New-York tribune., 1901-03-25
EXPORTS OF BOOTS AND SHOES.
A REPORT TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT
ON THE INCREASING AMERICAN COM
PETITION IN BRITISH MARKETS.

Washington, March "a CSpeciaD-The rapid
growth of the exports OF boots and shoes from the
United States is attracting the attention of the
manufacturing world and of the representatives
in the United States Of the manufacturing coun-
tries Of the world. The British commercial agent
in the United States has forwarded to his home
government a statement regarding the expectation
cf and shoes from the United States. In which
he cites the figures relating 10 American exports 10
the United Kingdom. British West Indies, Austria
lasia and Africa, and says:
A glance at these figures will show how American
made boots and shoes being pushed with sue
cess in places where British made goods ought 10
have practically the monopoly.
This report. a copy of which has reached the
Treasury Bureau of statistics through The Brit
ish Board of Trade Journal" shows that the eX-
ports of boots and shoes 10 the United Kingdom.
British West Indies. British Australasia and Brit
ish Africa from the United States have grown
from 32S in 1898 and oS in 1899 to f426l24 in
1900 and that the exports Of similar character
from the United Kingdom to British West Indies.
British Australasia and South Africa have slightly
decreased meantime. being in 1898 HO92Osi. in 1893
Fl .997 and in 1900 fl 075.f1S
Commenting this growth of American sales in
British territory and decrease Of British sales in
the territory. the report says:
Why this state of affairs should be possible is
at first sight quite clear. II means either the
American made article Is cheaper than the British
for granted that the British boots and shoes are
some Important reason why the latter should cost
less than the former. That America is larger eX-
porter OF leather the United Kingdom shows
that they manufacture II cheaper Considering
that much OF the material has to be i'm
seems reason why leather should not be manu-
factureg as cheap or cheaper IN me United Ing
such patent leather. glazed kid and others. There
is no doubt that as far as certain class OF leather
IS concerned America possesses considerable natu-
suitable bark growing in the different parts of the
country. and the tanneries have been placed at no
great distance from it. The hemlock bark. which is
tanned from the forests situated in the States Of
Wisconsin and Michigan. 1t is also found in New
York State and Pennsylvania. but the supply is
rapidly diminishing. For tanning the finer quail
large quantity Of which is imported
The United States is large importer of hides.
cember g. 1900 S07 25s24 hides at no 74SoO7
OF cattle, which pay import duty OF l5 per cent ad
valorem. and So l2l 666. valued f3 3960,32O were
goat skins. which are admitted free OF duty. OF
from Europe and &c PIP 792, valued at e. 49,
Those in the trade will doubtless be able TO say
whether the disadvantages OF having to import
this quantity Of hides. bringing them from such
great distances and paying Is per duty. paying
higher wages than are customary in Europe and
heaVy railway ana steamer freights, are compen-
stated for by getting cheaper bark: if not. there
enables the American tanners to compete with
other countries in their own markets Needless
States II is The use of so ,rcb =, 6 1G ii.ueu @
chinery that enables the American manufacturer
10 turn out such large quantities. and do Il so
cheaply.
American manufacturers are going to make a bid
Tor the South American boot trade well as the
European and colonial There is also some talk of
an American factory being started in the City of
Mexico.
Practically the whole of the boots and shoes
made in the United States came formerly from the
factories situated in the East. Boston being the
centre. Latterly. however. tanneries have sprung
up further West. about Chicago especially SO es
10 be near the supply OF hemlock bark The boot
ana shoe factories have naturally followed suit
and consequently a considerable portion OF the
race mas been taken out OF the hands OF Eastern
look for other markets where they dispose OF
Their goods II is therefore from that quarter that
British manufacturers look for the seyerest
competition.