The St. Louis Republic., 1901-11-17
American Manufacturers Have
Had Very Busy Year
So Far.
BIG INCREASE IN QUANTITIES.
Whatever May Be Conditions in
Other Parts of the World,
the United States Can
not Complain.
The Republic Bureau,

1lth St and Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, Nov. 16.-The activity OF
American manufacturers shows no signs of
abatement, whatever the conditions in
other countries. At least. this appears to
be true. measuring the activity Of manu-
facturers by their demand for raw material
zrom other parts Of the world. which enter
into their great industries
The recent figures of the Treasury Bu-
reau of Statistics show that the importa-
tion OF manufacturing materials during the
nine months ending with September. 1901,
were not only larger than those of last
year. but larger than those OF any year in
the history of our commerce and industries
4 detailed examination of imports OF manu-
facturers' material in the first nine months
shows an even larger increase in 1901 than
is indicated by the figures above mentioned.
While the total imports of manufacturers
m14e1al in the nine months ending with
September. 1901, exceed in value by $4,000, 90
those OF the corresponding nine months Of
1900, the actual increase in quantity is
probably considerably greater than that IN
dicated by the statements of values simply.
This is due to the fact that there has been
during the last year a marked decrease in
the prices of the principal articles imported
for use in manufacturing, and, therefore,
while the figures OF value show a material
increase, those of quality show an even
greater increase.
The iplportations OF manufacturer ma
terisl are largely made up OF six great ar
ticles-India rubber. silk. fbers, hides and
skins, tin for use IN manufacturing tin
plate and chemicals for use in the manufac-
turing industries. In nearly all Of these
prices per unit OF quantity in 1901 are less
than those of 1900.
Large Increase in Quantity.
In raw silk. for instance. the value of the
with September. 1901. Is s2S 81. .sss. against
s26 &5,07 In the corresponding months OF
last year, the increase In value being very
slight; but the number OF pounds imported
1901, is S4O4s24 against 6561. $50. an increase
Of about 80 per cent in the quantity i'm
In fbers the figures OF value show a
slight deorssse. while the quantity shows
months ending with September. 1901, slS,-
25s, ,S0l, against s21.s5 s2: while the Quanti-
ty was ie9.ss2 tors, against ls7.Se tons.
In crude rubber this IL also true. Tbs
value Of rubber importatons Is so. 90
lSi. 90 pounds. against 81 4sa sS7 an increase
of more than Is per oent. In pig tin the
sam. improvrmant In prtce Is noted, the
value Of the imports IN 1901 being SHASTA
10, against ns.Sl ~; while "a the e., quantity
Taking into corsideration the two great
facts. First that the value Of manufac-
turers' materials imported IN 100 Is greater
than IN the corresponding months OF any
preceding yesr.. and second. that the prices
fore, this increased value means a still
zgreafer Increase In quantity. the conclusion
seems to be justified that the activity of
American manufacturers is increasing,
speot TO manufacturers In other parts Of
the world.