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FACTS OF A YEAR S TRADE
A VERY SATISFACTORY SHOWING
FOR SAVANNAH.
While Depression Existed In Some
Branches, Others Were Much More
Prosperous Than for Several Years
-Bright Prospects for the Future.
OFFICE OF THE MORNING NEWS. .
Savannah. Sept. 2. IKH7. >
Tbe year that closed on Aug. 81 was. all things
Considered, a very satisfactory one for Savan
nah. In some branches of the city's business
there was a little depression, but other branches
were so much more prosperous than for several
previous years that the depression mentioned
was hardly noticed The report, received from
the merchants is that collections were excellent,
anti that very little money was lost. Indeed,
the testimony is that the planters and country
mereliants met their obligations more promptly
and fully than in any one of the prior ten years.
When obligations are paid there ate good rea
sons for thinking that business is good, and that,
prosperity is quite general.
The cotton receipts were not, quite up to those
of tbe previous year, hut the prices ob
tained were better. The planter, there
fore was better off than if bis crop had been
larger and the prices lower It is worthy of
notice that although the helief is quite general
that the factorage business will eventually de
sert all the ports, the percentage of the cotton
received that was handled by Savannah factors
was fully as large as the ivereontnge of the pre
virus year. In the matter of sea island cotton,
it Iwgins to look as if this city would soon con
trol the whole production Fully 25 per cent,
more was received last year than the year be
fore.
Naval stores factors and manufacturers hud a
right to complain. The production was im
mense, but the prices were very low. It is
probable that the proposition to produce less, in
order to control prices, was not heeded, and
that the producers made about all they could.
The lumber men did a due business. It may
be that the volume of the business was not
quite as great as in some previous years, but
there was a good demand, ami when the demand
Is good the prices are pretty certain to l)e good.
There was a good deal of rice marketed, and
very good rice it was. The planters could not
complain of the yield, but they did growl at Ihe
prices. Louisiana and foreign rice played havoc
with the prices. However, the rice marketed
here is so much t>etter than the foreign or
Louisiana riee that prices hold up better under
the circumstances than might be expected.
Savannah's wholesale business has been l>oom-
Ing for several years, and it boomed a great deal
last year. Her merchants are reaching out
after new territory, and arc showing remark
able grit and enterprise. The dry goods trade
was better than ever before, and as for the
grocery trade, it is safe to say that its improve
ment was ext raordinary.
The review of the year’s business is calculated
to leave a good impression upon the tninds of
those interested in the city's prosperity. There
was a great deal of building, and the rise of the
prices of real estate in the new' residence por
tion of the city was steady and healthy.
The city grew last year a great deal
in every way, and it promises to continue
to grow. The public health in eaofl month of
the year under review was good, and, in fact,
ever since the work of draining the city began
there has been a steady improvement in its
health. With a prosperous business year just
closed, and a season just opening that is full of
promise, there is no reasou why Savannah
shouldn't wear a smiling face.
Financial.
So far as the prosperity of our merchants is
concerned, and the increased earnings of our
banks, the financial condition of the State of
Georgians better than it was twelve months
ago. But State city and railway bonds arc oil
on a lower level of prices; this, however, is not
a bad sign; on the contrary it shows that ail
classes of business men nfv finding employment
for their capital in legitimate enterprises, and
thus they neglect this class of securities As
the volume of business increases securities are
sold to raise money to meet these wants, and,
as the sales increase, bonds decline.
Clt V bonds do not hold their own as com
pared with last year, and yet Savannah's credit
was never better, nor her financial condition
more healthy. So it is with the railroads
throughout the State; their earnings were never
larger, or their future physical well being more
assured, yet their bonds ami debentures are all
purchasable at lower prices, although no one
denies that the securities of this kind are
■stronger than they were in 1886 As an evidence
of this the capital stocks of all these roads sell
for more than they did (welve months ago
The condition of our lianks has certainly im
proved. and their last annual rei>orts. without
exception, show In rge earnings and increased
reserves. So that they will have larger avail
able capital to lend the business community,
and. when we add to this the banking capital of
the Central Railroad Bank and of the Ogle
tborjie Savings and Trust Company, it will be
seen that the loanable funds available are much
larger than ever before. Thus our merchants
are warranted hi extending their business with
out fear of ji squeeze in the money market.
The combined capital and reserve of our
banks will amount to some million
dollars), as follows:
Capital. Reserve.
Southern Bank of the State
of Georgia $ 500,000 $525,000
Merchants' National Bank .. 500,(XX) 250,000
Savannah Bank and Trust Cos. 400,<XX)
National B@uk of Savannah 250,000 20,000
Citizens’ Mutual Loan Asso
ciation 172,000 10,000
Oglethorpe Savings and Trust
Company 100,000 0,000
Central It. R. Bank funds to
lend !,000,000
Below is given a tabular statement of the
comparison of prices of securities for 1886 and
1887:
1886. 1887,
Bid. Asked. Bid. Asked.
State of Georgia 7 per
cent, bonds due in
1806 121 126 120 121
State ol Georgia gold
quarterlies due in
1800 11l 112 105 107
State of Georgia 44^
per cent , new bonds 104V4 lOAU
City of Savannah 5 per
cent, bonds 108*1 104 101 102
City of Atlanta 6 per
cent, bonds 110 112 109 no
City of Atlanta 7 per
cent, bonds 118 320 116 120
City of Augusta 7 per
cent, bonds 133 115 109 113
City of Columbus 5 per
cent, bonds 101 103 103 lot
City of Macon 6 per
cent, bonds 109 111 111 112
Savannah. Florida and
Western By. 6 per
cent, bonds .109 111 110 1 IS
Central K. R. & Bank
ing Cos. Joint, mort
gage 7 per cent. .113*4 114 110 111
westerns. R. of Ala.
8 per cent. 2nd mort
gage bonds 110 111 108 10!)
Montgomery & Eufau
la R. R. 6 per cent.
Ist indorsed hoods.. 109 110 108 109
Columbus A Western
R. R. 6 per ceut Ist
indorsed bonds 105 106 106 108
Columbus A Rome R.
R. 6 per cent. Ist
indorsed bonds..... 102 103 105 106
Augusta & Knoxville
11. R." per cent. Ist
indorsed bonds 114 115 111*4 112
Galnesvllle, Jell , & So.
R. R. 7 per cent. Ist
Indorsed bonds 117 118 115 116
Gainesville, Jeff. & So.
R. R. 7 ]>er cent. 2nd
indorsed bonds 111 118 112 114
Georgia U. R. & Bank
ing Cos. C per cent.
•finds 110 112 109 110
Charlotte, Columbia
and Augusta K. H. 7
per cent. Ist mort
gage bonds 113 115 111 112
City and Suburban R.
