Newspaper Page Text
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THE MORNING NEWS: SAVANNAH, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1880.
Coramerrial.
ANNUAL REVIEW
, ETKOSPF.CT OF THE YEAR JEST
ENBEO.
inuneii Prospect* of tbe Comlns
Season. Etc.
Office op the Morning <
Savakmh, September 4, 1880. i
On too 1st inst. tbe regular business season for
1880-91 b c gun. A review of the year just ended
shows a state of prosperity which calls for
hearty congratulations. The business of the
port ha a. during that year, attained propor
tions which have fully realized the highest an
ticipations indulged in at its beginning, and
now that the sanitary condition of the city is
all that could be desired, and facilities for the
conduct of trade even superior to those which
in the past few years have made this the first
cotton port of the South Atlantic coast, there
is nothing to prevent Savannah from progress
ing steadily and surely onward in commercial
importance.
COMMERCIAL RESUME.
The tables annexed to this, our annual rc
view, give a full and reliable statement of the
trade of Savannah during the past year. They
have been prepared with the greatest care,
and no effort has been spared to make them
entirely accurate. They are made up, as
usual, from the latest statistics, obtainable
from the most authoritative sources, and will
be found strictly correct.
GENERAL REVIEW OF THE COTTON MARKET.
The year 1S79-8J opened with the market
quiet and firm, with quotations of mid
dling at lltjC. Very soon after the beginning
of the season a feeling of weakness pre
vailed and early in September prices bad
declined l%c. for middling, 1 5-I6c. for low mid
fling and lc. for good ordinary and ordinary.
.Which decline continued steadily until about the
end of September, when middling was quoted
It 9J£ cents. This, however, was the lowest
^•int reached. From that date the market
Stiffened: an upward movement in prices be
gan. and continued without any material
set back until March 8th, S:li and l r, 'h. when
.they hod reached their highest point, the quo
tations then being 13c. for middling. Though
about this time a slight reaction was expe
rienced, still there was a marked absence in
the rapid fluctuations which characterized the
preceding year, and the genera! range of prices
were,4iuring the entire season, mueh better
than they had been during the year 1878-79.
We quote middling to-day at 10%c.
These changes in the market are generallj-
attributed to the following causes: At the be
ginning of the year prices had already begun
to show a decided reaction from the inflation
which they had experienced through the gen
eral and excited speculation which set in early
in March, 1879, continued until about the 22d of
Hay followiug.and which had carried the prices
of middling from 85-lGc. to 12)£c.—a speculation
stimulated by the idea that the supply of tbe
staple during the year would fall short of the
demand. As the crop for 1879-SO, however, be
gan to urrive in the market, it became evident
Ahat this would not be the case, and as the
season advanced it was more and more appa
rent that the crop would he larger than any
which had preceded it. When this fact was
fully realized, undue confidence in higli prices
was, as is always the case, succeeded by undue
timidity; fears gained ground that, so far from
the supply falling short of the demand, there
would be a decided surplus on hand throughout
the season, and hence ensued the feeling of
weakness to which we have alluded. But later
on it was plainly shown that these fears were
groundless. The country had entered on an
era of general prosperity. The idleness
which had so universally prevailed during pre
vious years had gi ven way to industry. Long
angaishiag enterprises of all kinds had revived,
And business activity taken the place
>f former pro3tration. In consequence money
decams easier and more generally distributed
j'nan had been the case since the panic of 1873;
wages were higher, and consumers no longer
felt the necessity of denying themselves of
every thing which they could possibly do
without. This resulted in a brisk demand for all
kinds of goods, cotton among the rest. Mills
began running steadily on full time, and in ad
dition to this European manufacturers also
soon became crowded with orders, no doubt
caused by the peace which prevailed every
where in Europe, and which had succeeded the
Turco-Russian war, and the settlement of the
complications arising therefrom. All these
causes combined brought about the continued
steady advance which we have noted, and
though speculation doubtless lent its ail to
keeping prices up, still it was a speculation on
a substantial basis, entirely different from the
wild ventures which the rapid fluctuations of
the preceding year had induced.
THE SAVANNAH MARKET.
Reference to the table of receipts of cotton
at all the various ports of the United States,
elsewhere published, will show the fact that
the predictions made at the opening of the sea
son—that Savannah would not only hold her
own as the first cotton port of the South At
lantic coast, but would show decided progress
in commercial importance during the year-
have been fully realized. Out of the total re
ceipts of cotton so far reported, she has,
according to the reports of Savannah
Cotton Exchange, received 749,003 bales,
while at Norfolk, Va., the next highest
Atlantic port, the receipts were 582,833,
a difference in favor of this city of 100,175 bale?.
This is substantial evidence of the steady busi
ness growth of our city, and it is specially grati
fying iaasmuch as it is a growth which has
been experienced despite adverse circum
stances, the result of our present unjust rail
way legislation.
A discussion of the Railway Commission law
»f this State, and the evil it has done, and is ca-
jable cf doing, the material interests of 'Geor
gia, would not be appropriate in a review of
this character, especially as the features of
that law are well known to the business men
of the State. The practical workings of the
law. however, may be readily seen by a com
parison of the receipts at Savannah with that
at all the different ports to the north of us dur
ing the past and previous seasons. For in
stance, the difference in favor of Savannah
over all the Virginia ports last year was
139,833 bales, while the difference in favor of
this city over such ports during the sear
just past was only 21,930 bales. This clearly
proves that, under the law as it has been exe
cuted since it went into operation on the first
of May last, the railways of Georgia have been
Tnable to successfully compete with those out-
•kle the State, and much cotton which has
leretofore come into this State, and been
rouglit over our Railway lines to this point,
as been shipped over lines outside the juris-
ictionof our railway Commission to Northern
,sorts. The fact that notwithstanding this.
Savannah is stiil able to show receipts of IGo,-
175 above the Atlantic cotton port next to her
in importance, is conclusive evidence that a
bright future is in store for her, and amply
justifies the prediction that one year hence,
when we shall review the season of 1830-81, she
will be found occupying a higher position than
ever in the commercial world.
Foreign freights have averaged about the
same as last year. They opened at 7-16<L for
Liverpool via Northern ports, and lc. from
Bremen. During the year they have ranged
from 5-164. to 9-16d., or about )£d. average by
steam, and about 5-l<kL average by sail.
FUTURE PROSPECTS.
It i;;-impossible at this period of the year to
express any accurate opinion regarding the
future of cotton, and the course of prices,
since many unforeseen accidents may yet hap
pen to cut short the yield. Present indications,
however, are exceedingly favorable. The re
cent heavy and continuous rains have called
forth complaints of shedding and rust in certain
quarters, and it is repotted that in some locali
ties of the State, caterpillars, for the propaga
tion of which the mild winter through which
we have passed has been unusually
favorable, have made their appearance.
Such reports, though, are always more or
less in circulation at this time of the year, and
no general complaint of damage has yet been
made, nor is any very serious injury anticipa
ted.
In regard to the probable Bourse of prices,
he following facts are to be considered: The
otal American crop of 1879-8-3 is now estima-
ed at about 5.075,#00 bales, an increase over
hat of 1878-79 of about 600,000 bales. Yet,
jotwithstanding this increase, the visible sup
ply c f cotton at this time is only 239,000 bales
greater than it was one yea r a to.indicating that
the demand throughout the world for the raw
material has fully kept pace with the increase
of the crop. The average of acreage planned
this year is placed at about 10 per cent, greater
than in 1S79-8), and with fine seasons, the in
crease of the crop will be in proportion. This,
however, is net generally expected. Last
season from August It t until after the 1st of
Decern!»er the weather was unusually favora
ble for picking, and it is hardly probable that
equally as favorable a season will He enjoyed
this fall. This may have the effect of reducing
the crop below the average yield per acre of
last year, and so offset to a considerable de
gree tbe increased acreage. If these specula
tions should turn out correct, the increased
acreage will tend to first make prices lower,
and the reduced yield will afterwards cause
them to advance, provided that the demand is
equal to that of last year, of which there is
now every indication. In other words prices
will probably be weaker at the opening of
the season, and higher towards its close.
This is the logical conclusion to which we
are forced to arrive on reviewing the facts
from the above mentioned standpoint. It
should be stated, however, that no allow
ance can be made, in discussing the probable
future range of prices, for tbe power which the
speculator, as a class, possesses over the mar
ket. This is a power which is undeniably very
great, and how it will be exerted for depress
ing or inflating prices is a problem which baffles
the oldest, most prudent, and most experi
enced operator.
