The San Francisco call., 1906-04-09


cause OF the boycott" but because of the
careless methods Of packing used by the
exporters, say the reports made by Ray
mond F. Crist and Harry R. Burril, spe-
cial agents Of the Department Of Com
Tnerce and Labor, who have been making
an exhaustive study Of the Oriental field
While European goods arrive in China un-
injured because the exporters have ia
nailiarized themselves with the conditions
that must be met, American goods are
often packed so carelessly that they are
not able 10 stand the sea trip, to say moth
ing OF the journeys inland. where the
methods OF transportation are extremely
crude.
The only reason that American goods
hold their popularity, says Mr.. Crist, is that
similar goods cannot be made in any other
part OF the world and sold as cheapIy
While their popularity has a firm hold
Japan IS now making strenuous efforts to
control the trade with China, especially in
cotton goods, IN which the Americans at
present are strongest. The special agents
show that the Americans should realize
fhe value OF the trade and the fact that
they have dangerous rivals. Instead Of
allowing the japanese TO obtain the upper
hand the merchants Of the United States
could, II they exert themselves, make in
roads into the trade Of the japanese.
GOOD FIELD is OPEN FOR
JISRIRISHA MANUFACTORY
The special agents point out that jinriki-
shas used in China are for the most part
made in Japan. Crist and Burrin believe
that these could be manufactured here
and shipped 10 China at a good profit
Special Agent Crist, who paid much
attention to the details OF packing, says:
There is probably no one thing TO
which American exporters can give their
attention that would bring better returns
than that Of packing. As a general prop
osiuOn the wood Of which they construct
their cases is too light in weight. Where
half-inch stuff is required they will use
three-eighths. If one-inch stuff will in
sure safe delivery English and German
exporters use that thickness, while many
Americans select three-quarters or
seven-eighths thickness. Two cases in
point have been brought to my attention
within the past few days which showed
that the utmost thought, attention and
care had been expended upon the details
OF packing, but with an evident lack Of
complete understanding of the strain 70
which breakable goods are subjected in
transit 10 this market. In one instance,
by slight oversight. an automatic piano
player barely escaped complete destruc-
ton
He cites the instance Of another me-
chanical piano as a typical case show
ing the ignorance of the American ship
per Of the conditions Of Oriental trans
pOrtation- His report is as follows:
CARELESS PACKING CAUSE
OF MUCH DISSATISFACTION
This machine was carefully and su-
perbly packed in all save one or two de-
tails. There should have been placed
inside Of the piano-player case two
blocks Of wood. one at each end of the
main horizontal piece, which appears to
sustain the mechanism Of the player,
50 as TO securely support the uprights
Rt its ends and prevent any lateral play.
These uprights are Of light stun, sufi-
GENTLY strong to answer the purpose
for which they are meant, but entirely
Inadequate to withstand any unusual
side wrench or strain to which every ma
chine IS liable in combined rail and
ocean transit
This was one Of an order for two
players. One was consigned to Peking
and arrived IN good condition. If this
ratio should hold in a larger shipment
II would prove so great financial loss
as TO cause discontinuance of further
orders.
The upper portion Of the right side of
IN cover was split of entirely, and the
mlucle section OF the cover was broken
~ two pieces. The upright end support
0n the right hand side was splintered, the
cast iron arms connecting the bellows and
pedals were snapped Of, all attachments
which were held In place by small screws
we're torn loose, the small brass angles
st the sides OF the middle section which
scntains the music spindle were bent and
broken loose, piece was Clipped out Of |
ne fanse cn the right hand end of the |
'oller and an iron trident-shaped casting |
was broken. This casting carries the |
shaft, which was badly bent, by which
he roller is moved
PIANO Is ALL But RUINED
DURING ITS LONG TRAVEL |
Besides these injuries, the right hand
ioor was jamned back and caught upon /
Ome obstruction, which dug into its sur
ace, and the wooden guide to the ham
ners was broken into five or six pieces.
This situation, can be avoided in the 1
uture by removing the pedals and plac- /
ng them in a separately constructed \
nailed in some suitable (
lace inside Of the packing case. To pre-
ent lateral motion Of the mechanical /
arts two blocks of wood could be prop I
rly fitted snugly into the spaces be-
ween the casing and the upright sup
orts to the cross piece carrying the oper- /
ting parts Of the player"
In regard to the shipment of baled |
Gods Mr.. crist says the Americans are
lost lax One Of his reports says:
Much Of the American piece goods I
ONES IN rnachine-pressed bales, bound |
18th eight, nine or ten ropes Other
ountries use iron bands with buckles or
Dcked ends There are so many disad-
,,,+..-o~ ,r5 opnarertIv no adVanfage