R 7 per cent Ist
moil gage bonds . 108 104 108 109
Marietta and North
Georgia K. R 6 per
cant. Ist mortgage ,
bonds : 98 99 99*4 101*4
1 Ocean S. S. Cos. 0 per
cent, bonds, due 1892 103 104 102 103
Central R.R. 8 |>ercent
certificates of ind... 102 102*4 99 mi
Atlanta A West Point
6 i>er cent, certifi
cates of ind 10314 104*4 102*ii 103*4
Atlanta A West Point
railroad stock 101*4 l® - - HO 112
Augusta <S; Savannah
railroad stock 126 127 132 133
Central R. R A Bank
ing Cos. stock 100 101 118 119
Georgia It. It. A Bank
ing Cos. spick 196 198 197 200
Southwestern railroad
/stock 124 125 127 128
Savannah Gas Light
stock 19 20 20 21
Savannah Mutual Gas
Light stock 23 25 19 21
Southern Bank of the
State of tia stock 190 200 198 202
Merchants’ National
I'ank stock 150 155 159 161
Savannah Bank and
Trust Cos. stock 75 80 96 99
National Bank of Sa
vannah stock . 105 110 119
Citizens' Mutual Loan
Association stock... 98 100 101 104
Oglethorpe Savings A'
Trust Cos. stock 107
COTTON.
The cotton crop of the past year was a rather
remarkable one in several respects. It was.
without doubt, one of the finest ever marketed.
One reason for this was that the planters had a
splendid season for harvesting, and another was
that factors have succeeded in impressing
planters with the necessity for better ginning
and better handling. A great deal more intel
ligence is lieing displayed in the culture of the
staple and in the use of fertilizers, etc.,
but the season was such a remarkably
favorable one that it was hardly possible
to help turning out a clean crop. In the siz<* of
the crop, the:*e was very little disappointment,
as it, was predicted that it would not e pin! the
one of the previous year, which was quite a
large one, but It was not expected to lie as large
as it was. ,’t will hardly fall less than 150,000 bales
short of the crop of the previous year. The crop
approximates 8,400,000 hales against 6,576,000
hales last year. Taknig these figures into con
sideration Savannah has fared remarkably well
as compared with other ports. With a shorter
crop she received bnt, 1,002 bales less than she re
ceived the year before.
New Orleans basely holds her own. Galveston
shows a slight increase. This is owing largely to
the increased acreage in Texas. Mobile loses
very heavily, and taking the Gulf ports alto
gether, they show an actual loss which was
gained by the North Atlantic ports, which in
clude the Virginia ports. Wilmington and New
York. Of all the porta, Charleston lias fared
the worst in receipts, her shortage on the
season’s business being over 100,000 bales. There
is one gratifying fact in the year's
business of this port that is deserving
of notice. It is that more cotton was
handled by factors than for several years, while
our trade with Europo also increased, showing
fully 80,000 bales more exported to direct for
eign ports. The largest amount of foreign
steam tonnage loaded at our wharves with cot
ton than was ever known in the history of the
port. It was thought that tbe reduction in the
rates of compressing during last season would
bring more cotton, but the experiment proved
a failure so far as receipts were concerned, and
for the present season the old rates have been
resinned. Savannah, however, still enjoys the
prestige of being the second cotton port
on this continent, and it is believed that during
t ie s sason just beginning she will far outstrip a
number of her rivals. Of course, the receipts
last season continued to b i regula’ed by the
pooling system of tho railroad,, and, as stated
in a previous report, flxts the receipts of the
South Atlantic ports at a certain figure, beyond
which they cannot go. As to prices, the season
was more favorable than the previous one.
Valueß steadily advanced from the opening of it
to its close. The seam n opened with a stronger
feeing in values, beginning with low' stocks.
The mills hail pretty well werked off their pro
ductions, and the first week in September wit
nessed an advance of 1-Kic. for mid
dling. Brices wero steadily marked up,
until at the close of the month mid
dling closed at 9c.. a clear advance of -*4c. for
the month. October opened at a full decline of
*4c., but rallied somewhat only to again decline,
and the month closed at B*4c. for middling,
showing a clear reduction in values of %c., and
a full decline of *4c. on the opening prices of
the season. This was caused by a scarcity of
freight room, which resulted in considerable
cotton being banked up. November opened at
B*4c. for middlings and prices were somewhat
irregular, but tonnage being more freely offered
prices again advanced and closed fully *4O.
higher than the closing of the previous month.
Decemlier opened a l-16e. off, advanced to 9c.
for middling, closing at 8 15-16 c., showing a clear
advance on the month's prices of 64c. January
prices advanced steadily until middling touched
9*4c., but closed a l-16e. off. February opened
at a further decline of l-16c., which was fully
recovered at the close of the month, middling
being quoted at 9 l-18c. For March, it becoming
apparent that the yield would tie less than was
anticipated, pricea advanced hearlfy, closing at
for middling, a full advance of 11-16 c.
April opened at an advance of *4c., closing at a
full advance of *4°- on the closing prices of
March. In Slay prices continually advanced,
openlag at lOtgC. for middling, and closing
at 10*4e., showing an advance of *4c.
June opened at 10*4e. for middling, and sales
were made at 11*4c., the highest price of tho
year, but the month closed at 1064 c., a decline
of *4 e. In July the course of prices was down
ward on reports of the excellent condition of
the growing crop, the month opening at 10>4c.
and closed at 9*4c., being fully l*4t\ decline.
August opened at 9*4e for middling, ami
steadily declined until it touched K-l.je.. when
prices began to rally, and the month closed at
8 15-16 e., or Just 3-16 c. higher than the lieginning
of the year. The experience of all concerned
in the trade was somewhat different from any
other season, especially in the fall, as generally
whan tho first demand is met stocks begin
to bank up, which invariably causes prices
.to ease off. Such was not the case in last sea
son’s business. Stocks were not allowed to ac
cumulate and there was continued free selling
at pretty fair prices. Besides, factors were in
a 1 ictter position to carry stocks, as at no time
during tiie year was there any scarcity of money,
while the planter did not require advances as
freely as in years past. The large increase in
the banking cupital’of this port will lend addi
tional strength to the commission men. Tbe
buyers for European account had quite a differ
ent exjierience, for, instead of the purchasers
banging on prices, they made firm offers,
enabling the broker to do his work
up rapidly, which accounted for the
free selling. Of courso. at times cotton
was affected by the speculations in the
coffee and wheat deals, but this was ihe ease
ouly temporarily. Factors had a very pros
perous season and made money. They handled
more cotton than in Ihe previous season mid
they made few, if any, losses. Very few plant
era were carried over, us they paid up
promptly. This of itself is a good showing,
more iiart icularly as the Oeorgia crop was 10
per cent, short. There were some sections in
the interior that failed to ship as largely during
the [last season as in previous seasons, hut
where factora lost in this respect they made up
from shipments from new territory.