No fear is felt among any of our merchants
regarding the business prospects of this city
during the season just opening, The unex
celled advantages of the port, the high stand
ing in the business and commercial world of
our merchants, the superior facilities here en
joyed for the handling and shipment of cotton,
the excellent railway system of which Savan
nah is the te*ninus. and our naturally fine
harbor, which affords easy communication
with all the principal ports of the world, have
alreadj* established her in the position of the
first Atlantic port. These advantages not only
continue, but are being increased every year,
and with ample transportation facilities, and
with our river and harbor being constantly im
proved, so that sbip3 of the largest burthen
may readily come up to our wharves, there is
no doubt that this position will easily be main
tained, and that our cotton trade will surely
and steadily increase in volume annually. As
evidence of the reasonableness of this predic
tion, as an earnest of what this city had a right
to expect during^the year just opening, it may
be stated that during the month of Au gust
just past our receipts of cotton were 15.091
bales, while during the same month of 1879
they were only 9S6 bales.
The other main branches of trade which aud
materially to the wealth and importance of
Savannah, naval stores and lumber, are also
in an exceedingly flourishing condition, and a
brief glance at the growth of the former duriDg
the past year will be interesting. On the 1st of
September, last year, the receipts of naval
stores at this port were 177,447 barrels of rosin
and 34.368 barrels of turpentine, against 231,420
barrels of the former and 46,231 barrels of
the latter, received up to this date during the
year just ended. This 13 an exceedingly grati
fying exhibit, and when it is remembered that
this branch of trade is still in its infancy, there
is every reason to hope that ia a few years it
will be a powerful rival to cotton, and that,
commencing as it does just about the close of
the cotton season, and continuing throughout
the summer, it will in the near future serve to
keep the wheels of business in motion through
out the year, and that July and August will be
as busy months with us as November and De
cember are now.
But it is not alone on lumber and naval
stores—important as they are—that Savannah
relies for future prosperity. The combina
tions recently effected between some cf
the most important lines of raiiway ia
Georgia and the Louisville and Nash
ville Railroad, places her in intimate
and direct communication with the great West,
and will make her the entrepot of a large por
tion of the vast grain and other products of that
region. This, of itself, will doubtless prove a
source of wealth and trade of no mean propor
tion. In anticipation of this trade—anticipations
based on what has already been actually real
ized, and on what may be reasonably calcu
lated on for the future—steps have already
been taken bv the Central Railroad Company
to erect a mammoth grain elevator at their
wharves near this city, and by the Ocean
Steamship Company, which runs in connec
tion with that corporation, to increase its car
rying facilities. All these combined must be
the means of adding largely to our commercial
importance, and to give reason for the predic
tion that Savannah is not only determined to
remain the first Atlantic cotton port, but to
tako position among the leading commercial
cities in the country.
SEA ISLANDS.
Early in the season our factors were disposed
to sell, freely at a slight advauce on the closing
prices of the last. With the prospect of a
large crop. European buyers were unwilling to
pay these prices. In the meantime some of
our domestic consumers, attempting to sup
ply themselves in Florida, inaugurated an ac
tive competition between their agents and the
factors who had heretofore received and con
trolled the crop.- This caused factors to ab
stain from selling here. Later in the season,
with orders from Liverpool, and other North-
era mills, the agents in Florida being unable to
fill their contracts there, came into this mar
ket and bought at prices 2c. to 3c. above those
of Liverpool, and, in their anxiety to secure
their full supply, kept up prices to the end of
the season.
September.— Buyers not being diaposed to
give the closing prices of last season, and the
receipts being small, the sale3 were at irregu
lar prices— from 23 to 28 cents—but few at the
latter price. There were not sufficient trans
actions to warrant quotations. Receipts, 167
bags. Sales, 77 bags.
October.— In the early part of the month the
demand was limited and the sales small at 23
to 2S cents, the large portion of them being
good medium at 26 cents. Towards the middle
of the mouth there was a moderate demand at
lower prices, to which factors were not dis
posed to accede. The sales therefore continued
small until the last week, when the demand
becoming general .and active, buyers yielded,
and the bulk of the sales were at the following
quotations:
Common 21 ©.22c
Medium Fioridas 24 ©25c
Good Floridas 26©—c
Medium fine Floridas 27(77 28c
Fine Floridas 29©3Cc
Receipts, 1,430 bags. Sales, 938 bags.
November.—For the first week of this month
the demand continued good at previous quota
tions, but factors would not sell freely at these
rates. Buyers on Northern account now came
into the market and prices steadily advanced
duriDg the rest of the month, the better gTades
being in good demand at full prices, the lower
grades almost entirely neglected ;our quotations
of them therefore are soinewat nominal. The
market closed at the end of the month as fol
lows:
Carts and common Floridas 23®25
Medium Floridas 26©27
Good Floridas 2S©29
Medium fine Floridas .30®32
Fine Floridas 33©35
Receipts 2,047 bags. Sales 1,155 bags.
December.—The market opened at last quo
tations, except that strictly finejeotton brought
34 to 37 cents. Oar domestic buyers, now com
ing largely into the market, prices advanced
and foreign buyers were thrown entirely out
of it. A large portion of the sales were made
at 33c. to S5c. The last week the sales were
1,332 bags, at the following quotations:
Carts and common Georgias 23©25c
Common Floridas 26(7r 27c
Medium Floridas 28©29c
Good Floridas 90©32c
Medium fine Floridas 33©34c
Fine Floridas 35®87c
Receipts 2.505 bags. Bales 3/240 bags.
January.—Alter the large transactions of
the past month, which went far towards sup
plying the wants of our Northern mills, the
market became quiet, but factors continued to
ask the prices recently obtained, which were
several cents above the parity of Liverpool.
Foreign buyers were, therefore, offering two
to three cents below these prices, and sales
were nominal towards the middle of the
month, when factors to effect sales were
obliged to yield to> decline of lc., and pur
chases were made at 23©32c. At the end of
the month prices, though somewhat easier,
were still above the views of buyers, and the
market closed as follows:
Carts and common Georgias ... 23®25c
Common Floridas £5©26c
Medium Floridas 27©28c
Good Floridas 29®3Cc
Medium flue Floridas .31 ©32c
Fine Floridas (nominal) 38©86c
Receipts 2,299 bags. Bales 850 bag*.
February.—Factors having made a slight con
cession. buying was general to a moderate ex
tent the early part of tbe month. Towards the
middle of the month, domestic buyers again
came iato the market. The demand was prin
cipally for the medium grades, and large sales
were made at an advance. Towards the eud
of the month the demand continued for tbe
medium grades, stocks of which being much
reduced, factors generally held at higher
figures, and the transactions of the last week
were small.
Carts and common Georgias
Common Floridas
Medium Floridas
Good Floridas
Medium fine Floridas
Receipts, 846 bags. Bales, 8,154 bags.
March —The first week the demand con
tinued good for the medium grades, which
were scarce, and prices advanced one cent.
The finer grades were neglected at previous
quotations. The second week the demand be
came quite active, and the stock was swept of
desirable cottons, at prices not q notably
higher, but very 4fcficult to buy at. For the
balance of the month the market was quiet
but firm, with quotations unchanged, which
were as follows:
Carts and common Georgia 25®27c
Common Floridas .. .... .. .27®23c
Medium Floridas 29©30c
Good Floridas 31®32c
Medium fine Floridas 38©33c
Fine Floridas (nominal) 84©85c
Receipts 305 bales. Sales 994 bales.
April.—Receipts and sales of this month were
small. The first part of the month sales were
made at the closing quotations of the last.
From this time to the end of the season, which
closed about the middle cf May, the market
was irregular at about the following quota
tions:
Carts and common Georgias 24©23c
Common Floridas 25©26c
Meiiam Floridas 27©28c
Good Floridas 30©—c
Medium fine Floridas 31©—c
Fine nominal
Receipts 190 bags. Sales 233 bags.
