The Alaska daily empire., 1916-01-31
BIG SHOWING IS
 MADE IN ALASKA
 CUSTOMS REPORT

cause the facts and figures contained in 1t, show that 1915 was a record breaking period. The report should be read by all Alaskans as it will give them a great insight into the part AL aska is playing in the great conner ciaI world. The report as prepared by Collector Pugh, is in part. as fol- lows:
 In the commercial record-breaking period covered by the calendar year 1915, in which the United States made such marked advances industrially and in trade, the Territory of Alaska occupies worthy place and contin- ues in the march of progress toward an important position In the nation.
 While 1t was hoped that the total value of commerce might reach tho hundred million mark, the increase of more than twelve millions over last year is gratifying.
 This report treats of commerce and trade, and only by the results shown in the movements of commodities is the extent of production shown. The increased imports, largely consisting of merchandise from the United States, entered into the mining devel- opment of the Southeastern and the railroad exploitation in the Southern sections. The increase in exports af- fects nearly all parts of the Territory except the Yukon valley, the pro ducts of which. consisting mostly of placer gold. have been steadily declin- ing for the past five years. The bal ance of trade in favor of the Terri tory, gradually increasing with each years returns. has in 1915 reached a value of nearly twenty millions of dollars.
 The decrease in value of merchan- disc from foreign ports Is largely due to the value of foreign coal consigned to Alaska entered at Seattle. While the figures are not available, 1t is be- lieved that with this addition the amount would equal that of last year.
 Commerce Of Alaska
 Collector Pugh gives many interest ing tables in his repart. The imports are as follows: merchandise from the United States for 1915 were $2S,29S,- lS6. Merchandise from foreign ports, $5OO,519. Gold and silver from for eign ports S4.22s.62O: The total im- ports for 1915 being S2S.017.S07 The year 1915 was the banner one, the to- tai imports for 1912 are S26,75S,S41; for 1913. S26.761 900. andfor 1914, S25.- S49.944.
 The exports for 1915 were as fol- lows: Merchandise to the United States. s34.245.272; merchandise and gold and silver to foreign ports ST. 225.1 .12O: domestic gold and silver to the United States. S1S,O9O.411 and for eign gold and silver to the United States. SS.29S.O12. or 9 total of S54- S56.S15. The grand total Of imports and exports for 1915 amounted to SS2.S74,S15. The grand total of im ports and exports for 1915 amounted to SS2.S74.122. This amount is over $120OO.OOO for 1914 and is over S10,- 100000 for the next banner year, which was 1912
 To this should be added the follow ing items not shown in the table and not reported by the Bureau of For eign and Domestic Commerce to.wit: Copper ore. exported to Anyox, B. C.. SSlS,9 ,995; fresh fish. diverted to Prince Rupert. B. C., S269.66S; government furs from the Pribilof Islands, S124,- 765; Furs, shipped by mail, (estimat- ed), Sl5OOOO or a total of SS6S,529.
 or these products the greatest gain is in copper ore and matte an in- crease of 300 per cent. This Increase is not as much due to the higher price as to the greater production It has been ascertained that ore to the value of more than two million dollars has been mined and delivered to the sea- board ready for shipment
 Gain in Gold and Silver
 A substantial gain has been made in the gold and silver shipments the greatest increase being from the Southeastern division.
 The fish product is greater than 1914, amounting to S19,6OS,6SO. Anti mony. and lead ores and matte are new items in the report and will doubt less gain in importance.
 A decrease appears in some items, the greatest being in furs This is due to the low prices prevailing, the elimination of the government product and the shipments by mail. The lat ter information is furnished by the Bureau and was not received in time for inclusion in the report. If the above amounts are added more fa- vorable showing is made.
 The item "all other merchandise" includes live animals, curios. garnets, ivory. jewelry trophies. vegetables, whalebone, products of the United States returned etc.
 The value of domestic merchandise, gold and silver shipped from Alaska to the United States for 1915 is as follows; antimony ore S1Ss.Ss5; cop per and matte, S12,S54,16S; fish, cam ed salmon. S17S92,S77; all other kinds of salmon S6O4.271; all other fish and fish products. sSS7S54; fish fertilizer. s2O.S95; Fish and whale oil, sSOO,SS2; furs S411.411: gypsum, S65,S0O; lead ore and matte, SS1,476; marble, $1O4.- SSS; tin ore, $79,471; all other mer-