ExjHirters did fairly well. They found
less trouble in doing business and closed the
season with do fears of reclamation i. This was
due to a great extent to the very excellent
quality of the cotton. Exporters expressed
themselves as lieing well pleased with this port
on account of its facilities, and a great many
bought here in preference to other markets.
Tbe only trouble they encountered throughout
the season was a slight block in October last for
lack of freight room. They were somewhat af
fected ior a short time during the Kuinmer on ac
count of the stoppage of mills in Great Britain,
which cheeked consumption for awhile. This
was brought aboul by the determination of
manufacturers aud employes to break the cor
ner in cotton, which was made in Liver •
pel. and for once employers and employs*
were muted Ancthor feature about the
THE HORNING NEWS: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1887,
exporters’ work was that in buying Georgia
cotton they found as good staple as the Gulf
cotton, and It compared favorably with that of
New Orleans both in quality and in price. Here
tofore Gulf cottons have lteen quoted *4<&*fcc.
higher, but the past season changed that some
what, and they are now nearer mi a level. This
condition of affairs was brought about by the
quality of the Georgia cotton, which was of tho
very best and graded w ell, and, besides, buyers
claim that the New Orleans cotton is a non
descript, as cottons from Georgia and Florida
are offered for sale there and are
classed Orleans, tbe same as Gulf cot
tons. llow the planters fared generally
is not known, but the lielief is that
they did well from the fact that they made fewer
demands for money from the factors, and they
paid up their if'bts more promptly than ever lie
fore. It is said that, as a body, they are In bet
ter condition financially than they have
been in many years. Some of the
larger factors continue to com
plain of the loss of business
with the middlemen, owing to the practice of
exporters in buying in tbe interior, but the
smaller factors made a more satisfactory
showing on smaller shipments direct from the
planters themselves.
The ove: 1 ind movement was again very large
and the lasings by Northern mills quite heavy.
That the .Southern mills did well goes without
saying, as the whole of the South is increasing
its capacity for manufacturing cotton goods.
.Most of the mills i. 1 operation have been run
ning on overtime, and others are under contract
for their productions for several years ahead.
The consumption by Southern mills is con
stantly and heavily increas ng. The European
mills also were in quite a healthy con
dition and bought liberally, as their consump
tion was correspondingly large. The resull of
the season's business is seen in the fact tlial the
stock in this country is the smallest ever known
at the closing of a season, notwithstanding that
more than an average crop wm produced.
There is some dissatisfaction expressed at the
quotations of this market, which, it is claimed,
mislead planters and others. Our quotations
are a grade lower than other markets. For in
stance, what we eall strict middling, Charleston
calls middling, and quotes it at *4c. to *4e.
higher than our middling. The consequence is
that it works against this market, anil some
shippers take it for granted that cotton does not
bring as much money in this market, as in oth
ers. This is a matter which should lie looked
into and remedied. On Aug. 33, the close of the
cotton year, the following spot quotations were
given by the Cotton Exchange for new crop
cotton:
Middling fair 9 7-18
Good middling 9 3-16
Middling 8 15-16
Low middling 8 13 16
Good ordinary 8 3-16
TIIE OUTLOOK.
The prospects are for an early crop as well as
for a large one. In Georgia some counties re
port that the fruit is maturing rapidly, while in
others the top crop will not be made. In some
some sections the weeds and insects have inter
fered with the plants, and the fruit, iu conse
quence, is light. In Texas there were copious
rains lately, which previously was suffering
from drought. The estimated area planted is
between 19,000,000 and 20,000,000 acres, and if
the past season's yield is any criterion to go
upon, the crop will be one of the largest ever
produced, barring any had weather. From re
ports at present the conditions
are barely fair. The July rains
and freshets did considerable damage in Geor
gia. The new cotton now lieing received is a
full week earlier than last year, and is pretty
well up in texture and color. Prices, it is ex
pected, will not go any lower, but on the con
trary, higher prices are looked for, as the season
commences with the smallest stocks at the
ports and interior towns ever known There is
a heavy demand for cottons, the mills through
out the country being run on full time. At all
events, there seems to be a certainty that the
demand this month and October will be very
large for export. The fabric market is quite
firm.
SEA ISLAND.
The sea island crop which was marketed dur
ing the past season was quite remarkable in
several respects. It was quite a large crop,
probably a little greater than for several sea
sons. Its condition was very clean
and of good texture. This latter fact led
dealers to believe that better .prices would rule,
but such proved not to be the case. The
season opened with a considerable amount
of the previous season’s crop carried over in
the interior towns, which began to come in
rapidly, and caused a weakness in prices, but
the latter fact was not without its benefits, as
it enabled factors to work off an unusually
large crop quite rapidly—almost tvs fast
as it came in. The demand was largely
from Northern mills, but the cheapness
of the staple enabled Europe to come in and ab
sorb what might have proved a burdensome
surplus, owing to the size of the crop, also the
bail condition of the Egyptian article, with
which Kloridas have heretofore come largely
into competition, and the cheapness of the lat
ter staple made them move on a level, the pref
erence lieing given to Floridas by the English
mills. It is a well known fact that one Liverpool
operator who was advancing heavily on Egyp
tian. met considerable difficulty in this way, and
the refusal of Egyptian planters to change their
seed lias not been without effect. 11l con
sequence Egyptian has almost ceased to
lie a competitor of Florida cotton. Owing to
depreciation the past season saw several
English mills changing their machinery and
spindles so as to conform to the Florida staple.
There were no violent fluctuations
in prices, which for the most part,
were very steady, and values, although
low were quite well maintained, beiug
about the average margin for medium fine
to fine cottons. Tho past season's work was a
good one for factors as well as for the interior
merchants or middlemen, as the latter were
enabled to buy the cotton and pnj' for it rapidly,
values ruling so steady they knew what they
were getting for it without liaviug to contend
against a fluctuating market Factors
were enabled to collect advances owing to the
free marketing aud absorption of the erop, con
sequently few if any had debts were incurred.
The principal cause of complaint by factors
was the frauds neiqietrftted by planters and in
terior merchants in ginning uplands .-mil *ea
islands together. It ought to lie well understood
that, whether a mistake or intentional, where
such cottons are ginned and packed in this man
ner that it will almost surely In- detected right
away by experts. This practice has been gl ow
ing worse every year. Planters did not fare so
well, owing to the low prices, and a great many
were disheartened by the had results of the
previous season, and abandoned the cultivation
of sea island, while other , in Florida have
lieen experimenting in planting small patches In
tobacco in place of the same area in
cotton as heretofore. 111 previous years
fertilizers were very little used in the cultivation
of sea island cotton, but during the past year
the policy was changed somewhat in Florida.