Last season the late and long continued rains
were supposed to have caused considerable
damage to the crop, but any injury so sus
tained as to quantity was later on made up by
the long picking season. The quality of the
crop was much impaired, a large portion of it
being defective in preparation. Tlxis season
the rains set in early, and were of much
shorter duration, and the crop is reported as
being in good condition. Should we have a
continuance of favorable weather, the yield
will be large, but in estimating the crop we
will have to take into consideration the im
perfect stands *and the improbability of so
extended a picking season as the last. The
general impression is that the Florida crop
will be little, if any. larger than the last, and
it must be kept in mind that the chances of
casualties to it are not yet at an end. Cater
pillar storms, etc., may change the aspect of
affairs.
RECEIPTS AND EXPORTS—CHARLESTON, 8. C.
Receipts—
Stock on hand 1st Septem
ber. 7879 19
Receipts to date 13,415— 13,434
Exports—
To England direct 5,150
To England per steamer
on through bills lading. 2,7 0
To Glasgow v ia New York. 56— 7,936
To Havre direct 1,877
To Havre per steamer oa
through bills lading 978
To Nurtii of Europe for
France 98— 2,953
To Northern mills 2,239— 13.178
Stock on baud 1st September, 1880, 253
SAVANNAH, OA.
Receipts—
Stock on hand !st Septem
ber. IS.'9 11
Receipts to date .... 12.422
Less shipped through to
Charleston 2,490 9,932 - 9,943
Exports—
To England direct 598
To England j*er steamer
on through .bills lading. 4.346
To Glasgow via New York. 59— 4.994
To Havre direct 198
To Havre per steamer on
through biils lading 159— 357
To Northern mills 4,528— 9,879
Stock on hand 1st Septemlier, 1880 04
RECEIPTS OF SEA ISLANDS.
Received at Charleston 13,415
Received at Port Royal and Beau
fort 1,605
Received at Savannah 12,-422
Less shipped through to
Char'eston 2.490— 9,932
Received at Fernandina 2.084—27.095
South Carolina Crop—
Received at Charleston.... 13,415
Received at Port Royal and
Beaufort 1,665—13,C80
Less received from Florida
per steamer 2,474
Less received from Florida
via Savannah 2,490— 4,904—10,116
Georgia Crop —
Received at Savannah 9,932
Le=s received from Florida 7,618— 2,314
Florida Crop—
Received at Charleston from
Florida 2,474
Received at Charleston via Savan
nah 2.490
Received at Favannah from Flor'a 7,618
Received at Fernandina 2,084—14,666
27,096
TOTAL SUPPLY AND EXPORT.
Total crop as per state
ment 27,096
Stock at Charleston Sep
tember 1, 1880 250
Stock at Charleston Sep
tember 1,1879 19—237
Stock at Savannah Sep
tember 1, 1880 64
Stock at Savannah Sep
tember 1, 1879 11— 53— 290—26,806
Exports to Liverpool—
Shipped from Charleston. 7,930
Shipjied from Savannah.. 4,914
Shipped from Fernandina 510
Shipped from Port Royal
ana Beaufort 307— 13.691
To Glasgow—
Shipped from Charleston 56
Shipped from Savannah 50— 106
To Havre—
Shipped from Charleston. 2,953
Shipped from Savannah . 257— 3,S10
To Northern Mills—
Shipped from Charleston. 2.239
Shipped from Savannah.. 4,523
Shipped from Fernandina. 1,574
Shipped from Port Royal
and Beaufort 1,358— 9,699—26,806
These figures show the crop of long cot
ton for the season of 1879-80 to be 27,096 bales,
In contrast with the crop of last year, 1878-79,
19.900 bale3, showing an increase of 7.196 bales,
made up as follows:
Carolina crop increase 2,983
Georgia crop increase 1,384
Florida crop increase 2,880
Total 7,196
The following is a comparative statement of
exports for the past two j ears:
1879-80 1873-79 Increase.
Liverpool 13,797 10,538 3,259
Havre 3.310 2,212 1,098
Northern mills 7,699 7,249 2,450
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CONSOLIDATED COTTON STATEMENT FOR THE WEEK
ENDING SEPTEMBER 4, 1880.
Receipts at all U. S. ports this week.... 41,518
Last year 15,150
Total receipts to date 20,654
Last year 6,729
Exports for thi3 week 18,609
Same week last year 1 13.194
Total exports to date 11,059
Last year 11,340
Stock at all United States ports 147,447
Last year 55,156
Stock at all interior towns 13,61b
Last year 3,854
Stock at Liverpool 617,000
Last year 379,000
American afloat for Great Britain 38,000
Last year 28.000
Total
... .26,806 19,999
6,807
RECEIPTS OF COTTON AT THE PORT OF SAVAN
NAH FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1879, TO AUGUST 31,
1S80.
Up
land
Kea
Island
Central Railroad
597,916
Savannnah, Fia. & Western R'y.
104,278
6,552
('Uarleston and Savannah R*v...
6,792
Florida steamers
2.988
4,197
Augusta steam ere
20,892
Coasters
.445
2S5
Carts ..
4.124
397
Charleston
5or
7
New York
250
Ginned in the city
349
738,091
11,684
Stock on hand Sept. 1, 1879
1,522
11
Up- Sea
Less rec'd from— land. Island
Mobile 5,517 ....
Brunswick 1,674 44
Charleston 505 7
739,613
11,695
New Y ork 250 ....
7,946
51
731,667
11,644
743,311
11,614
PORT OF SAVANNAH
TO AUGUST 31, 1880:
Foreign—
Liverpool
Cork tor orders
Bremen
FROM SEPTEMBER
Up
land.
184,554
1,114
89,641
1, 1879,
Sea
Island.
598
Genoa
10,275
Barcelona
21.383
Amsterdam
28,6-31
Havre
. . 18,752
19S
Ghent
41380
Gothenburg
5,91*0
Sebastonol
4,825
Malaga
Pasajes
2,200
1.150
Malmoe
1,650
Nordkoping
1.974
Riga
Cronstadt.
3,865
Rotterdam
1,550
Santander
. 550
Palma de Majorca
500
Coruna
son
Mahon
12
Total
423,396
796
Coastwise—
New York
.160,803
4,798
Philadelphia....
17,805
13
Baltimore
67,315
3.271
Boston
37,76*1
1.016
Charleston
223
1,742
Local oonsuinption..
.. 1.147
Total Coastwise. .
305,059
10.4 SO
Total Foreign
423,396
796
Grand total
728.455
11,276
R£VIEW OF THE RICE MARKET.
By FT. D. \Vaple3.
The season opened with every prospect of a
fine crop and larger yield than u.uial, tbe first
of the harvest having been received on August
25tb, considerably earlier than in previous
3*ears. Tbis lot, on being milled, showed a fine
quality of the grain, and brought a good price,
causing the market to open very strong ana
firm, and tending to improve the already en
couraging outlook. But as the season advanced
our planters were somewhat depressed by
having to contend with continuous rains, par
ticularly in this section, during almost the
entire season of harvesting, many of wh.«m
were caught with crops cut and Iving in the
fields.
The wet weather occasioned extensive dam
age, producing a large percentage of mow-
burnt rice, the offering of which, in our mar
ket, we found, later in the season, to be even
in excess of expectations; however, the yield
of the crop exceeded the general anticipations.
While the bulk of the increase is attributable
to the cultivation of additional tide water lands,
a large portion was produced on the uplands,
which are now being cultivated on a more ex
tended scale and bid lair to assume an impor
tant position in the future production of this
graiu. Large areas of these lands, heretofore
lying idle are being now utilized for its culture.
The Louisiana crop, of which so many exag
gerated reports were prevalent at the opening
of the season, as to its being short, shows a
falling off of some thirty per cent.
The total yield of the crops of Carolina.
Georgia and Louisiana are about as follows:
18T8-79. 1879-30.
Carolina casks 48.000 58.754
Georgia casks 31,260 -'18.574
Louisiana bbls. 14-3,000 110,000
The market as a general thing ruled very
firm during the whole year, with less variation
in prices than for many years back, good rice
bringing at the commencement of the season
7c., and uow worth at the close 6J^c., this be
ing as low as any point attained even in De
cember and January, when the bulk of the
crop was in store.
The agitation of the repeal of the tariff on
Rangoou towards the close of the session of
Congress caused prices to weaken and trade to
relax a little in May and June, but after the
adjournment it rallied again.
