The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-05-24
BANANASBY THE MILLION
SAVANNAH TAXING IT'S PLACE
AMONG TIE GREAT FRUIT PORTS.

The Rapidly Increasing Importations
of Tropical Fruits-15o.ooo Bunches
OF Bananas Received in tbs Last Six
Months - Savannah Becoming the
Great Supply Port OF the Southeast
A New Line of Fruit Steamers to be
Put on in the Fall
Tho importation of tropical fruits is one
of Savannah's growing trades. Over $780,
600 punches of bananas and 500, 900 cocoa
nuts have been brought to Savannah and
reshipped or sold here since last October.
Savannah firms now have steamers and
schooners regularly engaged in bringing
bananas and cocoanuts here from Bluefelds
and Barracoa. They will increase their
importation next year.
The statement issued by W. w. Hurlbert
& Co. of New York of the importations of
bananas into this country last year shows
an increase Of 1915 per cent in 1890 over
the importations during 1889. the importa-
ton for 1890 being 1855, 900
for 1889, an, iucrsase :, of 3.4s9 COO
punches. OF this amount New York re-
ceived 4, 731 600 and New Orleans 3,669, 900.
making over two-tnirds of the imports re-
ceived by these two ports. The other third
was divided between Boston, Philadelphia,
Baltimore, Savannah, Tampa and Gal
weston.
NEGOTIATIONS INCREASING.
A New York paper, commenting on these
figures, says that though New York and
New Orleans received two-thirds of
the amount shipped. yet they
only obtained one-half OF the increase,
and it becomes an interesting inquiry as to
what point the trade is turning. Charleston
calls attention to its advantages as q banana
port. The advantages Of Savannah have
already been recognized, however, and the
business is assuming important dimensions.
Not many years ago Savannah imported
very few bananas, and bought her home
supply from Charleston and New Orleans
A MORNING NEWS reporter learned from
several of Savannah's importers yesterday
that the business is q growing one, and Is
capable OF assuming great Dimensions. Sa-
yannah is already shipping bananas
throughout Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama,
and TO Cincinnati and ST. Louis.
SAVANNAH CAN SUPPLY THE COUNTRY.
"The whole country between Cincinnati
and Savannah could eesily be supplied from
Savannah" said one importer.
The importers all agree that the great
thing necessary is the cooperation Of the
railroads with the shippers. The business
is entirely dependent on the railroads.
They have not paid much attention to the
banana business in previous years, but of
late their attention has been attracted TO it,
aud they are beginning to offer the shippers
the accommodations required for the bust
ness. The Central railroad recently put
through train Of ten cars Of bananas from
Savannah to Atlanta in twelve hours for
Kavanaugh g. Brennan. The requirements
Of the banana trade are rapid transporta-
ton and close attention to the state OF the
cargo until IL reaches its destination. The
railroads have recently agreed to allow the
shippers to send one man with each ship
ment to look after the fruit, a very neces-
sary thing. 1t must be seen to that the
cars are well ventilated If the weather is
warm and that they are kept close If it is
cold, as the bapana Is very easily affected
by heat or cold.
EVERYBODY EATS BANANAS.
The consumption of bananas in this coun-
try has grown wonderfully in the last few
years, and the demand is keeping full pace
with the supply. A few years ago sales of
bananas outside of the port cities were com-
paratively small. Now every city and town
Of any Importance throughout the whole
country must have supply winter and
summer. IL Savannah only supplies its
own territory it will have a good trade.
The facilities for the trade here are as good
as at any port in the country. 1t is only
about seven days distance to the banana
fields, and when the cargoes arrive they
can be Immediately unloaded into the cars
alongside the wharf, and shipped northward
In few hours after arrival here. A cargo
OF bananas arriving to-day could be laid
down In Atlanta tomorrow.
Kavanaugh 81 Brennan will continue
their steamer to Bluefields during the sum-
mer, and expect to increase their importa-
lions this fall.
j. 8. Collins e. Co. intend TO put on two
steamers this fall between Savannah and
Barracoa. and will probably import in the
neighborhood Of 300, 900 punches.