Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-08-04
TRADE IN SOUTH AFRICA
OF IMPORTS FROM UNITED
STATES MAINTAINED.
Other Countries Jealous of the Strides
Made by the Products of
This Country.

Consul General Stowe, at Cape Town, In
a report to the State Department OF recent
date gives considerable. Information rela-
tive to the probable trade in South Africa
for producers of the United States.
THE average of imports from the United
States" he says, has been maintained
even with the non-purchase OF many lines
of goods that went to swell the imports OF
1898. When the war Is over an interim
may be expected during which state OF
uncertainty will exist as to the modus
operandi of the British government either
in the direct control Of conquered territory
or only quasi control, but when all ques-
tons for the future guidance Of affairs are
settled, when many of those who have lett
the country return, when the gold and d1a-
mond mines are again in full operation.
yielding more largely than ever, and when
the agricultural resources are better de-
veloped, the outlook will be bright, and the
country will witness an advance In bust
ness never before experienced. There Will
be an impetus given to the importation OF
goods of all kinds, not only in order to re-
store stocks to their original quantities, but
also by reason of the increase of capital.
For that time the manufacturers and
producers of the United States should pre-
pare, not by flooding the country with cir
culars and price lists, but by sending men
or by working through the export commits
sion houses of the United States, which
only to the criticism that they perhaps
represent too many lines of goods to do
justice to all, or that they are Unable, In
justice to older clients, to represent slmlias
lines of goods produced by different manu-
facturers 1t Is not to be expected that the
export commission houses will ever en-
deavor to become statesmen for cold-stor-
age, mining, electric light. street car or
other outfits, and heavy machinery. such
as steam railway supplies, rolling stocks
and many other articles of great bulk, for
they have enough to do in the lines OF
smaller goods and food supplies.
The United States has for only few
years had any considerable part in foreign
trade outside of foodstuffs, and much OF
this has sought her and much has neen
obtained through the export commission
houses which make it their business TO
seek such trade. Even with what may be
called simply scratching the surface, the
results have been very satisfactory. That oth-
er nations ar jealous is evidenced by their
present activity in preparing for the cap
ture of trade in South Africa after the pres
ent war. Owing. l presume to the increased
price of coal at South African ports, to the
inability to obtain coal supplies and to the
serious detention to which steamers are
being subjected therein, the rates of freight
from New York have ben raised 8 shl-
lings ($1.2D per ton on all classes of cargo
from the 10th of May, except oil and lum-
Der, which have been raised by POS I'd
$3.50 per ton.
THE colony of Natal will take off the
duty on flour, thereby relieving the people
to some extent.
1T is a matter of much pride to Ameri-
cans to note the advance the United States
has made In the Introduction abroad of
products notable for their superior work
manship, efficiency, durability and strength
without unnecessary weight. This may be
seen in the line of agricultural implements.
machinery of all kinds and vehicles. There
has recently been introduced into South
Africa what is known as advertising post
rs. both paper and metal. and the superior
ty in workmanship of the American over
the foreign poster, from even an art stand
point. Is very pronounced.