Evening star., 1902-09-02


pupllshed by the bureau of insular affairs
OF the war Department, shows a deter
mined effort on the part of the commercial
world at large to invade the industrial field
AFFORDED by the islands. With what sue
cess Is shown by the fact that the importa-
ton OF merchandise for the year 1901 es-
taplfshes new record, the value of goods
purchased during this period exceeding that
OF any previous year In the history of the
archipelago.
The Increase in Imports.
The figures show that the imports into
the islands rose from a little more than
sl9,oVo,oOO 1899 to nearly $25, 600 600 In 1900,
and to more than $4,000, 600 in 1901, the in
crease for 1901 being 81 per cent over 1899
and more than u per cent over 1900; ex-
ports having risen in the same period from
nearly s15,OoO0o0 in 1899 to about s23, 900, 900
In 1900, and approximately $24, 800, 600 IN
1871. Customs duties on merchandise rose
from s4,411 $50 in 1899 to 81, zoo, $40 in 1900
ana to ", l64, 466 In 1901. During the latter
years Of Spanish ownership the revenue
from this source averaged between three
and three and a half million dollars an
nually.
1t is interesting to note the fluctuations
In the volume of trade under the new or
DER or things as regards its distribution. In
1899 the United States supplied per cent
OF or the imports; In 1900. per cent, and in
leo1, ~ per cent; the united kingdom II,
n and 1s per cent for these years, respect
lively; Spain IA, and per cent; Germany
o, ana per cent; France 2, and per
cent; China, including Hongkong, 43, 81 and
III per cent; British East Indies 4, and ii
per cent; Japan 1, 2 and per cent; all
other countries 7, 10 and 20 per cent. Quite
large portion Of the PhiliI pine trade is
via Hongkong, and from reports, especially
un,,11 hot ,,rxlyo
furnishes the archipelago a considerable
part OF Its imports and absorbs large per-
centage of its exports This, however, is
not the case, as Hongkong is simply a
distributing point, bearing a relation to
the Philippine products similar to that of
Chicago to the grain crops of Illinois and
contiguous states. With the completion
OF the harbor improvements at Manila
which are now well under way. and with
the honest and equitable port charges
which are now in vogue, Manila is destined
TO secure from Hongkong great part of
the trade now controlled by the latter.
Manila is by nature located for the distri-
button of imports and exports OF eastern
Asia and Oceania
The distribution of imports by continents
for 1901 was: Europe A per cent, Asia AZ
per cent, and North America IL per cent.
There were no imports from South Amer
lea and but insignificant amount from
cent, Asia % per cent, North America 10
per cent. Australasia supplied 2 per cent
Of imports in exchange for per cent of
exports.
Cottons the Leading Imports.
Cotton goods constitute the most import
ant imports OF the PHILIPPINES, aggregating
more than 100000 In 1901. which was
nearly one-fourth Of the total amount Of
merchandise imported during that year.
These goods were furnished by many coun-
tries. the united kingdom leading with 4s
per cent, Spain following with IL per cent,
British East Indies with 10 per cent; and
furnished but 2 per cent. The quality Of
the goods is a matter Of first Importance
In this trade, as the people of the Philip
pine Islands are like those OF other tropical
countries in preferring the cheapest materi-
al obtainable, provided 1t be In flashy colors.
1t may become possible later on to induce
the people to chose a better grade Of these
goods. but 1t will require considerable time,
and in the interim 1t will be necessary to
cater to the peculiar tastes Of the natives
in order to secure their patronage.
Experiments In growing cotton from seed
in the United States have been
made in the province Of Davao in Mindanao
with such success that the culture Of cot
ton will be tested fully, and IL the results
prove as successful as the persons interested
In the trial believe the consequences will
be far-reaching in their effect upon the
future cotton trade Of the orient.
The United States supplied SO per cent
of 100000 worth Of malt liquors imported
In 1901; the importations Of 1900 amount
ing to over N,OOo.OOO. principally bottled
beer, in which year the United States sup
piled II per cent.
The Filipinos are naturally inclined to
music, and quite a demand has sprung up
for musical instruments; for instance, in
1899 but $1,000 was expended for piano
fortes, in 1900 this had increased to $3.50,
and in 1901 to s2205s, Germany furnishing
about one-half.
With the best Of natural facities for rice
culture the importations are constantly in
Among other causes in addition
to the disturbed conditions which have
made the Philippines rice-importing coun-
try are the improved methods employed in
India, and the great mortality among the
water buffaloes, caused by the rinder pest.
With the adoption of machinery and meth
DDS such as employed in more advanced
countries, there Is no reason why the Fill
pinOs may not once again produce sufficient
rice for home consumption, and by so doing
save millions of dollars each year for other
purposes. Two crops of rice may be raised
each year. but the crude methods employed
and the lack of wOrkmen where so much
labor is done, rendered the produc-
ton of more than one crop impossible, and
that at present far too light for home neces-
stiles. Imports on rice rose from s3.523,-
652 in 1890 to S. 1854 in 1901 exceeded in
value as an imported article by cotton
goods only. In 1890 China furnished more
than 90 per cent but the trade has shifted
to French East Indies, British East Indies
and Siam, their united supply in 1901 being
II per cent Chinas less than % per cent
In 1890 and s1s6s53 in 1899, China furnish
ing 50 per cent in 1901, the remainder COM
ing from Europe principally and France
with 21 per cent Of the total, particularly
the share Of the United States was too in
significant to figure in the ratio.
Exports Of Hemp.
In value Manila hemp constituted very
nearly two-thirds or $15.976,640 Of the ex-
ports of the islands for 1901, the united
kingdom taking 65 per cent and the United
States 26 per cent direct, more than $500, 600
worth going to Hong Kong, but doubtless
nearly all Of this eventually reached the
above named countries. The united king
dom via London, the controlling market,
distributes hemp to continental Europe and
furnishes the United States about one-half
of the latters supply. 1t seems probable
that the United States will soon secure its
own hemp from the Philippines by direct
shipment, as the change made affecting ex-
port duty presents advantages to American
importers Of which they will naturally avail