Evening star., 1901-09-04
TRADE WITH SOUTH AFRICA
ENTERPRISES TO BE PUSHED ON
THE RESUMPTION OF ORDER.
Expenditure of Many Millions Pro-
posed in Important Works "hen
UftIanders Return.

The Secretary of State has received
long report from United States Consul Gen-
eral Stowe at Cape Town In regard TO the
growing interests of the United states In
the trade of South Africa. "'Britlsh trade
Is enyious of the vast strides made during
the last four years in the exploitation or
manufactures and products OF the United
States" says Consul General Stowe, par
ticularly to British colonies and dependen-
cies. It is suggested that a coalition OF
those British manufacturers interested par
ticularly In the mining, engineering and al
lied trades should be formed without delay
to obtain sites in Johannesburg, where
stocks may be kept for the prompt delivery
Of goods This Is to forestall possible SINH
lar action on the part of American manu-
facturers to secure the Transvaal mining
trade While the resumption of mining op-
erations may pOrtend much, l believe that
there will be no immediate demand for min
ing machinery and appliances, for the rea-
son that large orders have been placed
(many in the United States), and at the
coast ports much machinery, ETC.. can be
found waiting for clear track to the
TranSyaal.
"A comparison of United States trade In
South Africa with that of other countries
Is satisfactory, and appears still more so
when it is considered that our commerce
with other countries, to which we have been
selling for years, is less than with this
country-a comparatively new one. Taking
the imports from the United States at $2O,-
OSG, 12S.36. 1T is shown that South Africa
takes more of our products than does the
Argentine Republic. Brazil all the other
South American States, the Chinese
empire, East Indies, Russia, Denmark,
Spain, Sweden, Norway, Austria, Turkey,
all the West Indies, not including Cuba, or
all the Central American states; and this
trade Is only exceeded by that with the
united kingdom Germany, Netherlands.
France, Belgium. Italy, Mexico, Japan or
"As to the future, 1t Is said that plans
are matured for expending $5O,0OOOOO In
new railways; that several thousand miles
of telegraph lines are to be erected and re-
newed: that $5,O0O,OOO Is to be spent for
public works and S15,OOOOOO on harbors;
that 100000 Is to be invested in electric
lines In Natal. and twenty-five or more
millions are to be expended in the Trans
vaal and proportionate amount in the
Orange River colony. We must not fail to
bid for this work.
mo nation or municipality is SO rich,
afford to give to the highest bidder-even
II he be of their own country-a contract
to be paid for out of the pockets Of the
whole people. The best goods at the cheap
est price cannot be kept out of the world s
markets A country laid waste, with valu-
able mines long idle, public works much
deterforated, must recuperate. and it takes
money and products OF other nations to
bring about such recuperation.
Our trade for 1899 and 1900 with the
Uhlanders Of the Boer states {our best
customers in those states) has been lost,
owing to their exodus. On their return to
their old businesses their trade will again
be open to us. and in time great improve
ment will be witnessed, particularly in
Johannesburg. The streets will be prop
erly paved, and the sewerage system. so
much needed, will be installed. begin
| ming has been made in opening up the
Mines hotels and stores. Goods are being
forwarded by the military authorities, the
dry goods merchants being permitted con-
signments Of 10 tons. with the understand
ing that 30 per cent must consist Of cloth
Ing and 80 per cent must be suitable for
the poorer classes, while boot and shoe
dealers are limited to 8 tons per ship
ment, so per cent to be suitable for the
| poorer classes. AS soon as merchants have
ample stocks the military stores will be
| closed"