On the whole, the results of the business of
the past year have been quite satisfactory,
both to planters and dealers The large in
crease in the exports over preceding years
tends to show what an extensive and lucrative
business will be ultimately built up from this
now only partially developed resoaree of the
South.
The increase of the consumption of rice by
our Western neighbors is surprising, as will be
seen on comparison of shipments for the past
two ye ire via Baltimore and the Central Rail
road, the bulk of which goes to Western mar
kets. These show an increase ’for last year of
upwards of 8,400 casks, 4,100 from this point
and 4.300 from Charleston, to say nothing of
the amount that reaches that section from
Louisiana and from shipments to New Y'ork.
One of the results of tlie vast improvement
in this line of business has developed a new
enterprise. A number of our enterprising
planters and merchants have organized them
selves into a corporation for the purpose of
erecting a new mill, which is now in course
of completion and is expected to be
ready for work by the 15th of September.
It will be furnished with all the most modern
improvements in the way of machinery, and
all the latest facilities for handling rice. The
buildings are constructed for the better pro
tection of the grain. The elevators are of ex
tra capacity, and capable of taking in 30,000
bushels in ten hours. The mill when run to its
full power will be able to turn cut 200 casks
every'twenty-four hours.
The receipts in thi3 market for the past year
foot up 38,754 casks, against 31.250 the year be
fore. showing an increase of 7,324 casKs. Be
low we given statement of exports for past two
y ears:
j
New Y'ork
1878-79.
Cask-!.
.11,269
1879-80.
Casks.
10,768
10.324
Baltimore
5.194
Central Railroad
Philadelphia
3,165
. 2,065
7.424
1.989
1,635
1.267
2,069
3,278
8av„ Fla. & W. Railway
Boston
Charleston
City consumption (estimated)
1,350
516
906
6,225
and very light recepts. we see no reason to
doubt but that tbe experience of last year will
be repeated and a further advance take place.
In regard to rosins, taking W G and K as
types, we observe that at the beginning of the
year W G started at $3 75 advanced to S4 00by
1st October, then to $6 00 by 1st November,
dropped to $5 *0. at which it remained steady
during December, January and February. As
the new crop cam** in the price declined to
$3 75 and then $3 25, and reached $3 00 its
lowest point—in July. Since that time it has
crept upwards, and at the close of this report
is auoted at S3 37. with upward tendency.
h, starting at $3 00, advanced to S5 QP by 1st
November, steadying down to $4 25 duriDg
December, January and February, and then in
sympathy with other grades declined until it
reacned $2 37tij tits lowest point) in July. It
then gradually advanced ana closes at $2 62t*.
F (as the type of red rosins) started at
51 35. advanced to $2 50, then dropped to $1 70
and fl 75. remaining there during the winter
moctlis. then gradually declined until it reach
ed Si 35—the point it started from. Since
then it has advanced in sympathy with other
grades, and closes firm at fl 50.
The same reasons which seem to indicate an
advance in spirits turpentine apply with equal
force to rosins. The statistics show no apprecia
ble increase in the aggregate crop. With un
doubted commercial prosperity, the surplus of
money seeking profitable investment, and
articles of trade always favorite objects for
speculation, we may look for active business
during the fall.
Our own port, showing the only considerable
increase or all the Atlantic ports, and this
especially true of fine rosins, we confidently
predict buoyant markets for the remainder of
the season.
We append tbe usual tables of receipts and
exports:
TABULAR STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS OF NAVAL
STORES AT SAVANNAH FROM SEPT. 1, 1874, TO
SEPT. 1, 188).
Spts
Turpt. Rosin
Sept. 1. 1871, toFept. 1, 1875 9,555 41.707
Sept. 1, 1*75, to Sept. 1, 1876 15,521 59.792
Sept. 1,1876. to Sept. 1, 1S77 19,984 98,888
Sept. 1, 1877, to Sept. 1, 1878 31,138 177,104
Bept. 1, 1878, to Sept. 1, 1879 34/468 177,147
Sept. 1, 1879, to Sept. 1. 1889 46,321 231.421
TABULAR STATEMENT OF EXPORTS OF NAVAL
STORES FROM SAVANNAH FROM SEPT. 1, 1874,
, TO SEPT. 1. 1S80.
Spts.
Turpt. Rosin
Sept. 1, 1874, to Sept. 1, 1875 {,370
Fept. 1, 1875, to Sept. 1, 1870 1,897
Sept. 1, 1876. to Sept. 1, 1877 1,915 12.526
Fept. 1, 1S77, to Sept. 1, 1878 8,362 40,691
Sept. 1, 1878, to Sept. 1, 1879 10.632 82,469
Sept. 1, 1679. to Sept. 1. 1880 9,763 65,321
Coastwise—Sept. 1, 1879, to Sept.
1, 1880 £5,676 150,401
The receipts for the past week were 4.194
barrels rosin and 774 barrels spirits tur
pentine. The exports for the same time
were 9,717 bbls. rosm and 2,574 bbls. spirits tur
pentine. as follows: To New York, 2,237 bbls.
rosin and 1.986 bbls. spirits turpentine; to Phila
delphia, 613 bbls. rosin and 85 bbls. spirits tur
pentine: to Baltimore, 1,956 bbls. rosin
and 423 bbls. spirits turpentine; to th<
West 80 bbls spirits turpentine; t<
Stettin, 2,082 bbls. rosin; to London.
2.259 bbls. rosin. We quote: Rosins—B and C
«1 10. D SI 15, E$1 40, V $1 10. G 51 65, H*2 00.
1 52 35, K 52 6214, M $2 61N 5-3 12)$. window
glass $3 -■'•7’-<j. Spirits turpentine—Oils and
whiskys 34c., regulars 35c.
RECEIPTS. SHIPMENTS AND STOCK FROM APRIL 1,
1880, TO DATS, AND FOR THE CORRESPONDING
DATE LAST YEAR:
1880. 1879.-
Rosin Spirits Rosin Spirits
On hand April 1.... 29,904 6,208 6.915 305
R&c'dthis week... 4.194 774 6.032 1,743
Rec’d previously.115.129 30,624 83,272 21,266
Total 149.2271 [37,660 93,219 23,314
Shipments.
Antwerp
Amsterdam
178
903
685
1.500
I i i
1.661
6.2 «
« :
Rotterdam
3,830
<4 -
London
.12.091
1,379
6.778
2.060
Liverpool
. 4,807
4C0
10,888
2 : ;
Libau
3.344
Se • •
Riga
2,840
Barcelona
243
255
Palma de Majorca
65
Pasajes
33
ce •
Mahon
25
4
2,409
5^674
V60
c: • •
Glasgow
856
1,010
*i :
Goole
4,888
Aberdeen
3,304
s =:
Stettin
. 2 68i
Boston
1.475
2.363
* 52
1.174
0
New Y’ork
.52.596
11,405
17,355
5.169
5 :
Philadelphia
. 5,415
2.632
7,706
2.607
: :
Baltimore
Interior towns....
.22.686
. 1,131
4,205
3,88S
21,158
531
3.687
£ •
Total
127,367
35.246
84,512
19,739
‘x. : :
• •
Stock cn hand and
on shipboard
September 3.... *1,869
3.420
11,707
3,575
C- i
05 - •
H i ;
Crop of 1880 and 1881.—The prospects of the
new crop, both in Georgia and Carolina are
very promising, and reports from all sections
very encouraging. Should it meet with no dis
aster. the yield will be as large, if not in ex
cess of the past year. As yet, no receipts of
consequence have come to hand, but the har
vest will be equally as early as last season.
With our improved railroad connections, and
better freight facilities, we anticipate for the
coming year a still greater activity and further
improvement in this business.
NAVAL STORES.
At the beginning of the year just just closed
it was supposed, from the extensive prepara
tions being made to cut new “boxes." that
there would be a large increase of the naval
stores crop, the increase being variously esti
mated at from 30 to 50 percent. The early part
of the Eeason^justified these estimates, but later
causes have combined to modify this result.
The heavy drought, extending over the tur
pentine producing section, followed by an un
usual season of floods, seriouslj* checked the
flow of turpentine during the months
of June and July: and the month of Au
gust being naturally a month of limited
f Production (the sap at this season apparently
n a state of equilibrium), we have had three
months of checked production, amounting, as
nearly as can be estimated, to a full month of
loss in the total crop. Add to this the in-
I efficiency of labor incident to a political year,
and its constant diversion to the cotton
fields to take care of the enormous crop of
that staple, which must now be attended to.
and we nave sufficient reasons to account for
I the decreased crop, now established, for the
first time, in the table below, compiled from
the official reports from the ports named.
