The times., 1899-01-24
SYRIA'S SILK INDUSTRY.
Benefits to He Derived by the United
States by Direct Dealing.

A recent article in the Arabic newspaper,
"Lissan- Hal" says that American silk
manufacturers are beginning TO realize the
benefits that would arise from direct deal
ings with the Syrian silk producers Fig
ures collected by the Bureau of Statistics
of the United States Treasury are quoted,
showing the progress Of silk manufacture
in the United States within the last few
years, and also imports and exports OF raw
and manufactured silks. 1t continues:
1t is estimated that s. per cent Of the six
stnfs used in the United States the products
Of their factories, several hundred establish
ments. In lsfO american factories supplied about
- per cent Of the six textiles consumed in the
United StateS; in 1870, ~ per cent; in lss0, >
per cent; in lsyO. 20 per cent
The success OF American silk manufacturers IN
supplying the home demand and obtaining foot
hold in the markets Of the world. : the
strongly marked, since other nations have failed
in their efforts to compete with France Even the
latter country has barely held her stand her
ports OF silk manufacture being, in 1896 S52s.3,
100. and, in 1877, S52,2>7.iOO.
Ii Is only question OF time when the raw-silk
product OF SYRIA which amounts to some 900.ood
mounds annually. viii he exported direct 10 the
United States, instead OF being sent to France to
he reinished, rebIanded. and re-exported to Amer
iCa. in the case with four-tifths of the Syrian
silk harvest
The establishment OF direct communications he
tween Syria and the United States in the silk
business would decidedly benefit both the Syrian
silk grower and the American manufacturer. The
SYRIAN reeling maS not, however. conform to
American looms; and. in the interest OF both par
ties, especially OF our Ccuntrvmen who rear silk
worms il would certainly he wise to send rep
rescntative Syrian to the United States. in order
that he might thoroughly study this question and
report To our people what NAV interest them with
reference to the American sils-manuiaeturing IN
dustry technically as well from financial or
commercial standpoint.
The article. according to Consul G. Bic
Ravndal at Beirut, is based upon figures.
facts. and suggestions presented in
letter to the governor general
OF the province of Lebanon. who
is deeply interested in the ques
tion of direct dealings with the United
States in the silk business. Thousands OF
the Lebanon peasantry find profitable EN-
ployment in the rearing OF the silkworm.
The cocoons are sold to the numerous silk
factories established in the mountains for
spinning and reeling purposes. Many OF
these are conducted by Frenchmen accord
ing to improved modern methods. There
are reputable houses in Beirut engaged in
silk culture whose commercial integrity
and responsibility are beyond question, and
who have repeatedly expressed their will
inEness to enter into direct commercial
relations with the manufacturers OF the
United States. 1t is difficult. therefore. to
understand why American silk manufac-
turers should continue paying commissions
to Marseilles and Lyons houses. and also
the additional expense resulting from cir
cuitOus transportation and numerous trans
shipments. One large silk house in New
York has recently placed with an English
commission merchant residing in Beirut
an order for samples of Syrian raw silk.