The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-08-24
DDS existing therein. for the benefit of labor

DDS existing therein. for the benefit of labor
and trades.
The statistical year book for the German
empire, just issued makes a comparison
OF the postofiice business Of a number of
the larger countries. These figures show
that the United States handled 7,z50oo,Oo
Britain a and p Germans e tn handled $500
10000; France, 2,250.0o0, 600; Austria Hun
gary. 1,000,000,00o; Italy, I55.0c,oc0; Japan,
100000. and Russia. 566.0oo,Ooo. One curl
Gus feature of the German postal business
Is the enormous proportion of postal cards
used. Nearly one-third OF the total numper
of pieces handled in Germany are cards.
while only one-twelfth of the total hsures
for the United States were postals.
This difference is attributed by the con-
SUI 10 the saving spirit OF the Germans
notwithstanding its much smaller area,
Germany has 24,471 telegraph offices, while
the United States has but 22,9o4- In Ger
many, however, there are only 5000 instru-
ments in operation In these offices, While
for the lesser number maintained by the
United States there are $1,000 instruments
The number OF messages sent Is largest IN
Great Britain, 90 100000 being the record
there. The United States comes next, with
63000,000; France next, with 100000, and
Germany last of sixty-four countries, with
46,000.0O0.
The State Department has received
copy of the South African Review issue of
Aug. !, 1903. which, in speaking Of the flu
ture of South Africa as a country In which
fruit can be raised for export, says: South
Africa is probably destined in the near flu
ture, to become a formidable rival to Cali
fornia and Australia as a competitor for
the English market in the supply Of fruit
That period has not yet arrived, but, 1udg-
ing from the satisfactory results of the
season just closed, much progress Is being
made in that direction. There were q, 1858
boxes of Cape fruit received the past season
as against A,99S boxes in 1902 the increase
being principally In plums, grapes and
peaches.
While these three are the leaders In ex-
port, yet there were pears. apricots. APP
pies, nectarines, ounces. pines, naartjes,
oranges, lemons and pomegranates among
the fruits received from the Cape. So far
plums have made better showing by rea-
more attention has been given to their Gull
tivation than other fruits. Peaches form
one OF the most important items in South
African fruit production. However, the
bulk Of this fruit received In London in
the past is very inferior, with one or two
exceptions. There is good demand for
peaches during January, February and
March, and what is wanted Is a white-hesh
peach with good color and regular In size
and shape. The grape trade has been even
more unsatisfactory than the peach trade.
because they do not carry well. In many
instances only one-fourth OF consignment
has been received in sound condition"
Commercial Agent Harris, of Eibenstock,
sends to the State Department some in
formation In regard to the organization Of
Chambers of Commerce in France. In that
country such an organization may only be
established by an act of government. They
are only created after a thorough investi-
cation as to their possible utility in the dis
trict fn which IL is demanded. There are
Ia Chambers OF Commerce in France and
their duties are Of the semi-official rather
than or q community character. They are
compelled to furnish the government such
advice and information as may be required
concering commercial and industrial facts
and interests. They must make real
study of all the conditions surrounding pub
lie works, harbors, river navigation, post
offices. railroads. ETC., In their vicinity, and
be able to give the government officials
reliable information at any time. This in
formation Is used In preparing tariff leg
islation and commercial treaties. They are
often also called upon by the government
to provide part of the funds necessary for
public improvements and the chambers are
authorized by special acts of Parliament
to contract loans for this purpose. They
also found commercial and industrial
schools.
They receive no special conventions from
the government directly. but by virtue of
the laws they receive a portion of the
special tax paid by merchants and others
engaged in business. They must make an
accounting to the government for all re-
ceipts and expenditures and the minister Of
finance increases decreases the special
tax on merchants in order to meet the re-
quirements Of the budgets made up by the
chambers.
Mr.. Harris says: 1.-THE systematic work
of the French Chambers of Commerce is of
great value, while the twenty-seven cham
bers established in as many emporiums of
trade in different parts of the world may
we'll serve as models for other countries
contemplating thes organization of similar
institutions. The Chambers of Commerce
LA- - Alxx.t ~
| i've In giving information to the government
and colonists about the climate, cost of
| labor the capital necessary to exploit con-
cessions of various kinds, natural resources,
native products, cost of inland freight, etc.
| They have also done much to assist the
| mother country in introducing public works,
| and have taken the initiative in starting
| all sorts Of enterprises such as railroads,
| plantations and mines"