Referring to this comparative table, we find
that so far from there being a large increase of
production, there is the small excess over last
year of less than 16,000 barrels spirits turpen
tine in a total of 235,000 barrels, or about seven
per cent.; and in rosins an excess over last
year cf 13,000 barrels in a total of 1,185,000 bar
rels, or one per cent.
The losses and gains are distributed as fol
lows:
Wilmington loses 5 per cent, in spirits and 10
per cent, in rosins.
Charleston gains 5per cent, in spirits: hardly
holds its own in rosin.
Brunswick remains the same, as near as can
be ascertained.
Mobile gains 20 per cent in spirits and 10 per
cent, in rosin.
Savannah gains 35 per cent, in spirits and £0
per cent, in rosin.
This reveals the gratifving fact that while
other rival ports are declining in this trade, or
barely holding their own, our own port is
steadily advancing, thus verifying the predic
tion that we have made, from year to year,
that Savannah is destined to lead the American
trade in the near future.
COMPARATIVE TABLE OF RECEIPTS.
Sp'tsTurp't. i
1878 9
1379.80
1878-9
1879-89
Wilmington
100,826
•95,584
563,907
507,702
Charleston
54,616
59,865
250,323
250,940
Savannah
84,368
44,321
177.447
231,420
Mobile
. 21.118
25.1C9
143.509
158,482
Brunswick
8,661
8,661
36,495
36,195
219,589 235,540
1,171,681
1,185,039
•After deducting 3,OCO barrels received from
Savannah and Charleston.
The figures for Brunswick 1879-80 are correct,
—for 18v8-9 assumed, as it was impossible to
get the statistics in time.
In consequence of the general impression in
the beginning of the season that a large crop
would be made, prices fell off rapidly— spirits
turpentine falling from 50c. per gallon in
March, to 27c. in April, and 23c. in May, W G
rosin from $5 50 to S3 25. and K rosin from
S4 25 to $2 50. The decline in red rosins was
not so marked. These prices were undoubtedly
below the average cost of production, but the
constantly impending threat of an excessive
crop kept prices down the greater part of the
summer, although the demand for consump
tion has been steady and uninterrupted.
Following the course of the market for the
year, we observe, that, at the close of our last
Annual Review—Sept. 1st., 1879—spirits of tur.
pentine was quoted at 25c. It immediately ad
vanced ' as we predicted) to 28c. by the flrat
of Octdtier, and, after a few perturbations,
shot up to 46c. by the first of November,
then dropped to 8Cc. by the first of December,
and during the winter, fluctuating, but always
on a general advance, it finally reached 3Cc. in
March, dropped suddenly in a few days to 30c ,
(as the new crop began to come in) and down
till it touched f23e. i the lowest point for, the
year) in May. From this period, it fluctuated
between 23c. and 26c. until fee early part of
August, when it made a turn upwards and
reached 33c., dropped off a cent or two. and
advanced to 35c.. at which point our report
closes. With reduced stocks at all the ports.
FINANCE
The past year has witnessed a marked im
provement in the market value of Georgia se
curities and In the strength of our banking in
stitutions, and railway companies. Our city
5 per cent, bonds have advanced from 70 to 82
per cent., and are now considered a safe in
vestment.
The business of the Central Railroad
has been large and qirofltable, aud it is
probable that its net earnings for the year just
past will overrun 14 per cent, on the capital
stock, the market value of which has appre
ciated 83f3 per cent. Each year does this road
increase tne volume of its business, and it is
safe to predict that the year just opening will
be no exception to the one just past.
The Savannah. Florida and Western Rail
way Company < the old Atlantic and Gulf 1 has
commenced a new existence, with its capital
and bonded debt reduced to a reasonable fig
ure, and its able managers have the promi.se
of a large and profitable business with South
ern Georgia and Florida.
Our banks, without exception, congratulate
themselves on making no bad debts during the
past twelve months, and they will be tasked to
their utmost to do the business of their cus
tomers this coming season.
With the promise of a very large cotton
crop, our merchants have good reason to ex
pect a profitable winter's business, so that, al
together, we can consider the financial outlook
as very favorable.
Money Market.—Money is active and will
probably continue so.
Domestic Exchange.—The banks and bank
ers are buying sight drafts at j4 P er cent, off
and selling checks at par to per cent, off,
according to amount.
Sterling Exchange.—Sixty-day bills, with
bill lading attached, buying at $4 77 and sell
ing at S4 77)£. , ,
Securities.—'The security market closes
quiet, with light offerings and a firm tone.
BONDS AND 8TOCK8.
State Bonds— Bid. Aased.
Georgia new 6’s, 1889, Jan.
and July coupons 107H 1C8
Georgia 6 per cent., coupons
Feb. ana Ang., maturity
1973 and 1836 100&al&! 101a!C6
Georgia m’tg'e on W. & A.
Railroad reg’lar 7 per cent.,
coupons January and J uly.
maturity 18S6 106>«b 109
Georgia 7 per cent, gold
• - 108 109^
115 119
....100
....103
....108
106
....100
.... 78
. 90
bonds
Georgia, Smith's, 1875
City Bonds—
Atlanta 0 per cent
Atlanta 7 per cent
Atlanta S per cent
Augusta 7 per cent
Augusta 0 percent....
Columbus 7 per cent.
Vlacon 7 per cent.
Sew Savannah 5 per cent.
ex-coupon 82
Railroad Bonds—
A. & G. 1st m’tg’e consl’d 7
per cent., coupons Jan.
and July, maturity 1S97.. 106
Atlantic £ Gulf endorses
city of Savannah 7 per
cent., coupons Jan. and
July, maturity 1379 58
Centra! consolidated m’tg'e 7
per cent., coupons Janua
ry anil July.maturity 1893.110^
Georgia b per cent., coupons
Jan. and July, matuntv. .1C0J^
Charlotte, Columbia & Au
gusta 1st mortgage 106
Charlotte. Columbia & Au
gusta 2d mortgage ..
r\hiIn (lirun) m’ttj i
101
1C4
109
107
loots
80
the neighborhood of las: season Prices
are now ruling comparatively k>w. and
a healthy trade- starts off the new com
mercial year. What hss been remarked about
cotton f*Lric8 is in part applicable to woolens,
but they were forced up as early as cotton
goods. The advance in woolens has been bet
ter maintained than cotton, although the prices
rule much lower than they were' run up to,
and the present prices are likely to be main
tained the balance of the season.'
September and October, 18T9, were months
of heavy trading.'and the amoun: of business
transacted was large and satisfacton.*. A good
and steady demand at advancing prices con
tinued throughout the winter months, although
the mildness of the winter prevented the usual
demand for woolen goods, such as blankets,
flannels, shawls, etc , and the trade in that line
was not satisfactory. The spring trade opened
early and continued steady and healthy, and a
large volume of business was done at high
prices* The spring trade *f dry goods is
steadily increasing here, for most merchants
who visit Northern markets in the fall for
pleasure, etc., in the spring remain at home,
and purchase in this market, and yearly this
trade i3 increasing largely. Our merchants
now look on the spring trade as most desirable,
and cater largely to induce merchants from
our interior cities to visit this market and make
their spring purchases. Ti is trade was not as
brisk os last year, owing to several causes,
among them the stocking up of the interior mer
chants in the spring for future wants, and the
fear of others, as goods were weakening, that
a fall of prices would come: but with the open
ing of fall stocks in July, the marking of low
prices,the unusually large and attractive stocks
ODened. and the early rambles of the commer
cial touri>: on the road, gave business an
en’-ty start, and the trade of July and
August is in advance of former years. The
stocks opened here by our jobbers this seas. ;i
are unusually large and attractive, the low
prices, the accommodation terms offered, and
their willingness to duplicate bills pur-
ciiased from or offered by a Northern jobber,
show that cur jobbers mean business, and the
merchants of Georgia. Alabama. Florida and
South Carolina, should one and all avail them
selves of the advantages offered, and give our
jobbers a trial. Although the drummers from
Philadelphia, New Y'ork and Baltimore can be
found by the score ia every section of our ter
ritory: yet, the persuasive ways, and the well
known character of our “commercial tourist"
on the road, and also the known character of
the houses they represent, and the Induce
ments they offer, secures the trade.