German kainit was used, and the impression is
t hni it kept cotton from rusting. The season
closed with a very small stock on hand, either
at the jxirts or interior towns.
September. —The market was rather slow in
opening up and the receipts came in slow ly, and
as predicted buyers evinced a disposition to
begin business nj lower prices, and the opening
sales were at 18c. for good and the. f r medium
line The receipts for the month were 113 hags
and the sales for the same time were 68 hags.
f h'tober. —Tin* receipts for this month were
4,411 l ags and the sales were 2,665 hags. The
opening of the month offerings, while not clrss
ing up well, were freely sold at slight advances,
the letter grades being held more firmly, while
the commoner qualities were easier ana lower.
The inquiry was mostly for medium fine to fine.
The month closed with some demand for the
I letter grades for foreign account.
.Von mfier. The receipts during the month
kept up heavily, reaching a total of 6,705 bags.
The demand was quite tree, and the total sales
reached 6,300 bags. The opening price for the
month was 17(q l7*4c for medium tine to fine,
the buying being for Northern mills. Toward
the middle of I lie month the inquiry became
more active, both for Northern nulls’and for
eigu account, and medium fine was held firmly
at 17*44t18c. but at the closing buyers held off
and were limited, while sellers were quite firm.
Dei emfcer—Opened with a good, steady de
mand. though with some scarcity of the more
desirable grades. The inquiry was nlsiut
equally divided In-tween foreign and Northern
■nllls, which cAuscd a slight spurt iu prices,
medium fine being held at lfiffr, l.S*4e. The sales
were unite large, lieing 8,1119 lings for the month.
Still the offerings were freely laken. and but
little accumulating of stocks occurred. The
total sales were 0,712 bags. The month closing
with a slight reaction, and medium fine closed
at 18c,
January. The mints during the month were
5,611 bags, and tbe sales were 7.289 bags. The
month opened at IHc. for medium fine.
Holders were asking higher prices hut were not
HUKtatued except for tile bftter qualities. The
p suer grades were weaker, owing to a go*si
ileal of the stock offering not beiug of bright
preparation, but tiie staple, however, was ex
cellent. Toward tbe closing of the month there
was considerable increaso iu stain and storm
cottons offering:, and a alight advance took place
in medium tine, it closing ax lßJ^c.
February.— This month opened with the mar
ket very irregrlar. some grades selling higher,
nroiFortionately, than others, but medium flue
neld steadily at Later on in the month
the offerings continuing of medium tine and off
grades of short staple and stains, it ls*oame dull
at for medium fine, but this price
was maintained to the close. The receipts for
the month were 2,125 bags. which were more
than in the month's transactions, the
total of which reached 2,595 bags.
Mitrch.- The receipts during this month were
581 bugs, and the sales were 650 bags. The open
ing continued dull at 18£4<g.l9c. Later on it be
came quiet, steady and unchanged. Clean and
unstained cottons were, in good request, but
rather scarce, and the market relapsed into
dullness again. The stock, however, was well
in hand and firmly held.
April. —The opening week of this month me
dium fine was held at 18%<£U9c. the market
gradually worked into better shape. There was
quite an active demand, and holders were free
s dlcrs at full figures for the prime grades. At
the closing, however, it waa quiet at 18t{> \ for
medium flue, the best qualities lieing difficult to
obtain. The receipts miring the months were
only Ml bags and the sales were 1,478 bags.
Mjiy. The month opened with the market
quiet and steady at 18Vi< . for medium tine.
Th *r** was only a limited inquiry, but there
ceipts fell off considerably, while the stock was
very much reduced, so that holders had no diflft
cultv in maintaining quotations. The receipts
during the month were 41 hags and the sales
wen* 079 bags.
June , July and August. —Were comparatively
dull mouths, and a more or less nominal feeling
prevailed. The hills of the business was done
in duly. Stocks were held at for medium
fine, but toward the closing of tin* season fell off
t*'\ The total sales for the three months were
212 bags, while the receipts were only 29 bags
Choi* Prospects.—lt would be a difficult mat
ter to give anything like an accurate opinion
at such an early period of the year relative to
the coming crop, as it has many things to con
tend with before it is picked and ginned.
The crop is somewhat later than usual.
This, it is feared, may l>e tho means
of encouraging the early appearance
of caterpillar. As to stand and culti
vation tin? prospects are considered only fair
from the latest advices. There is considerable
talk of a scarcity of the better qualities in the
coming crop, owing to the poor eucouragement
afforded planters by the past season's prices,and
it is said not as much has Iwen planted as in
previous seasons Simulation is rife as to the
size of the coming crop. The general opinion
expressed is that it will not he much over the
average crop of 36.000 bags, if that. One thing
is certain, there has been less acreage plauted.
This is the case throughout tbe sea island cotton
belt. South Carolina will not
raise any more, if as much as last year; already
private advices speak of the caterpillar playing
navoe with the island cottons. Florida, it is
said, will raise 3 to 5 per cent, less, and in
Oeorgia it is thought will be fully 10 per cent,
less, as a number of counties that were large
producers did not plant as heavily, while
others have abandoned the cultivation, owing to
the low values of the two previous years. The
season closed with very low prices, though
with a very small stock in sight.
STATEMENT OF THE RECEIPTS AND EXPORTS OF
TIIE SEA ISLAND CROP FROM BEPI\ 1, 1886, TO
AUG. 31, 1887.
RECEIPTS.
Georgias
Islands, and Flas. Total crop.
Bales. Bales. Bales.
Charleston 6,110 1,232
Beaufort 2,425
Savannah 200 27,165
Fernandina 6,234
Jacksonville 1, < *0
8,735 36,401 15,136
EXPORTS.
St Peters-
England. Fr. burg. North.
Charleston.... 5,124 630 10 2,996
Beaufort 924 1,539
Savannah 18,725 795 . . 8,419
Fernandina... 404 5.830
Jacksonville 1,770
25,177 1,425 10 20,554- 47,166
STOCK ON HAND SEPT. 1, 1886.
Georgias and
Islands. Floridas.
Bales. Bales.
Charleston 1,639 32
Beaufort 51 ....
Savannah..... 190 959
1,880 991-2,871
STOCK ON HAND SEPT. 1, 1887.
Charleston 241 12
Beaufort..... 13
Savannah 575
254 587—811 2,030
Total crop 47,166
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPORTS FOR THE
PAST FOUR YEARS.
1883-4. 1884-5. 1885-6. 1886-7.
Bales. Balt's. Bales. Dales.
Great Britain 12,168 18,422 14,748 25,177
l>ance and Russia.. 1,411 3,143 1,680 1.435
Northern mills 11,66! 17,358 19,973 20,554
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF THE CROP FOR THE
PAST FOUR YEARS.
