The Washington times., 1914-10-14
AWAIT RETURN OF
+ SHIP BEARING DYES
WooIen and Cotton Manufactur-
ers Place Orders for 1000
1 Tons in Germany.

American wooden and cotton manu-
facturers are in a state of suspense
awaiting the return OF the chartered
steamer Matanzas, which is now
en- route for Rotterdam to bring home
a cargo of German dye stuffs and
chemicals, arrangements for the ship
ment OF which were made with the
German Government through the State
Departmen
While the State Department has not
been advised of any case of an Ameri-
can mill being compelled to close down,
due TO shortage of dyestuffs since the
war shut off Importation from Ger
many, stocks on hands have become
so low that many mills will not be able
TO run much longer without a new
supply of dyes.
What makes the situation worse, State
Department officials have been told. is
the fact that 1t would be at least two
years before any progress could be
made in this country in manufacturing
dye stuffs Eeeded in printing cloths.
Germany has been developing this in
dustry for forty years. The processes
used by the German manufacturers are
secrets to the American trade. 1t would
require many years for Americans to
be able to compete in the manufacture
OF these goods, and meanwhile manu-
facturers faced a famine in working
material until trade with Germany in
these goods could be reopened.
Germany Permits Exports.
Congressman Metz of New York. him
self an importer of dyes and chemicals,
and largely interested in wooden mills.
took the initiative in obtaining, through
the State Department, assurances from
she belligerent governments that ship
nents of dye stuffs and chemicals from
Germany to American importers would
be permitted.
After receiving these assurances Con-
gressman Metz brought importers and
manufacturers together and arranged to
charter an American ship to send over
TO Rotterdam for a cargo. Meantime
purchases of goods have been arranged
BY cable and arrangements are being
made to collect the cargo at Rotter-
dam. awaiting the ships arrival.
Germany has given assurances that
II will not interfere with the shipment
OF dyestuffs and chemicals purchased
by American importers and mills. If
such goods are not again exported. The
embargo on these shipments was lifted
with the understanding that the goods
would not fall into the hands of bel
ngerents. The English government
gave assurances that il would respect
the neptrality OF an American vessel
carrying such a cargo.
Due Back Next Month.
The Matanzas will arrive at Rotter-
dam next Wednesday, according to
present plans, and is scheduled to start
on the return trip two or three days
later. arriving at New York early in
November.
How large its cargo will be has not
been fully determined Thus far, 1t is
understood, orders have been placed
for 1000 tons of dyestuffs. First con-
alteration will be given to finding space
for the dyestuffs. and what chemicals
are brought over will depend on wheth-
er additional orders for dyestuffs are
filed in Germany before the Matanzas
sails.
American woolen manufacturers have
another worry. but one not so serious
Ihis is due to the embargo placed on
shin-,nnts Of heavy woolens. Of which
American manufacturers have been
large purchasers by the British gov
ernment. Diplomatic inquiries already |
have been set on foot in this matter, |
especially as to the release of cargoes
bought before the war.