The present outlook for the trade is bright
and hopeful, with the prospect of a good cotton
crop. The merchants in the country, more
than usual, are out of debt, with a prosperous
lumber and turpentine interest, and with goods
at a low figure, business must be good, and
we anticipate that the trade this season wid
surpass that of last j-ear. which was the
heaviest previously done in this place.
i «|-a?i|S5|g=-5-S-l3Ss
2. 5-r S n ~ p'sjcl
: 5.: ^ a r>: = E' : : -
: g: i p = : : : : S
: *5 • £ ; : :
: : : §•: :
-jSOjbijXOacsi 2.
S“sM“|jS«5l: = —
—
2UfS22!JSg3
— ‘-‘li —•-‘O
mmiia :
- r • — x -e • x.
^ £35: 5 •* ; ss
oc- K = | -
s S:
131a:
8: g
: <•!
!j: ;
g=slils§. : & . Si
5 £§188533 5-
£• ft] g
* EL I
S 5 :
:::::::::::::: : p
111- M ; i i i I; i i I:;; i ?
c-
s'
: - a h >
b j = r
Si T» :
- Wc c
112 ^
3 a.,,,
§ SiyilSSS-ltllS-alii ?
IMPORTS FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1879, to AUGUST cl.
1S30.
99
Mobile & Girard 2d m'tg'e en
dorsed 8 per cent., coupons
Janup-ry and July, maturi
ty 1889 110 111
Montgomery and Eufaula
1st mortgage 6 percent-
guaranteed 100)4 101)4
Western Alabama 1st m’tg’e
end. S per cent., coupons
April and Oct., maturity
1888 112 113
Western Alabama 2d m’tg'e
end. 8 per cent., coupons
April and Oct., maturity
1S90 112 113
South Georgia & Florida, en
dorsed 110 111)4
South Georgia & Florida, 2d
mortgage .99)4 101
Railroad Stocks—
Augusta & Savannah 7 per
cent., guaranteed 109
Central Common 96)4
Georgia Common 105 106
Southwestern 7 per cent..
guaranteed 106 106)4
DRY GOODS JOBBING TRADE.
The commercial year just closed has been a
most remarkable one In the dry goods trade.
Commencing with prices the lowest since the
war,rapidly advancing from November to April
to prices beyond those of man v years past, and
then gradually receding to almost tne point
where the advance commenced, it has kept
the minds of jobbers active and called their
best judgment into play to so manage their
business as to take advantage of the advance,
and at the same time be prepared not to lose
what they would make by the decline, which
was inevitable. When the boom in prices com
menced they were slow to believe that prices
could be advanced very materially in the face
of a large crop of cotton and a full stock ef
fabrics, but as soon as it became apparent that
goods would be forced up beyond their value
they entered the market and bought heavily,
supplying all future wants fora season In both
cotton and* woolen fabrics, and were fully pre
pared to meet any decline when it did oceur.
with goods bought at almost bottom prices.
When prices were advanced daily in North
ern markets, it was responded to here. The
"future wants” of the interior merchant soon
showed itself, and he entered this market to
make sure that his future wants were supplied
in a riring market. Cotton fabrics advanced
astonishingly, many lines over 50 per cent.
The top was reached late in the spring—firm
ness of prices ruled fer a short while—but a
slight concession in some lines caused a feeling
of distress, and buyers fought shy of buying.
Then came what is called the “hand-to-mouth
policy,*’ buying only when necessity compels,
A stagnation of trade was the cause. Then
came a revision of prices on the down scale,
which was followed by others, until at the
close of July prices had gotten down in
(Quantity.
. 2.572,458
.18,146,372
2,741
24,850
471
5,152
1,200
7,007
S6
Articles.
Coffee, pounds
Salt, pounds
Coal, tons
Bacon, pounds
Molasses, gallons
Soap, pounds
Superphosphate, tons
Wine, gallons
Brandy, gallons
Whisky, gallons V-i
Gin, gallons 26
Beer, gallons 180
Pig iron, tons 2
Chains, pounds 13,444
Hammers, pounds 1,200
Nails 634
Tiles 24
17.435 steel rails, pounds 3.C33,9S5
All other iron and steel .. ....
Earthenware ....
Glassware ....
Millstones ....
Stone ballast .
Wrapping paper ....
Soda water
Bananas
Oranges
Pineapples ....
Lemons and limes
Grape fruit ....
Sapodillas
Tamarinds
Watermelons ....
Tomatoes ....
Cocoanuts ....
Alabaster ....
Grain bags . ....
Hides ana skins
Silk
Copper dross
Hants
Conch shells
Donkey ....
Statuary ....
Cloth
Photographs .
.Foliaa harps
Oat meal
Total f523,051
Value.
9315,451
27,082
5,104
1,243
152
239
16,850
17,113
111
36
18
129
50
485
32
25,630
659
2,e«6
573
217
8-36
79
1,602
1,324
305
18
20
12
3
1
262
586
24
3,342
200
301
MB
39
i
15
TONNAGE OF THE PORT OF SAVANNAH FROM SEP
TEMBER 1, 1879, to AUGUST 31, 1880.
Total foreign..
Coastwise clearances
Total coastwise..
Total foreign
Tonnage.
Men.
L 21
14,463
271
1. 19
12,127
2J8
. 245
166.698
3.522
. 219
153,914
3,237
. 504
347.4C7
7,298
. "3C6
400,1*24
9,126
. 331
479,923
10,646
. 637
880,847
19,772
. 504
3-17.407
7,238
.1,141
1,228,251
27,060
Grand total
A large number of vessels arrive and depart
coastwise that are not required to enter or
clear. The above statement only includes
those vessels that actually entered or cleared
at the custom house.
GROCERIES.
The past season has been an active one. At
the beginning merchants bought cautiously, as
the previous years had demonstrated to be the
best policy, goods haviDg continually declined
till they were at very low prices, and the trade
could hardly realize that prices would not re
main so: but after the season opened the ac
tive demand.with stocks moderate in the hands
of dealers.and manufact>irers.caused the boom
in prices on many artiefc * which generally
held up till late m, spring wheii,
with lessened demand, pricr.i receded again.
Take the season through it has oeen a better
one to tbe grocery trade than for several
years. The merchants have Wn in good con
dition. able to pay promptly, and fatUires ia
the trade very rare. The summer season just
passed is considered the best for several years,
and we have now arrived at tbe commence
ment of the fall business, and the prospect is
favorable for a good trade. The competition
is very active in the grocery trade here, goods
being sold on a very low margin, the aim of
the merchants being to compete for the trade
with New Y'ork jobbers, many articles
being sold in Savannah as low as
sold in New York. Savannah offers special fa
cilities for the purchase of coffee, rice, salt,
molasses, and many sundry articles. The mar
ket is now very favorable for interior mer
chants buying here Cur jobbers are receiv
ing large stocks, and tbe tone of the market
points to higher prices as the demand in
creases.
provisions.
A reference to our last annual report (Sep
tember 1st. *79,) wi’l show that the opinion then
expressed has been verified in every respect.
We 4 stated then that for reasons which we
gave that prices would not rale as low as pre
vious years, and the result is as we supposed.
After our circular was issued came what is
now generally known as the “boom,’* which
sent up the prices of everjthing. Cotton, rice,
provisions, naval stores, iron, grain—in fact
everything advanced. Prices of some articles
were inflated beyond reason, and these col
lapsed ns suddenly almost as they had been
advanced. Provisions, however, the advance
v bich was base! on more substantial rea
sons, have failed to come down, and. in fact, at
present writing, are nearly 75 per cent, higher
than they were a year ago. The causes are
founded on the natural laws of supply and de
mand. At the commencement of the
winter packing season t November 1st)
the supply of meats from the pre
vious year were completely exhausted;
there was no stock whatever on h&cd,
all markets being bare, and the demand was so
ereat that for some weeks all the hogs slaugh
tered went immediately into consumers’ hands,
packers being unable to retain any surplus for
future wants. The receipts, however, were
very large until January and February, when
bad roads in the interior and strikes among
workmen in Chicago (the largest packing point)
reduced receipts materially, so that, at close
of the winter packing (March 1st) the receipts
of hogs at all packing points were about 550,000
less than for the same four months of the pre
vious year. Since March 1st. however, to dote,
the receipts have been about 1.2C0.000 ahead of
the previous year, which would make a show
ing of 659,0\0 more hogs from November 1st to
September 1st this year than for the same pe
riod last year. The demand has more than kept
pace with the increase.! supply, and our ex
ports in meats and lard alone have been up
ward of 50,000,000 pounds in excess of the pre
vious year from November 1st to September 1st.