1883-4. 1884-5. 1885-6. 1886-7.
Bales. Bales. Bales. Bales.
So. Carolina crop... 8,415 12,863 7,010 8,735
Georgia and Florida
crop 17,029 27,462 30,662 36,401
25,444 40,325 37,672 45,136
RECEIPTS OF COTTON AT THE PORTS OF SAVANNAH
from sept. 1 1886 to AUG. 31, 1887, inclusive:
Sea
Upland Island
Per Central railrfiad 611,738
Per S., F. &W. Ry. Cos 185,496 23.837
Per C. & S. Ry. Cos 3,764
Per Carts 1.204 1,073
Per Savaunab river Steamers.... 24,757 79
Per Brunswick & batilla Stenirs. 3,398 624
Per Florida Steamers 693 1,737
From Beaufort 17 8
From Darien and Altamaha 2 7
Total Receipts 781.069 27,365
Stock on hand Sept. 1, 1886 4,304 1,149
Grand Total 785,373 28,514
EXPORTS OF COTTON. FOREIGN AND COASTWISE.
FROM TFIE PORT OF SAVANNAH FROM SEPT. 1,
1886, TO AUG. 31. 1887, INCLUSIVE.
Coastwise. Upland. Island
Charleston 29,170
Baltimore 50.941 6,2*9
New York 143,174 19,768
Boston 48.263 138
Philadelphia 18,280
Total coastwise 289.K28 26,195
i.oral mill consumption 2,010 ......
Reshipi>ed to interior 526
Destroyed by fire 162
292,556 26,195
Sea
Upland. Island.
Foreign.
Liverpool 223,391 1,744
Havre 18,648
R?val 3L055
Bremen 87.605
Amsterdam 29,671
Cronstadt 7,925
Genoa 0,430
Barcelona 51,088
Palma de Majorca 110
Coruna 1,000
Antwerp 15,255
Salerno 1,208
Hamburg 2,400
Hango 1,223
Malaga 1,300
Norkoping 1,700
Total 485,999 1,744
Total coastwise 289.828 26,195
Loral mill consumption 2,040
Ueshipped to interior 526
Destroyed by lire 162
Grand total exports, etc 778,555 27,939
Stock on hand and on ship
board Aug. 31, 1887 6,818 575
NAptL STORES.
Receipts of naval stores at. this port for tlio
past year were 2N per cent, heavier than the
year before, aggregating upwards of 164.000
easks spirits turpentine and 699,000 barrels
rosin, much Ihe largest we have ever had
Savannah easily holds the first place in the
trade, her receipts lieing nearly as much as all
other Southern ports combined. Ami when we
consider the vast extent of untouched pine t ini -
ber in our State, ami the exhausted condition of
other .States, we can surely count on keeping
the lead us long as the industry lasts.
In regard to prices, spirits turpentine has
fiuctuateu less than is usually the case, 28c. Ink
ing the lowest price of the year and 38c. the
highest. Tbe year bofon* the lowest price was
NBpfcc. and the highest 49V$o-
Rosins have ruled dull and declining for the
f; renter part of the year, and w bile the decline
ias not been so unusual in the lower grade,
the higher grades, or those made from virgin
turpentine, are qnpre*edentedly low. We have
never known “N" rosin down to $1 55 Inffore.
A great deal of rosin is still unmarketed, and
there seems to be no doubt but thut this article
will continue to be depressed in price until the
over-production has lieen used up. We uppeud
usual table*, which have been made up with
gi-\*t care from official and other sources, and
which are reliable
RECEIPTS or NAVAL STORES FROM SEPT. 1, 1886, TO
AUO. 31, 1887. AS COMPARED WITH THE PRECED
ING YEAR. MONTH BY MONTH.
i Spirits, casks. 1 Rosin, barrels.
Months. 1
| 1885-3. ISB6-7. 1885-8. j 1880-7.
September.... 9,405: 14,103 39,983 51,011
October 7,07-7 11,881 37,943 ! 88,551
November 9,545 17,845 ) 40,899) 41.1,892
December .... 6.506! 10,42:1 tU.47Hj 81,423
January 2.065 2,951 40,324 71,143
February 1,780 1,020 22,112' 42,881
March ; 1.788 5,102! 12.202! 31.681
April | 9,771 13.006 23,669 £0,939
May 1 30.074 26,067 -15,008 50,109
June ....I 21,863 22,885 44,599 50,958
July ; 19,918 . 23.371 50,591 55,219
August I 16.767 • 19,931 57,840 65.268
Total j 127,785! 164,109 476,506 609.025
Reaching Savannah by the following routes:
Spirits. Rosin.
By 8., F. &W. R'y 119,807 443,143
“ C. R. R 26,396 97,667
“ C. & S. R. R 1.271 4,510
“ Savannah River 8,172 30,154
“ Coasters 8,563 33,351
Total 164,199 609,025
As usual, wo compare receipts at our poit
with those at Wilmington and Charleston for
the lour years ending to day:
SPIRITS TURPENTINE IN CASKS.
1883-4 1884-5 1 ISBS-6 | ISB6-7
Savannah 1 123,404: 111.447! 127,785 164,199
Wilmington. . ( 74,713 61,9.10; 02,809! 70,661
Charleston.... 65,250 44,099 36,617 , 48,177
Total j 263,427 217,496 226,711 283,037
ROSIN IN BARRELS.
!
j 1888-4 1884-5 1885-6: 1886 7
Savannah j 527,583 452,370 476,508 609,025
Wilmington I 398,189 326,488 316,698) 3.36,736
Charleston. | 262,706)218,9791,165',-4611 187,331
Total 11,188.478997,8747 960,‘>67 1.133.092
COMPARATIVE TABLE OF EXPORTS 1885-6 AND 1886-7
SPIRITS TURPENTINE IN CASKS.
1885-6.11886-7.
Sept. 1 to j Foreign I 26,851 33.108
March 31.7 Domestic 1 26,191 33.165
April Ito j Foreign 34,193 40,647
Aug. 81.. |Domestic i 46,159 , 53,024
Total j 138,697 159,944
ROSIN IN BARRELS.
1885-6 JBB6-7
Sept. Ito I Foreign 124,747 1 70,647
March 31 i Domestic 119,925 158,334
April 1 to l Foreign 103,063 130.094
Aug. 31 ( Domestic 131.908 1 37,394
Total 482,643 596,472
STOCKS ON HAND AND ON SHIPBOARD.
Spirits. Rosin.
Sept. 1, 1885 15,354 50,775
Sept. 1, 1886 0,877 45,857
Sept. 1,1887 14.132 58,410
PRICE PER GALLON OF SPIRITS TURPENTINE EACH
MONTH PROM SEPTEMBER, 1886, TO SEPTEMBER,
1887. *
Months High- Low- Months High- ! Low
est. est. | est. | est.
