The Washington times., 1916-03-24
AMERICA IS MARKET
OF WORLD LUXUR|ES
Class OF Articles About to Be
Denied to the British Is Be-
Ing Imported Here.

NEW YORK, March AIN striking
contrast to the forthcoming additional
embargo by Great Britain on the impor-
tation of "luxuries" Is the situation
existing In the United states. Records
OF the New York custom house reveal
that the high degree Of prosperity
brought here by foreign war order
profits, bumper crops, and generally
stimulated trade conditions at home Is
being reflected in a vastly increased
outlay by Americans for the very class
es of luxuries about.to be denied TO the
British people, and which already have
been greatly curtalled in all OF the coun-
tries now at war.
An official of the Bureau of Foreign
and Domestic Commerce whose duties
keep him in close touch with botn OUT,
ward and inward currents of trade told
yesterday of the present manifestations
OF the luxury trade. He said:
at the outbreak of the European war
there was a practical stoppage for the
time being of many lines of imports In
what may be termed the luxury class.
owing to the upset conditions prevail
ing in the countries entering the war.
but later there was resumption or
traffic in these goods. As hostilities pro-
creased and the need on the other side
Of frugality became more emphasized,
dealers In precious stones, art goods,
toilet accessories, rich fabrics, and a
great variety OF crude products enter
ing Into the production of luxurtes,
realized that the only market left for
these wares was the United states.
Situation Is Met.
Fortunately for the European and
Oriental handlers. the new crop OF war
millionaires' arising in the United
States. coupled with the general pros
perity here. met the situation perfectly
from the foreigners point of view. as
we'll as of merchants in this country.
The result has been that during the past
eight months there has been very
notable increase in the movement OF
all sorts of luxuries to this country
Elsewhere 1t was pointed out that IN
cases where certain foreign luxuries
could not be had, due to exhaustion or
non-production, Americans had turned
20 domestic products to meet REQUIRE
ments, In this connection. American
made wines and champagnes were
pointed out. While the imports here OF
French champagne have been better
maintained than was generally ex-
pected, prices for the foreign product
SCARED, and many users Of both cham
payne and other wines made the ac-
duaintance of American products for the
first time. Much the same ching hap
pened when German hosiery and French
silk imports slackened. and. as in the
case OF the German hosiery, ran down
almost to the zero point American
manufacturers stepped In and nlled the
needs Of the public in most satisfac-
John r. Hecht, the Government ex-
pert examiner of paintings at the APP
praiser's stores. said brush productions
OF all kinds were increasing. lie gave
y ms his view that many fine collec-
tions, now held in Europe by wealthy
individuals. might eventually find their
wav here owing to financial stringency
. abroad or the impairment OF personal
fortunes.
According to CIaernce L. Lersner, ex-
nminer OF porcelains. bronzes. and other
art objects, the strong demand here for
"antiques" Is resulting in more or less
unsuccessful attempts to defraud Amer
lean purchasers.
Perhaps the most striking example of
the good times here Is that dealing with
the importations of precious and semi
precious stones. Although the Imports
20 the imminence of new tariff, with
higher rates of duty. little trouble was
experienced by dealers in working off
their stocks, particularly after payments
for war orders began to be made. Pur--
chaseS were made last year on a mar
ticularly liberal scale. the twelve
months imports into the United States
aggregating $26. 521. 339, or nearly 81 900
oO0 In excess of 1914. when for one-half
OF the year trade conditions of the
Increase in Gems.
Since the new year. Customs Examiner
William B. Treadwell. who inspects
practically all gem importations enter
ing the country, has noted a big jump in
all classes of gems received. In the
week of March 10 the custom house re-
ported these imports as having for
eign value OF 81. lie, 629. divided by classes
as follows: Diamonds cut. but not set,
35oL117, and uncut, S540 800; pearls not
set, SbS, 1888. and imitation precious stones,
Sls12l. Customs men said that IL the
present ratio is maintained 1916 will be
q banner year for gem entries, due to
Europe,s necessity OF unloading stocks
here. Platinum now selling at SsS per
ounce. Is coming in at the rate of j2-
OF $50 per annum.
American women last wear. according
To the Governments figures, used for.
etgn.made silk goods having a value of
10 lSs .S4S. While this was a falling off
OF about %,000,000 compared with 1914
the American manufacturers were able
10 furnish the deficiency. Toys, another
FORM or luxury, were imported in 1915 To
the extent OF $4.6lS.975. iust one-haIf of
the usual supply. but no dearth of play-
things occurred. as native ingenuity
solved the problem.
The demands Of the automobile indus
importations OF crude India and other
rubber in the history OF the country.
Last weeks imports at New York Of
india rubber alone exceeded 81 600, 900 In
value, while the total receipts in This
country last year were 221, 4sl 92l mounds
valued at $l1l, 031, IA. In 1914 the inn,
ports were 1906, ISL pounds. worth SO