The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-11

the United States are loudest from Amer
lean citizens. The question of consular re-
form is more conservatively treated in all
other countries which are striving for the
biggest share of the worlds trade The
chief argument advanced is the need of con-
suls in the first place, for the furtherance
of commercial interests. One would think
that the consular service of England, which
has had such a large share or the universal
commerce, should have been perfected by
this time, but, as has been noted by the
English press, the English consuls are not
able to assist commercial circles effectively,
since their reports after they go through
the Foreign Office and Board of Trade APP
pear too late to aid the British merchant
At Rouen the efforts of the American
consul have done much toward introducing
American goods. There has been a decided
augmentation in the sale of dried fruit i'm
ported from this country Refrigerators,
ice cream churns and oil stoves are finding
sale. The following articles cannot be found
In that city: Chewing gum, canned oysters,
grits. laundry machinery, molasses, canned
corn, sweet potatoes, rubber stamps, bar
Der chairs, spring window shades and
lamps.
The much talked of general trust of all
the steel interests of Germany seems now
in n fair way to become realized 1t APP
pears that for the present only the larger
bination such as are already in the steel
rail, girder and half-rolled goods syndicate.
These different syldicates will lose their
identity in the combination, while it
is expected that several other syndicates,
like the bar iron, plate, piping, wire and
pig iron combinations will later attach
themselves to ii, but maintain their separate
identities. The result of these combinations
naturally will be to reduce the cost of pro-
duction and to place German steel on the
European market at a price that will be
serious menace 10 American exporters.
Consul Raymond r. Frazier, stationed at
Copenhagen, reports that the trade rela-
tions of Denmark with the United States
are very cordial. Denmark buys a great
variety of articles from yearly and would
buy more in various lines if our exporters
and manufacturers were as active in cater
ing to the market as are the Germans.
Where there is one American merchant or
his representative visiting Denmark there
are several Germans, and trade goes large
ly TO those that seek it. The Germans are
exceedingly active in Denmark and find a
market for their wares by simply "hus-
Ting"
According to the report of the Leipsig
Chamber of Commerce. American fruits,
especially California dried fruits, play an
important part in the Leipsig market and
throughout Saxony. California prunes and
apricots of last crop We're excellent in
quality. There were general complaints
against the abrupt action of the police and
other administrative authorities against
dealings in these articles on the alleged
ground that the sulphuric acid contained
therein was injurious 70 health. American
evapOrated apples are becoming more pop
ular year by year; their quality is excel
lent and they are sold in large quantities
in the markets of Germany. However, it is
desirable that they be packed in boxes Civ
ing % Kilograms (55 pounds) net weight of
fruit, is the usage with the California
fruit packers.
Consul General Hanauer, writing from
Frankfort, Germany, gives some interest
ing items of European commerce during the
first nine months of 1903. He says that
during that period Germany exported bicy-
cles to the value of s4,O46.OO0. Nearly one
fifth went to Holland The sale of bicycles
is continually increasing in the Neither
lands. and that country is well worth a
thorough canvass by the representatives Of
American bicycle firms.
Austria'S export of barrel slaves is re-
ported TO be rapidly decreasing, owing to
the competition of the American slaves. In
ten years the Austrian output in this item
has dropped from 100000 to 1O,O0OOO0
slaves.
Efforts are being made to revive the
former system of levying tonnage dues on
vessels plying on the Rhine river. The col
TO commerce, manufactures and agricul-