Add to these figures an increased home de
mand. caused bv short crops of corn and a
mild winter which spoilt the little meat that
was raised in the South, and one can easily
dispose of the surplus number of bogs
slaughtered this year over last. At present
writing the same status of affairs ia seen as
was a year ago—no surplus stock whatever,
all markets being l»are—and under a steady de
mand prices have been steadily advancing for
some weeks, and higher prices than those now-
ruling bid fair to rule until the season for new
crop arrrives, when it is hoped prices will re
cede from present extreme rates. With a
better outlook for European crops, and a
somewhat improved yield of com ia the South,
the demand on the West will not be so heavy
next season, and as their crop of corn is
larger than ever, there is every reason to look
fur lower prices next teasoD. Still we
would advise our readers not to put their views
too low. as the prices of the winter of 1878-79
are not likely to come again for a long time.
In conclusion, we cannot refrain from giving
our readers an idea what amount of hog pro
duct is liandled in our city. The sales of meats
and lard of our merchants last year aggregate
about 25,000.OCO of pounds, amounting to about
52,014>,o(K). The facilities of our merchants to
handle this staple cannot be excelled any
where. and we are sanguine that the coming
season will witness an increase even over these
figures, our country friends, finding out that
it is to their interest to send their orders here
and have them promptly filled, instead of the
long delay invariably attending them in send
ing off long distances for their supplies. In
everything that tends to the economical hand
ling of the “hog product." we can show equal
facilities to any Southern oity and superior to
a great many, and we feel a justifiable pride in
the growth of this trade. We refer to our price
list for quotations.
BOOTS AND SHOES.
As was foreshadowed in our last trad-* re
port. the past year has been a very prosperous
one to our jobbers in boots and shoes acd ihe
volume of the business done was very much in
excels of the previous year. There was a good
demand throughout the country for shoes, and
merchants in the interior were very liberal in
their orders, and large ftocks were laid in, not
withstanding the material advance in prices,
which those who delayed making their
purchases till late were obliged to
pay. The “boom** in leather, which
took place last Octo>»er and November,
advanced the prices in all leather goods to
about 20 to 25 per cent, beyond what they were
the season previous. Those jobbers who were
fortunate enough to have their orders placed
early, which we understand the most of our
merchants here did. reaped the benefit, in a
great measure, of the high prioes. although
many goods were sold at figures below what
they could be replaced for. The feverish ex
citement in the leather market, which ruled
last fall and winter, has subsided, and prices
have settled to a more substantial and steady
basis: still the cost of manufacturing all grades
of boots and shoes has been kept up. owing to
the advance in labor and otner incidentals,
and prices are now af>out 12)4 to 15 per cent.
abo\ e what they were at the opening of last
fall's trade. Wax ami kip brogans are now
auoted at 00 to §1 25 per pair, plow shoes at
01 ib to fl 30, women’s all leather polish and
polkas at 75c. to 85c. and men's heavy boots
at |2 to $3 per pair. We notice that tbe re
ceipts of boots and shoes, up to this time, by
the Boston and New Y'ork line3 of steamers,
have been very heavy, which is an indication
that our jobbers, encouraged by last year's
transactions, are making preparations to do
equally as large if not a larger business this
year.
Tbe seasons are much earlier now than in
former times, and stocks are nearly all laid in |
by August and September, the heaviest sales
for the past three years being in the month of I
August. The annual sales this year, ending
September 1, 1880, show an increase over the j
previous year of about 15 per cent., and we are j
glad to note that the business in this line has :
been steadily advancing.
In some sections of Georgia and Florida, the j
cotton crop was much reduced by unfavorable ;
weather, and the merchants in those localities
suffered in consequence, and business was i
neither as brisk or as profitable as it otherwise
would have been; but. taking the entire amount ‘
of business done by our jobbers here for the j
past year, they have reason to congratulate j
themselves upon its results. The outlook for j
the coming season is very promising, and with
a fair price for country products, we mav nfe j
kly predi t another year of prosperity for our •
boot and shoe dealers.
OB A IN.
We are at last about “to attend the harvest I f
of our long ripening hopes,’' and to see Savan
nah become one of the great grain outports of
the Atlantic seaboard. The Trunk-Line is a
matter of fact. Arrangements are completing
and the time i» mot now distant when into our
lap will be placed the rich fruits from the
womb of the Western prairie.
The great corporation that has elected us as
their support daily feeds tbe voracious stom
ach of seven mi'lion Southerners, affording a
nucleus of business, as all can see, to enable
them to compete successfully in carrying
freights at low rates to the seaboard, carrying
for that enormous trade across the seas—the
trade of feeding the countless multitudes of
Europe, now America’s monopoly. When our
elevators, the necessary reservoirs, are com
pleted, our port will be ready for th9 business,
and as regards transportation hence, we think
we have exceptional advantages, for where is
the port that can offer such a variety of cargo
—cotton, grain, lumber, timber and naval
stores?
The wheat crop of the country is larger than
ever before: the corn is cut off some by drought
in several of the corn States, so we can hardly
look for as cheap corn as for the few past sea
sons. The local trade of Savannah was larger
the past season in grain than ever before, pro
tected as it was, by the liberal aad enlightened
management of our foster parent—the LoulS-
villeand Nashville Railroad.
FEBTILIZKRS.
It is most gratifying as well as surprising to
note the developments of thi3 branch of our
trade.
Frcm one of comparative insignificance, sur
rounded by mysteries and combatted by ig
norance and indifference, it has now assumed
proportions wliich are enormous in extent, and
upon which the best interests of our State de
pend. The results from the use of fertilizers,
as shown by the early maturity of the crop,
increased yield to the acre, restoration of
lands always to their original fertility, on (
which csltivation had been abandoned, are
facts too well known for discussion. Th esea-
sons thus far have been most propitious for |
producing the best results from fertilizers, and '
should they continue favorable the present f
crop will l>e unrivalled by any previous year's
results. Comparative trade in fertilizers:
Season of 1875-6 75.336 tons
Season of 1876-7 75.824 tons :
Season of 1877-8 98,479 tons
Season of 1S78-9 85.049 Coos j
Season of 1879-SO 119.583 tons 1
FRUITS. j
Foreign.—Our market has been plentifully j
supplied-luring the past year with the pro- ;
ducts of the tropics, and in very great variety, ■
and the amount of busin«*ss done has been i
large, and this season, with additional facili- ‘
ties, the importations of cocoanuts. bananas,
pineapples, oranges, etc., eta. will be larger
than any previous season. This class of 900 Js
is slowly but surely causing consumers to look 1
to this point as headquarters for supplies, and
if we obtain the prompt Western railroad con
nections that have been promised ua, this |
winter, the more distant West must become a
good customer. Tbe number of imported
lemons brought to Savannah the past season
has been largely in excess of any other year,
and like other fruits the handling of them has
been narrowed down to about one controlling
fruit hou?e.
Domestic.—The almost total failure of the
peach crop in this as well as other portioas of
the South the past season has made no little
difference in the fruit frade. as this crop ;
usually engrossed the attention and brings
considerable business to many exclusive I
dealers.
Watermelons appeared early and in va»t '
quantities, and a profitable trade seems to ►
have been driven in them.
Grape culture is receiving much attention, (
and will, no doubt, prove worth iL
The pear crop is said to be limited, large
frosts and other unfavorable^ attendants being
tbe cause.
I FREIGHT 1 *.