Sept... 36 33 j March. 36 i34
0ct.... 35 34 j April.. 36-V i 83
N0v,... 34 33 May... ,35 I 301/7
Dec... 85 83 iJune. .. 32ta | 39 %
Jan.... 38 ;July. .. 30k| j 28'
Feb... X, 3<> August 30 j 29
PRICE PER BARREL OF 280 LRS. OF COMMON, MEDIUM AND PALE
ROSINS FROM SEPT., 1886, TO SEPT., 1887.
E I N
Common. Medium. Pale.
months. : : I : :
-*-> • *3 I ‘ *3
g 8 * 8
tc | be £ be f
w : 3 , is | j is i 3
|September.. $ 1 10 )5 1 02U $ 1 45 $l4O if 2 80 $2 75
October 1 00 1 02'. 1 40 1 30 2 80 2 55
(November. 1
! December. . 1 00 95 1 25 1 safal 2 70 2 55
January 1 00 90 1 80 i 1 25 ! 2 65 , 2 55
February 95 95 ! 120 115 j 2 55 ' 240
March ! 1 02J4 95 I 1 35 ! 1 15 ! 2 60 ! 2 25
April j 1 15 1 00 ) 1 40 | 1 35 2 30 L 2 12J4
May ) 1 1 10 1 50 | 1 35 2 15 I 2 00
June ! 1 15 1 05 1 45 1 32V4: 2 12J4 180
July ! 1 05 93 ) 1 30 j 1 1214! 1 85 j 1 55
August ! 95 95 i 1 15 i 1 1214) 1 65 j 1 56
KICK.
The past season for rice was quite a success
ful one; that is, so far as a good crop was con
cerned. Although the crop was not large as
compared with other years, still, in quality it
was one of the finest raised in many years.
The reason of the falling off in the aggregate
amount produced w r as the smaller acreage
planted. Last season’s experience fuljy exem
plified the uncertainty of rice growing in the
South Atlantic States. The terrible storms and
rains of the season of 1885-86 caused heavy
losses, and a short crop, in which planters
were very heavy losers, compelling some
of them to abandon rice culture, whereas during
last season no better harvesting year was known
in the past thirty years, and all who planted
were successful* and, to some extent, made
money. The July faeshet was, of course, a sad
experience to a great many and resulted in a
loss in receipts of fully 200,000 bushels to this
market. The price of rice Jast season was com
paratively low, notwithstanding the superior
quality or the grain. The reason of this was
obvious. The season opened with a very heavy
stock, fully 80,000 barrels, which had been car
ried over from the previous season at New
Orleans, and the immense crop of Louisiana
coming in so much earlier than the crop here
resulted in a gradual weakness in prices. Sep
tember opened with good rice at 4@4^c.
but by the close of the month
had declined t4c In October values .steadily
fell off, opening at 4@4;4c. lor good, it closed at
36*@4c. November opened at 3st)@4c. for good,
closing at a clear reduction of )4c.
During December and January prices were
fairly well maintained and held steadily at B*4
<3i344e. for good. In February they partially
recovered, hut only to again fall off, and March
was ushered in at the old figures of
for good, whicn remained to its close. April
opened at a fraction off, closing at 34„ for good.
In May prices stiffened up somewhat, owing to
the Louisiana crop being pretty well marketed
and stocks scarcer, the month closing at 4,Uc.
fer good. June opes; at Wa, and toward the
latter part of the month advanced !4e., hut it
closed at the opening price. July opened at l-Vp;.
for good, hut closed at 4%(i&454c. August opened
at for good, but prices rallied early
on the reports of the disastrous results of the
rains ana freshets, and the month closed at :T|C.
full for good. The Louisiana article has re
ceived a decided impetus, owing to the demand
from the Pacific coast, and as the most of that
rice was of an inferior grade it was in more de
mand owing to its cheapness. The trade of this
port was not interfered with to any extent in
the Western markets. There is a growing de
mand for the rice of this section, owing to its
superior quality. Its cheapness last season
made it a good substitute for other food prod
uct* which were more expensive. The receipts
at this port were fully 150,000 bushels more re
ceived than in the previous year, although the
production was not au average one. This was
owing to the decreased acreage. The prospects
for the coming season are very encouraging
that Is, so far os values go as tile season opens
with no surplus stock anywhere, the total yield
having gone entirely into consumption. The
crop in lO' ilsfana it is believed, will not lie less
than 15 per cent, short of last year’s, while the
crop will lie very much smaller in this section,
owing to the destructive Hoods in the Savannah
river in August. The first shipment of the new
crop has already been received and milled, but
it does not compare with the rice of last year,
cither in grain or quality. Still, there is no ap
parent reason for lower prices.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT
Of Receipt* a ltd shipments nf Rice nt Sa
vannah for the Year Rndiiiq Sept. 1, 1887.
Received during the year in
rough 685,786 582,528
SHIPMENTS IN lURItEIS
Philadelphia 5,512 4,350
Boston 8,452 1,818
New York 9,2*3. 6,(184
Baltimore !j 9.854 8,154
Interior ; 20,943 14,021
Total shipments 48,089 34,975
Stock, rough, on band, in j
bushels 8,280
Stock on band, clean. In bar i
rels I 921 1.366
Last year's crop of rough for the States of
North Carolina. South Carolina and Georgia
and Louisiaac in bushels, is as follows:
Rough Rice. Bushels.
Receipts at North Carolina mills 350,000
Receipts at Georgetown county mills... 287,432
Receipts at Charleston mills 886.172
Receipts at Savannah mills 685,786
Total Georgia and Carolina crop 2.209,890
Receipts at New Orleans 3,018,513
Total crop 5,227,903
The following is a oompararive statement of
the crops of clean in barrels of the Carolinas,
Georgia and Louisiana for the past year:
Barrels.
‘Pounded iu North Carolina mills 30.000
‘Pounded iu Georgetown mills 27,858
‘Pounded in Charleston mills 80.063
‘Pounded in Savannah 48,544
Total coast crop. 186,560
tPounded at New Orleans 407,913
Total crop cleau 594,473
‘307 pounds net barrel.
t 230 pounds net barrel.
freights.
The total amount of tonnage at this port the
past year was a little larger than that of the
previous season. The change in the
gunge of the railroads resulted in
transporting much of the lumber to West
ern cities by rail, which previously
had reached a market by way of the sea. There
was not therefore the demand for coastwise
sailing vessels that there bad been in previous
years. There was, however, no falling off in
steam tonnage. In point of fact, more steam
ers loaded at this port the past season than ever
before for direct ports in Europe. Of course
there were periods of depression and some
scarcity of tonnage in the early fall.
