The evening times., 1899-02-17
THE LIVERPOOL OF AFRICA.
Consul stowe Says There Is n Market
SOr American Goods.

An unusually interesting report has been
received at the State Department from Con-
sui Stowe. at Cape Town, concerning the
United States trade with Port Elizabeth,
in which he says:
Port Elizabeth is called the Liverpool OF
Africa and through this port most OF the goods
pass for the South African Republic. 1t is S39
mhes from Cape Town by rail, has 4 popuIa-
tion of over -, 600, and IS the second city OF
Cape Colony in Importance. Its exports wool,
hides, feathers, and aloes. The feather and wool
market buidings-the feather building alone cost
ing S350.o0D-are very large and busy places, for
this port is the principal port of export for the
South African Republic products.
Our consular agency here very busy during
ls06 and 1877, when large quantities of wool and
hides were exported TO the United States; and
wish to state that the exports from Africa to
the United States, as published in statistical
turns are not correct For instance. there were
exported from Port Elizabeth to the United States
in 1885, nearly 100000 hides, all via London;
also. about 1000 bales 200 in bale) OF Angora
gOatskins. besides many OF the common goat
skins; also. ostrich feathers. and, OF course,
large value in diamonds through the Office of
the syndicate in London. I merely mention
this to show that the United States received
goods from this country OF greater value than
tabuaied.
As a market for American made goods the
port is well known; several large firms being en-
gagged in this business. During my visit regrets
announcement that of the direct lines of
steamships from New York had been with
drawn.
l find this desirable plow market. For many
years the plow known NO. 15'' has had 4
large sale This is a cast plow, with ad-
Unstable wheel on beam, and in sizes from to
- inches width OF cut. 1t Is evident, from
information received, that the cast-iron pillow
is being superseded by 4 plow after the same
model as the No. 20, but with steel mold. share
and wrought standard. and with wood BEAM
Large quantities of these plows have arrived from
New York and Kentucky makers and are well
liked. | informed that an all-steel plow
like the pattern above described, but with steel
beam and handles, would soon be needed, and
some coming in.
Ii is stated that German makers are producing
all-stee plow at a less price than is asked
by Americans. German makers of plows are un-
doubtedly copying American plows, both walk
ing and riding. 1t astonished me to learn to
what an extent sulky and gang plows have been
had sold 1000 of well-known Illinois riding
plow in three years.
market learn, is open for American Cover
als,' provided the makers will use a copper
rivet at the bottom of the "fap'' and at the
pockets | was told the American makers would
not comply with the request.
1t is TO be regretted that so many German
and Indian cigars finding market in Port
Elizabeth. When Cuba more produces to-
bacco, it is hoped that the United States will
again have its share of the trade.
l found large quantity of furniture from
America. 1t comes knocked down. and is put
together on arrival in the usual way-with blocks
and glue; but it is, so informed by large
importer, not possible to make it as strong
as is done by the manufacturer; hence there is
demand for furniture than can be easily and
strongly put together.