! Eoi-eign—The cotton can-vino-
' monopolized by E.-iirliah ^ entireh
, ^Ivpartof therein SSSFVftt* tb "
‘ exclude sail tonnage. At a •**»
: ever, tbe business was l
I sail, but at low reteJSu?gene^iy >
! bottoms, very little American foreign
- placed here. At present^ ***“*
thj *t steam tonnage will not offt-r^f
and that business may open on m-- .
tive terms for the coming ® anera
A light business was done in lumbe- > n rw
ber. principally to Spanish tmd
can ports. coum Amen
The export of naval stores shows •
increase, and this business is rapid!? ‘
controlling proportions at our port£ S?® 11 '
freight on these as well as lumber '
low, but close stiff & an advance ’ rule
Coastwise.—As intimated in mir
a BWvJ business has b«n done ij, lu
naval stores, with the better nr-r-lIi .TT “
for lumber, rates of freight
itenerallv ruled from 10 to 3 per cent?S»r3S"
print's of last year. At pr-int there 7 v ^
supply ot tonnage, and steady V
rates tending downward. a lnafe W::i
hides, furs, wax and wool.
In September last, on basis of drv timr h
were worth eleven and a half cents stMdii* •'
Tancine during the two mootbSSSSw 7
with strong local importation and the
boom in other merchandise, reached tftT.^h
pitch of twenty cents in December. whSjwSh
asudden reaction, a decline of ten per
sued. A farther slow and gradual
marked the transactions of the^Si^a£Sm
mer months. Deer skins and furs hare ron,
manded good prices, and wax was in steady
demand at reasonable rates. The high o^n
ing prices of wool followed by a declining mar
ket caused rapid movements, with the an vat
tages largely m favor cf the growers, but £-
astrous to speculators. #
timber AND lumber.
In oar issue uf September J, IST9, we wave ■
| ns our opinion th^t. owinc to the increlL' i
ttecost of production and the advance in the
PrioaotSoratn woods, the prices Tor lumbe'
and timl»er must advance. About tLe or'
October last lumber and timber began to ao-
preciate in price, and for the pit twelve
months has averaged at least 13 percent ad
vance on last year’s prices. *
The market is at present very firm, and there
is no reasem why prices should not be fully
maintained. The mills are full of orders, the
timber cuttere being assured of remunerative
fig ores, are taxing their capacitv to the rude?-
extent, and the prospects are heavy rec-einre
and full prices. Shipments for the past twelve
months show an excess over last year's ship
ments of over 15.000.C09 feet. Below we give a
statement of amount shipped during the past
twelve months:
Timber...
I Lumber..
Total.
Foreign. Domestic
. 2.719.402 3.152,93'
.12,000,421 4 4,373. IT
14,716,923 47,528.! 10
. TOBACCO AND CIGARS
limits of a concise trade review, it is
difficult to treat this very important branch of
business as full as it merits.
The several exausive wholesale tobacconists
have, with energy and enterprise, so extended
their business that many points beyond the
limits of Savannah’s natural territory bu\
tobacco and cigars here, and we venture th -
assertion that 90 per cent, cf these goods con
sumed in South Georgia and Florida are sup
plied from this market. Buyers find here
large stocks, carefully selected to keep In tk:-
climate, and every variety from the wants A
the poorest plantation negro to the taste of the
bank president.
COUNTRY FRODlCE.
Savannah is justly considered the best mar
ket m the South for the sale of country pro
duce. Chickens, eggs, butter, and in fact farm
products of every description m«et with ready
sale h*-re, and bring as good prices as can be
obtained in any other market. The supply o.
these articles the past year has l»een very
heavy, but good prices have almost invariably
been received, and satisfactory returns made
to consignors. With the present prosperous
condition of our farmers, the indications are
that the supply the coming year will be much
in excess of the past, and we are satisfied tram-
actions will be as satisfactory in the future as
in the past.
COFFEE.
The coffee trade has been done with fair
stocks, keeping an assortment in first hand>.
This market now supplies several important
\\ estera points tributary to Savannah, and
with h.*r present freight facilities is daily ex
tending her lines into the interior. A cargo it
expected to arrive here from Rio in the cours*
of two or three weeks, and from this time the
market will be even better supplied than for
the past year.
hardware.
The hardware trade of this city for the rear
was much larger than last, and very satisfac
tory to dealers. We commence the year with
heavy stocks held at low prices, and every
prospect of a large increase tne coming year.
This market is fully prepared, and docs com
pete favorably with Northern and Western
mar kets in this branch of business, and should
no drawback occur to the growing crops the
expectation for a large.trade at this point, we
think, will be realized.
VEGETABLES.
Our track farmers have done a very remu
nerative business the past year in raising veg
etables for Northern markets, and h&vo ia
creased the business very largely over thajt of
last year. The superior facilities by rail and
steamers for quick transportation North and
West has enabled farmers to realize oetter
profits, and will stimulate them to a further
increase in this line, and the coming season an
enormous business will be done in the raiding
and shipment of vegetables.
DRUGS.
This department of trade has shown marked
improvement during the pa<t year. Business
has considerably increased in volume. Dealers
have been energetic in extending trade to new
and remote sections. Their stocks are large.n< -t
only in drugs, chemicals, paints, oils and seeds,
buk also in drugists’ sundries, including the
class of gooes familiar-y known as “notions .
With facilities for purchasing from importers
and manufacturers and probabilities of early
direct importation, confidence is felt that our
jobbing druggists can compete with northern
and other markets.
SATANNAH .HABKET.
OFFICE OF THE MORNING NEWb, ^
Savannah. September 3, 1380. 4 p. **. i"
Cotton.—The market opened quiet and
steady, at unchanged prices, and later, pric?t-
declined %c. on all grades above good ordi
nary. The 9oles were 1,972 bale?. We quote
Middling Fair llt-4
flood Middling 11
Middling. 10%
Low Middling lf*«
Good Ordinary
Ordinarv 8
5 3
~ If I ill
t§ F It F v
n
o g*
- a
Is
Q.
35*
o-
e:
® 3T =
£2.°-
I?*
s
|«9 ’
\h
: j |8
S 1
i
3
00
So
AMO
III
c
I
z
a
l
1?
z*
3
- 1
1
1
Si
'i
3si
§
v
S.
h
: S
il
7 5
If
5* ^ s
5
? *
Rice.—The market has been very quiet. w,t’i
but little or no transact ionn, caured by the
very limited stock in the market. The fosov
ing quotations are nominal. We auote:
Common 5%©t>
Fair 6>4©6)4
Good 6fg©6 9-l»
Prime 6**®"
Choice 7)4
Naval Stores.—The market was very firm
all day at quotations, but transactions were
small. Soles were 250 bbls. rosin, all of which
sold at yesterday's prices, except I. whicn
brought an advance of 10c. Market closed
firm, with upward tendency. Spirits turpentic
firm at quotations, with sales of 50 bbte. a*
35c. We quote: Rosins—B and C fl 10-
D 31 15, E ft 40, F $1 50, G fl 65. H $2 07. I
f2 35, K $2 62)4, M f2 87)4, N *3 12U. window
glass $3 37)4 Spirits turpentine -Oils ana
whiskys 24c.. regulars 35c.
Lumber.—Mills are supplied with work for
the present. Demand good. Prices range about
as follows: _
Ordinary sizes flo 00®18 00
Difficult “ 18 00 ©*2S
Flooring boards 18 00©5) 00
Shine tuff IS 00©20 W
Timber.—No arrival* this week: oemacu
fair at quotations, considering scarcity of ton
nage. We quote:
Shipping timber by the cargo f. 0. b.—
70U feet average* f 9
800 “ “ 10 C
*C0 ~ “ 11c
1.000 ** “ 12C
Shipping timber In the raft—
TOO feet av rage S 7 1
800 M “ t
•00 “ “ 9
L90Q “ “ 10 f
Hill timber f 1 beiow these figure*.
COUNTRY PRODUCE.
Grown Fowls, V P»ir £0 © ®
Half-grown, * pair 30 © J;
Three-quarters grown, f pair... •» €5
Eggs, country, ? doz g *
Peanuts, Tennessee. 9 bushel... 1 25 S —
“ hand-picked Virginia, fi bu. 1 50 © —
Florida bugar, 9 lb 5 §
Florida Syrup, fl gallon ® r?
Honey, «gallon 60 © *5
New Irish Potatoes, V barrel.... 2 M ^ —
Sweet Potatoes, V bushel ©
PouLTar.—The market fully supplied and de
mand fair.
Egos.—Supply good; fair demand.
Better.—A good demand for a flnE-dass a. -
dele; stock light. .
Peanuts.—Market fairly supplied; detnan-
ruup.—Georgia and Florida in moderate de
mand and supply. „ ,
Sugar.—(Jeorgia and Florida scarce, witu
ight demand