There was not much moved in charter
contracts for foreign steam vessels as
the rates were very low. The coastwise
steamers all did well and carried heavy freights
throughout the year. When the cotton freights
fell ott there were plenty of lumber, naval
stores and miscellaneous merchandise freights,
and the vessels were generally filed to their
full capacity, in some instances carrying heavy
deck loads. The outlook for the coming season
is very fair. A great deal of cotton is expected
here this season and it is anticipated that car
riers will receive better rates for freights.
Already a number of charters have been made
of English steamers for this and next month.
The rates are not known but the majority are
at a lump sum per ton. The following is the num
ber of foreign steamers, tonnage and bales of
cotton carried from this port from September,
1886, to Aug. 31, 1887, ana for the past several
years-
No. Bales
Years. Steamers. Tonnage. Cotton.
1880- 43 4-1,488 208,203
1881- 32 36,203 157,847
1882- 42 52,222 237,339
1883- 45 54,641 238,269
1884- 85 73,536 303,098
1885- 63 71,686 310,383
1886- 79 95,747 407,110
Sailing Vessels— There was a slight scarcity of
vessels for foreign exporters, particularly dur
ing the past summer, out this was not unusual.
Rates on naval stores and lumber were all gen
erally low. Freights by coastwise sailing ves
sels were confined principally to lumber. The
business of the year opened at figures above
those of the preceding two years, the advance
being equal to fully 25 per cent., aud this ad
vance was steadily maintained. The supply of
tonnage was generally fairly up to shippers' re
quirements, and there were no marked
changes in the course of the
trade during the year. The present outlook
indicates no change from this state of things.
The following is the total number of vessels
arrived at this port during the year, with their
rigs, nationality and net tonnage. The number
does not include arrivals at Tybee, but only the
vessels which have actually arrived at the
wharves, aud have discharged and loaded. It
does not include river or island coast steamers,
nor does it include vessels under 100 tons.
Steam
ships. Ships. Barks.Brigs.Sch.T't'l.
American 339 . 14 19 224 596
British 77 2 19 2 100
German 1 19 .. .. 20
Spanish 1 4 1 .. .. 6
Norwegian .. 92 1 .. 93
Swedish .. 8 .. .. 8
Russsian .. 9 .. 9
Italian .. 14 1 .. 15
Austrian .. 4 .. .. 4
Belgian .. 1 .. .. 1
Mexican 1 1
Total 418 2 184 22 227 853
The tonnage is as follows:
Steam. Sail. Total.
American 604,079 105,618 709,697
British 92,439 12.819 105,258
German 1,478 10,196 11,674
Spanish 1,880 2,171 4,001
Norwegian 44.990 44,990
Swedish 4,581 4,581
Russian 4,197 4.197
Italian 8.87 7 8,877
Austrian 2,887 2,837
Belgian 498 418
Mexican. 127 127
699,823 196,961 896,787
tonnage at port of savannah from sept. 1,
1886, to aug. 81, 1887. •
No. Tons.
Foreign vessels entered 264 175,091
Foreign vessels cleared 273 200,913
American vessels entered 6 1,881
American vessels cleared 1 56
Total 544 377,951
Vessels entered coastwise 402 516,061'
Vessels cleared coastwise 385 487,306
Total 787 1,003,433
FERTILIZERS.
The past season's business in fertilizers was
quite satisfactory and shows a gratifying in
crease. The sales in Georgia aggregated 106,078
tons, against 160,705 tons tua previous year- Thu
prices were lower, declining about $2 25 per ton
for ammoniated goods. The manufacturing of
fertilizers is on the increase, and factories are
going up all over the South. The increased pro
duction in the South and the cheap prices have
about driven Northern competition out. Port
Royal turned out 30,000 tons last year,
which was almost wholly controlled by
Savannah capital. Our manufacturers
are increasing their facilities as
well as adding to their capital. The past,
season's collections were very good, and but
few losses were made. The inspections made
by the State Agricultural Department of
ammoniated phosphates shows the average
well up in comnariaon ith previous seasons.
In uon-ammoniated goods they not only held up
well in their averages, but showed a higher
average per cent, than ever before. There was
some apprehension in the early part of tlie
season in regard to the Brady bill, but it is now
believed by the trade that it will fail to pass.
If it should pass it will have a
very disastrous effect on the nianu
factoring of fertilizers. The following state
ment shows the shipments, in round numbers of
tons, the past season, by (savannah jobbers. It,
includes the through shipments from other
points, as wellasof Northern shipments, in addi
tion to that shipped by Savannah jobbers from
this port, of which Savannah has handled the
greatest portion:
EXPORTS OP GUANO FROM SEPT. 1, 1886, TO Al’Q.
31, 1887, INCLUSIVE.
Tons.
Per Central Railroad and branches 53,645
Per Savannah, Florida and Western Rail
way Company 20,000
Per Charleston and Savannah Railway
Company 550
Per Augusta and Port Royal, from Port
Royal 26.150
Per Savannah river steamers 1,460
Per Florida and Satilla steamers 900
Per coasters 121
Total 102,826
LUMBER.
During the past twelve months the lumber
trade has been quite prosperous. The demand
has increased since transportation by rail is to
lie had wiihout the cost of handling after ome
being put aboard the cars at the mills, and it is
estimated that between 90,000,00(1 and 100.000.-
00 1 feet of lumber have been sold bv Savannah
dealers during the year, and probably a little
over half of this was shipped by water. There
were several features about the lum
ber trade which assisted in mak
ing the year's business a prosperous
and a profitable one. The principal causes are
that the railroads centreing here have granted
rates which permitted the lumber to come to
this port from the mills, hist >ad of. ns hereto
fore, being carried to Brunswick. Iu conse
quence ot this concession the exportations
coastwise were larger last year than for several
years previous. At the beginning of the sea
son several of the mills had order* to last for
months ahead, and the demand increasing kept
them running on full time throughout tile year.
Toward the closing of the year the interstate
commerce law. aud a scarcity of cars later on,
somewhat retarded shipping. The busi
ness has Iwen somewhat rut up by
the dose competition lietween the larger and
smaller mills, hut the I irge dealer* have bad die 1
best of the business, and have made projMir
tlonately more money owing to their better
machinery mid greater cutting capacity. The
trade ha , experienced but little dlfileuitv in get
ting carrying tonnage. At pretty much ell
times there was ample room, both by steam ami
sail offering, and tuere is hardly any proepeet
of there being any scarcity of vessel* Huh ■ i
son, although ratal have been low. out tier.- is
little If any other freights offering for coastwise l
sailing vessel* *ll rntwirls agree Ihsl tile tu-
This Year.
Bushels.
Last Year.
