New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-01-19

ton In England, or S450,000 on the estimated
product OF $4,000 tons. These are what the
Governor calls conservative figures lie hopes
Tor larger results. estimating the real cost Of
production and delivery at $50 ton. and the
selling price at $3.50, with net profit on the
whole product OF nearly 81 100000. In any
event the cultivation Of Bahama hemp promises
10 carry into the millions the exports OF the cOun-
try which now amount to $500, 600 year The
INDUSTRY even IN ITS tentative stage, has increased
the valuation Of land Sl.2j0, 1000. If the Gov
ernOrS more cautious expectations are fulfilled
and so wcll-n formed expert as the efficient and
courteous American Consul, Mr.. McI.ain, believes
that this Is probable. rather than posSiblc-an
enormous volume will be added to the trade Of
Sir Ambrose Shea is described by the ncrcdulous
as mOnomanac. Certainly he talks and APP
parcntly thinks Of little except siSal or Bahama
hemp, as he insists that it will be known in future.
There has been. however. much reason in his mad
ness, and the industry has been introduced with
practical business skill and sound Judgment. The
restrictions placed upOn the cultivation of fibre
plants safeguards against overproductiOn and
labor troubles Unrestricted sale of lands would
involve not only the chcapcning of the product,
but also serious difficulties respecting the supply
of labOrers when their services were needed The
Governor aims 70 restrict the development OF the
industry and to raise the standard of labor by
his system Of enabling the lower class of poplI-
lation TO buy land on the easiest possible terms.
The alloNcnts of land are made in such a way
as to prevent scarcity of labor in any quarter.
What he seems 10 leave out of account is the i'm
practicability of restricting the production of
Bahama hemp in other West India islands and in
Florida. Let the success of this industry be
established in his own islands and there will
inevitably be competition from surrounding coun-
tries This is the only flaw which | can perceive
in his reasoning. Certainly mOnomania which
takes the form of intense zeal for the enlarge
ment of industrial resources and the promotion
of the prosperity of all classes Of the popula-
tiQn is rare in the civil service of any country
as to he almost phenomenal.
II only remains for me TO consider the prob
able effect of the development of this new source
of wealth upon American trade The Bahamas,
owing TO their inacccsSbilty and declining com
mercc have been neglected by England and left
dependent upon Ncw-York as base of supplies.
American steamers alone visit Nassau with rc-u-
larjty, being drawn in by the mail subsidy. So
long as fruit. coarse SpOnccS and salt in small
quantity were the exports of the islands this com
mcrcc was unimpOrtant: but there il at least a
promise Of great results from the siSal industry.
Fortunately the United States is in an excellent
position to profit Ivy the future prosperity of the
Bahamas. The steam service is under the Amcr-
can iag and excellent in all respects: and the
new IariN bill. while not increasing the CHARGES
on anything imported from these islands takes
off duty of 81 > n ton on siSal hcmD With a
free market offered in the United States il is
product estimated by the genial Governor Of the
Bahamas in his hours of recreation = cOnScrva-
tive fnancicr viii reach London Congress las
practically placed premium upon Bahama hemp
by It's timely action IN removing an unnecessary
duty. Let Sir Ambrose Shea carry out all his
statcSmanlike projects for the restoration Of tho
commercial prosperity Of the islands. and he will
have from the outset the American market for
his new fibre without let or hindrnce. !. " T.