Newspaper Page Text
4
SAVANNAH’S BUSINESS.
Continued from Second Pane.
NAVAL STORES
Receipts—For the year ending Aug. 31,1R91,tbe
receipts "-ere 912,1-30 casks spirits turpen
tins, aad 758.H26 barrels rosiu, a lowing an
Increase of 20,015 casks spirits turpentine
and a decrease of 3.70", barrels rosin.
The falling off in receipts of rosin is due to the
weather condition of the past thirt v days, taken
together with the gradual increase of the haul
from the stills which delays market in* the crop
A conservative estimate of the crop which is
now coming in flies the increase at 10 to 15 per
cent.
t With the same percentage of Increase in rosin
receipts over last year as| is shown to he in
spirits turpentine, the total receipts at this port
from the crop of 1891 will be 1,051 000 barrels
Exports Foreign shipments sbowau incr-i-, ■
Of 5,.83 barrels spirits turpentine and 15.253
barrels rosin. Domestic shipments show adc
crease of 4,010 casts spirits turpentine and an
increase of 47.9G0 barreis rosin.
Prices—Spirits and rosin have|broughi fair
f trices during the year, the average being a
ittie lower than the prices of last yea-. That
such prices have been realized in the fai-c ~f th *
tight money market during the past twelve
monts demonstrates that (his p-oduct is a
necessity to the commercia w rid.
RECEIPTS OF NAVAL STORKS FKI.M SEPT 1, ISOh, TO
ACO. 31. 1391, AS COMPARED WITH Tilt I'HE Ell-
INO YEAR. MONTH HV MONTH:
Spirits, i'asks Rosin. Barrels
MONTHS. i
'1899-90 1890 91 IftRMW 1890-91
September 14,052 17.2*1 48.75# 68.765
l October 13.70; 4.7 936 'VVI s)
■November V.'l3 16.814 57.75ki 58,162
December 10,71s 16.3*4 65,331 -4. i.ri
January 5.171 5.1 is -3.355 70,055
February 2,93- 3,5.' ■ 62,141 35,1.1
March '. ... 4.615 1.375 51.;)i 23.561
• April .. 16,671 15.051 53.250 4n.es6
May 87.528 32 154 69,909 71.585
June . 26.14.3 31,65 ft 65,306 77,217
July 25.756 34.420 77,601 *3.348
August 32,530 24,1*5 85.156 88,023
Total 122,065 212.120 762,821 758.>85
Reaching Savannah by the following routes:
Spirits. Rosin.
ft F. £ W. railway 1*0.709 415,799
Central railroad. 7-307 3-3. V*:
Savannah river 5.814 26,451
Coasters 7,590 31.070
Total 212,120 758.628
COMPARATIVE TABLE <9F EXPORTS 1389-90 AND
1890-81.
SPIRITS TURPENTINE.
■1909 90 1880 91
(Casks. Casks.
N ' ■■ /9 : • ;
March 31. ( Domestic 2>,624 31,633
April 1 to i Foreign 70,t00 74.396
Aug. 31. (Domestic 49.54 41 889
Total „ 191,746 201,509
ROSIN.
!1659-90;i9:kh9l
' bbls. j bbls.
Sept Ito i Foreign 8i8.7ft7 261,.140
March 31. j iMmestic 129.386 202.692
April 1 to i Foreign 196.066 ' 52.776
Aug. 31 ( Domestic 198,675 173.329
Total 785,914 •
STOCK OK HAND AND ON SHIPBOARD.
Spirits, Rosin,
casks bbls
.Sept. 1,1990 .. .12.259 63,554
’ Kept 1, 1091 24.998 51,461
PRICE PER GALLON OF SPIR'TS TI-RP4NTINE EACH
MONTH FROM SEPTEMBER, 1890, TO SEPTEMBER,
1891.
Months Highest. Lowest.