Bushels.
ber-producing territory of the State
is gradually becoming exhausted, and par
ties owning large tracts of timber have a
very valuable investment. Values during the
year were higher. There were some few losses
during the year, but comparing them with
other lines of business, the percentage was veiy
small indeed. Taking it all in all, the year's
business was a very satisfactory one, and quite
in contrast with that of a couple of years ago.
The prospect for this season is certainly very
encouraging, and a greater demand and better
prices are looked forward to. Below we give
the shipments of lumber, also of staves and
shingles, for the year, both coastwise and for
eign, in superficial feet, as follows:
Lumber.
Coastwise 54,517,828
Foreign 10.050.948
Total ...64,568,766
Staves.
Foreign, number 131,693
Coastwise, number 13,194
Total • 144,891
Shingles.
Coastwise, number 1,075,035
) General Statement, by Articles and Countries, of Commodities, the drouth, Produce and Manufacture of the United States. Exported to Foreign Countries from the Customs District of Savannah, from Sept. 1, 1886, to Aug. 31, 1887,
Sea island Cotton. [ Upland Cotton. i| Rosin. ISpumts of Tur- Lumber. Timber, Hewn Timber, Sawn. !' Cotton Seed. ! Total.
rKNiINK. jj ARTICLBd.
Countries to which Exported. j j j j i j — " ' j • j i| j |j |
Bales. Pounds. Value. ; Bales. Pounds. Value. f| Value, i Gallons, j Value. ! M. feet. Value.) Value. M. feet Value. Pounds. Value I Value. , Value.
il ! ; feet | j! j )i
Great Britain 1,683 637,756 $125,8321 j 223,391 159,720,105 $ 9,920,095' 106,927 $236,441 ) 2,514,683 $ 816,566! 1,068 $ 15,165 626 $ 7,550 2,851 j$ 22,816!! 9 143.178 $ 17.985 $ 9,630- $11.172 079
France 18,048 8.743,571 829,293! 8,5961 6,200' 14 168; 185,324 1,853! 641 6381 1 , 730 ! 888,9421
Russia | 54,478 18,979,463 2,455,138 80,263) 97,3131 2,660 1,081 ! j I j ! 3,625 " 2.567.456
Germany I* 90,005 42,528,793 3,902.296; 105.780 128,067852,769 115.394 47 797 31,258 4,410 382) 5,723!! | !! 4,152,987
Spain 53,498 25,441.096 2,858.841' 6.190) 16,806!) 7,716 2.475 4,317 60,992; 32,107 3,670 1,120, 2,144,910!
I Netherlands i ! 29,671 14,127.608 1,310,810; 57,257! 68,212!! 172,088 59,969 I | i 709 ) 1,445,700!
Belgium ] 15,255 7,237,739 657,902! 21,184: 26,180 ;l 696,859 224,2!5 ; I j j i 1 540! 908.837)
Italy : ' I ! 7,028 3,596.301 325,943! 16,539) 21,589:' 1 |l [I ) J i 2,000 I 349.53!'
Sweden : ! 1 ' 1,700 795,271 71,015) I) 243; 82K|| I! I I 350 ' 72,290;
’Argentine Republic i I I 9,656: 21.753! 10,000 3,400 1,331 19,384 1 I I. . .. ! 44,537,
Portugal ! ! 9,773 13,075, 1 1,181; 15,108” ! 93, 1.250, 20,431
Uruguay I 1 ..! !| j |! 3,009 5,247' ! 528 : 8,078) ! ! | 160 13,485
Brazil ! j! i 2.4991 3.100' 002 9.800; S !' I 12.900
Austria j [ j j | ij 25,872) 83,756. | 10,209 3,203’ j ; i ; j| I )l 2,000 38,959
i Totals ! 1,083 037,750 $125,882 ) 494.274 281.109,942 $ 21,838.235 453,545 *072.799 | 3,767.581 $ 1,226,292:: 9,591'5129,817| 249,315 $ 17,489 2,890 $ 30.427 2.143,178 § 17,995) j$ 20.804' '521,082,049
imports from foreign countries to the cus
jS£ T^M°^ V * N!Un FR ° M
Articles. ) Value.
Fertilizers, tons IM9O '~5155J7
Musidal Instruments. ...
Wines and Liquors, gallons 5,252 5 017
Carnets, square yards 5,291 3 794
Coal, tons L6lB 3iso4
Toys 408
Salt, pounds 1 17,571,547 16,379
Fruits and Nuts 1330
Molasses, gallons 90,743 4’, 180
Empty Barrels [ j 535
Cement, barrels 2 949 2 945
Cotton Ties ’ j -'i’9?2
Miscellaneous Articles.... ))))))! *2’525
Tf>tal $997.105
GROCERIES.
There has been a tremendous increase in the
volume of the wholesale grocery trade, reaching
fully 25 per cent. This market continues to
grow in favor with interior and Florida mer
chants, as it is now one of the cheapest mar
kets for the staple articles of food supplies in
the country, as well as one of the most conven
ient The territory tributary to this market is
increasing yearly. Its business is thoroughly
drammed, and the facilities and advantages of
trading at this point has been well introduced.
Shipments in nearly every direction show a
largs increase, and the rapid and
permanent growth of the grocery business is
very noticeable. There has been an inn-ease in
the number of jobbing houses by the addition
of two new firms to the trade. Another feature
is that the number of commercial travelers rep
resenting this city has been considerably in
creased within the last year All are kept con
stantly on the road. The result of such thorough
canvassing is that, there are not neursomany
spot buyers visiting the market as formerly.
The hub: of the business is now done on orders
by mail and travelers’ solicitations. All this has
been caused by the cloSj competition of other
cities. Jolibershsve lost considerable business
which they formerly had from the naval stores
trade. This has been brought about by the
naval stores factors carrying their own stocks
ot groceries and supplying their shippers and
stores in the naval stores territory direct with
goods. During last year this practice has
seemingly come to stay. The jobbers, of course,
feel that the naval stores men nave cut Into their
business a little, but what they have lonl in this
way has . ecu more than made up bv the enor
mous increase in their business, both in the sale
of goods and the addition of more territory. The
trade has experienced some peculiar phases In
tb- demands and sales of goods. The sales of
coffee have fallen off fully 30 to 40 per cent.
The reason of this is the vei-y high price* at
which coffee has touched. The advance within
a year was over bio per cent. Tea has taken
the place of it for the time, and the sales of il
have been very Huge and are still increasing.
Tta - flour trade continues very large, and
is increasing so imuM thal this point tt
now- considered headquarters lor Hour for the
Mouth Atlantic States. Prices of Hour bav
ruled very low. Thu trade in canned goods it
enormous, and such good* are in greater roqties 1
than ever before, particularly in Florida, when
they seemingly have Invoice at
absolute household necfssltv Privet
wci-a very much cheaper doling tbt
Continued mi fourth Paot.