first place.
From this hasty summary OF our general
business, It will be seen that In all things,
save in cotton, Savannah shows decided
gain over last year, while her falling of In
cotton receipts is due solely to the snort
crop. She is going onward with rapid
strides, and our merchants and business
men are all well satisfied with the present
condition and future prospects OF trade"