Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-09-05

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ImpregnabIe Throne-The Future En-
circled with Bright Auspices.
OFFICE OF THE MORNING NEWS
SAVANNAH, sept. 4, 1855.
The year ending Aug 81, 1885. was a pros
porous one for Savannah. Nearly every
branch of business shows a better tone and
condition than it did At the end Of the year
1SSS-S4, although there has been no general
boom or abnormal expansion of business.
An increase in cotton receipts over tne years
1SS3-S4 was naturally to be expected. but II %
gratifying TO note the extent Of the increase,
Tor It indicates that savannah ~ N no lnlno-
diate danger of losing the important positlon
Il holds as the second initial cotton port N tle
world. Her great rivals Galveston ana Nor
folk seem to be fairly distanced. The increase
IN our cotton receipts was not due to any eN-
ira efforts in any particular locality 80 bring
cotton TO tins point, but was perfectly leglti-
mate and fairly earned.
The great increase in the receipts OF
sea Island cotton surprised most Of
our cotton mon. II shows that confidence in
long staple cotton is returning, and that the
area planted in it was largely eN-
tended. While the price Of both long
and short staple cotton has been
low, the large majority of planters have
made money, and the feeling for the future Is
very hopeful.
The naval stores trade is in a much better
condition than it was at the end Of the last
season, when it was suffering az il never had
suffered before from depression. caused by
overproduction. A decrease in receipts was
not only to be expected but was very much
desired. Both producers and middlemen,
however, have made some money, while 1t Is
doubtful If any money was made by the pro
ducers in 1881. savannah is still the first
naval stores port in the word, and in this po-
sitiOn II stands without a rival.
The lumber trade has been fairly prosper
Gus, and is in a healthy condition. although
there has been no material increase. There
is a very hopeful feeling among lumber men,
owing mainly 20 the general revival Of bust
ness throughout the country.
Savannah has done well in the jObbing
trade during the past year, Dry goods, no
tions, etc, have moved in a normal and en-
couraging manner. In groceries our business
has increased mmensely-approximately 80
per cent. This has been due to the enterprise
OF dealers, who spared no pains or expense IN
efforts to extend their trade, and they have
freely benefited by the advantages which
naturally belong 10 Savannah as a shipping
point. II the margin OF profit has been
smaller than heretofore the magnitude OF
transactions cOmpensates therefor, and the
fact that new territory has been acquired and
old t%erritory recovered from rival cities is
very gratifying. The wholesale grocery trade
has enjoyed a boom, and the dealers in that
line are determined that it shall continue.
The material increase in the rice receipts of
our port speaks wen for the rice industry.
The Yield last year was 3 good one and the
prospects are that our rice interest viii
steadily Increase in Importance in the future.
White there appears to be a falling of IN
the shipment Of fertilizers, Savannah capital
has moved a much greater amount OF fertil-
izers thar last year. This is due to the fact
that the southern manufacturers are fast
driving Northern fertilizers out of the south
ern market. The decrease in price brought
about by competition has been Of great beue-
lit 10 planters. especially those who have
bought their fertilizers FOR cash.
Savannah has enjoyed quite a building boom
the past year. as is shown by the great num-
Der OF new houses built, as well as by the in
crease IN the value OF real estate. The most
gratifying thing in tins connection is the fact
that a large proportion Of the new houses are
dwellings which were built by persons OF
limited means as permanent homes. There
have been MANY blocks OF tenements, how
ever. hu,lt for Investments, aud they have
been taken promptly by tenants ~ remunera-
tive rents. IL is not only evident that the
population Of orr city Is increasing quite
RAPIDLY. but that it is improving IN industry.
tone and general thriftiness. There has boon
no OVERRIDING of the building business here.
There is now a demand for houses which can
not be met.
Our banks have generally pursued the even
tenor of their way. There have been no fail
ures among them, nor, indeed, have they
shown the least indication OF shakiness.
Money mas been plentiful and easy, aud the
demand therefor lighter than usual.
There has been no spirit of speculation IN
any department Of business. This fact speaks
well for the solidity OF business, and IS &
guaranty OF the gennineness OF transactions
The reports and statistics which follow are
not only invaluable TO business men, but they
should be closely read and nled away for fu-
ture reference by every one interested IN Sa-
vannahis prosperity.
The following is the estimated amount OF
business done IN the different branches OF
trade in Savannah for the year ended Sept.
], 1885:
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