Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-05-11
Ecypt's Cigarette Industry.

speaking. a misnomer. for the cultiva-
ton Of the tobacco plant has been Tor
hidden by decree since 1880; hence "ci-
garettes made in Egypt would be a
more truthful description.
The manufacture is an important one.
however and is doing something toward
materially increasing the revenue OF the
country. Nearly all the tobacco comes
from Turkey. where IL is shipped chiet-
ly from Cavallo, Lataika, and NenidJe.
The paper comes from Austria. Germany.
and Italy. and the major part OF the
labor employed is Greek, except for COM
mon brands which are made by the ma
tives. The manufacture for export Is
very largely In the hands OF Greeks,
aud so deeply founded Is the belief that
Europe and America will buy only
Egyptian cigarettes made by Greek
firm that several manufactures are car
ried on under trade names invented or
borrowed In pursuance of this strange
belief.
The total export of cigarettes In 1893
WAS diOul lf'thNND III
at something over sl.lG5000. The bulk
of the trade is centred In Cairo, where
there are no less than elghty-three
manufacturers for export. who employ
100 workmen Taking into account the
families OF these people. it may be esti-
mated that at the very least 5000 in
habltants Of the Egyptian capital are
dependent for their daily bread on this
industry.
The Egyptian cigarette has such an
established position among the Injuries
Of the world that 1t is difficult to believe
that this flourshing trade Is OF very re-
cent growth. but 1t H. in fact, one Of
the many indirect advantages accrung
to the country from the impetus impart-
ed by the invasion of foreign enter
prise. The constant flow of tourists has
been an important means of dissemina'-
ting the taste for the Egyptian clga-
rctte, acquired In the land OF the Nile,
and its delicate aroma Is familiar in
consequence not only In America and
England, but in far corners of the
earth.
The Cairo-manufactured cigarette IL
valued above all others made In Egypt.
The same tobacco may be used and as
skilful workmcn employed in other
places. but nowhere else is the same
deicacy OF flavor achieved. II Is claimed
by experts that the cause OF the supe-
riority Of the Cairo cigarette il the very
dry climate, which Is better adapted
10 their manufacture than Is the humid
air OF seaport towns. Notwithstanding
Caro's claim to climatic advantages,
Alexandria has Il considerable cigarette
trade. and Port Said drives profitable
business with the never-ceasing process
sion Of vessels passing through the Suez
canal.
The tobacco used is not adulterated
in any way. 1t is claimed. but is skill
fully blended TO acquire the desired
strength and flavor. The best leaves
are selected for use IN export, common
grades being consumed In Egypt, where
nearly every man. woman. and child Is
smoker Of cigarettes. and pipe Is
hardly ever seen in the mouth Of ma
tive. The custom-house returns show
that OF the tobacco entering the country
only about one third is exported. thus
developing the fact OF an enormous home
consumption, and giving suggestion OF
the quantity leaving the country in the
baggage Of travellers, though proba-
BILE shrinkage occurs In the process Of
manufacture. Machinery is not en-
ployed In any way except for cutting
the tobacco. and II Is said that the
workmen WELD sufficient power to render
the adoption OF machinery for rolling o
step too dangerous to be- contemplated.
Adept workmen are paid from s1.25 to
$50 per thousand for rolling.
All tobacco entering Egypt pays
duty OF 81 per kilogram about 1-5
Pounds and a drawback Of 50 cents per
kilogram is allowed on cigarettes sent
out OF the country by manufacturers
who have deposited with the govern
ment the sum of 500, which amount is
forfeited If the exporter Is detected In
an attempt to defraud the treasury. a
good quality of cigarette tobacco costs
about $40 per kilogram.
England is the largest customer for
Egyptian cigarettes, with Germany next
1t Is impossible to ascertain the amount
Of business with the United States. as
there Is no direct shipping communica-
ton. Many orders are executed through
London commission houses, and the ci-
garettes are invoIced in the first in
stance TO Great Britain. Wholesale prices
range from S to $40 per thousand, while
few fancy brands bring as much as
slS per thousand.
To protect the public and the maker
against spurious limitations OF Egyptian
cigarettes manufactured In Europe, the
Khedlvial government Is about to issue
an official label which will be affixed
to each box OF cigarettes made in and
exported from the country. But the
future OF the Egyptian trade is much
more In the hands OF the makers than
than they seem to realize. Superiority
OF blend. make and quality OF paper
are the characteristics which have been the
foundation OF their fame II the Egyp-
tian cigarette continues to be character
lied In this way the trade has little
TO fear from outside competitors who
make their wares attractive by ques-
tionable methods. Not a few unscru.
pulous firms, however. under the shell
ter OF reputation gained by the excel
lence OF their goods, are not hesitatlng
to debase the quality when they think
their particular brand Is sufficiently es-
tablished. The only claim OF the Egyp-
tan cigarette to preference IS its excel
ience. for Its price, compared with high
class American cigarettes. Is very high.
Another menace to the prosperity Of the
Industry IS the recent establishment at
Constantinople OF an export branch OF
the government reggie, which can send
forth cigarettes made from the same to-
bacco and free Of duty. Leaders OF the
trade In Egypt are making strong repre-
sensations to their government on the
subject OF this new danger 10 their
prosperity. and ask an increase OF draw
back to the sum paid when the tobacco
enters Egypt. Thus far no intimation has
been vouchsafed that their request will
be granted.
FREDERIC G. PENFTELD.
Agent and Consul General.
Cairo, February 5, 1884
Restricting Suffrage.