New-York tribune., 1906-05-25
BIG FIELD IN COREA.
Chance for american Shoes, Beer,
Steamers and Farm Implements.

On account OF the comparatively small cost OF
labor IN Japan and the proximity OF that country
to the markets OF North Corea. American manu-
facturers cannot successfully compete with the
Japanese in the sale of sundries and small articles
IN the Hermit Kingdom. The field which is lesitt-
matey opened to the United States Is IN the de-
veopment OF already existing trade in piece
goods kerosene and -four, in all of which articles
an increase OF profits can be obtained by the
ercise of ordinary business energy and enterprise
The Coreans have become familiar with American
tools. picks, spades and hoes. and it is suggested
by Vice-Consul General Straight, Of Seoul. that a
firm handling these goods. if established at Ping
yang, would find a ready market for them there.
With improved agricultural methods the Coreans
will require more elaborate agricultural implements
than those in use and While there may never
be large demand for harvesters and thrashing ma
chimes. cheap ploughs. rakes. scythes and sickIes
should be appreciated by the Corean farmer. An
American sewing machine company has opened
branches in North Corea. with prospects OF a
lucrative business and by entering with direct deal
lngs with the people has adopted the method likely
to be most successful in expanding its trade.
There is growing demand for shoes of the rough
variety, low cut. which be easily removed.
This latter qualification is most essential. because
the Corean always drops his footgear when he
steps upon his kang floor. The japanese have been
quick to take advantage Of this opening, and have
furnished an article for the supply OF the demand
similar to that used by their army.
Most of the machinery used by Japanese manu-
facturers in COrea has heretofore been imported
from their own country. Under the present Gus
toms tariff machinery taken into Corea PAYS IA
per cent duty. while the articles are taxed
about Is per the total cost and transporta-
ton in Japan. It is believed that an attempt TO
institute direct trade in machinery for the many
sawmills the Yalu River would be successful
while the large quantity Of beans harvested every
year and the general OF primitive apparatus for
producing bean cake and oil seem to offer a re-
ward for any person devsing more effective ma
chinery for their production.
he pOy-a 71av,FI IoCI1
timber monopoly on the Yalu, which is by no
means decided upon yet. the japanese have never
should be possible for Americans to establish
mills on the Yalu. where the timber could be pur-
chased from the authorities. The demand for
lumber in China is constantly increasing, the i'm
amounting in value SS5OOOO gold during 1904 the
generally transported in logs and sawed as needed
for immediate building Large mills operating at
tage OF the low cost OF labor and the cheap trans
tsin or ChefoO in from five to ten days and il
%Tuld we, t not only on " supply long felt want in China
to the owners Of the mills
one Of the principal items of import into North
Corea during the last year has been beer largely
from the United States and Germany Beer aie
only do the japanese residents drink large 0usE
titles Of beer but tho native Coreans each year
good and grain plentiful. and breweries should as
the the wealth OF the country increases. pay well on
The rivers OF Corea are the natural avenues OF
promised improved methods of trsnSportatony owe
ing to the character OF the streams on the west
coast, the river traffic is yet in its infancy The
vessels employed of the type used for deep sea
and harbor work. and are not at all adapted to
local conditions. Under the most favored nation
clause It is possible for Americans TO take advan-
taRe OF the agreement recently made between
Japan and Corea. granting the subjects OF Japan
privileges OF navigation along the coast and on
the Interior waters OF COrea. introduce a num-
Der OF light draft river steamers drawing from two
TO three feet. With development of this char
acter. opportunities for trade and manufactures IN
the Hermit Kingdom should offer an attractive neld
for American enterprise and a profitable invest
ment for American capital