September 37U 36
October 381s 3614
November 5914 36
December.... 36 31U
'January 341f
February 38f 36(J
-March ...3-14 37
..April 373a 35
May. SDK 35J4
June 3514 35
July a .'15(4 33
August 35 33
I*R!CE PKR IIARRKI. OF 280 LBS. OK COMMON, MEDIUM AND PALE
ROBINS FROM BEIT. 1, 1 !*9O, TO ACO. 31, 1891.
K j I j N
Common, j Medium. I Pale.
Months. j ~ I J j ~ i _
j? I ? B ! ST I 5
or | 8 o* * I Jj
: j i | I j 2
September $ 1 30 $l2O $ ! 70 * 1 CO $ 2 75 $2 30
October 13) 1 25 I 70 j 1 60 I 2 80 2 *
I November.. [ 1 35 i l 20 j 2 00 ! 1 65 i 3 60 ! 2 90
December, i 1 MS 1 13 1 2 00 1 75 3 50 3 00
animry I 1 40 ] 15 2 (*) 1 1 75 8 40 3 00
February....: 140 j 12714 2 05 ilk) 340 j 3 25 1
MaKD MS 140 9 20 2 05 8 35 I 990
April,... ... 153 1 45 S 2 20 I 9 10 3 90 3 (SO
("“K .. j 1 55 1 30 2 -0 , 2 05 2 00 ; 2 76
J . u | u ‘” J *2, 1 ' | 2 20 ! 2 UO 2 !) *SO
July 1 32W; 1 20 2 00 1 75 2 7 0 2 20
[August j 1 30 1 20 j 1 S6 j 1 76 j 2 30 j 3 2a
OCEAN FREIGHTS.
The past season in steam freights was not
a uite so good as its predecessor, and while the
epression was not near so great as in former
seasons it was not as satisfactory as some, of
course there was plenty of freight offering
from this side, while there was a remarkably
large amount of tonnage to carry it. In fact
the supply was at all stages of the season ade
quate for requirements, hut the low rates pre
railing made it a difficult matter for tramps to
pay dividends. The causes which contributed
to this condition were particularly the money
depression and the consequent failure of trade
in several parts of the world, which
threw a considerable number of ves-
Bels out of employment, which were
offered in the cotton trade. Vessels
began loading here very early, in fact, earlier
than usual, owing to the eariiness of the crops
and the dearth of cotton on the other side
The season opened at 11 34d as the ruling rate
for Idverpool and Bremen, but soon declined to
17-641. In December a general dullness fol
lowed, caused by the financial troubles in Lon
don. After the however, the market
revived and rates went up to Sl-f.ld, but again
dropped and fell off, and iu March and April
ha 1 touched V£d. Ia the first part of the sea
somCharlestou took some little cotton from
this port, owing to the South Carolina railroad
1 which was in the hands of a receiver hauling
the cotton at cheaper rates than the railroads
centering here w ould take it. Tnis, of course,
•lessened the ocean rate. There w**r** a
lumber of vessels, bowe?'-r, ia Charles
ton on demur ra*r* fief ore t n*> season
well advanced, and several of her shipping mer
ebanu loat money The cca*twine * teamen
Lad % remarkably fine y**ar for and
carried to their full capacity for tbe moat, -f the
year, a* the cottofi crop *u ao large and le.-ted
ao late :n r.ne neaK- c.. Fv-mml*-* the amount
of freight *ery heavy
tbrouarhouc the year during the
Rummer vnen t'a- m.'-.cement of watermelon*
wan ao arge. TV. movement coastwise
of is or.reae..r.g from year to
year, and the ran rompany and
tee Mlernhanu and Hiaera Transportation
Company rva-e compelled to
add to thnlr Vera every yaar or two. It is be
lieved tone ie enau v MMVk * hojiaeas will be
very Large for fretgnta by steamer,
and t:a', tne eotoaovn will be com
peiiad to taicrMMo tb#rr tonnaze capacity
to meet the want* of shippers, aa wben'-vt-r a
scarcity occurs in direct steamers exporters are
compelled to fell beck on tne coaacwi.xe vessels.
Beside* the local freight* there u expected to
be a very heavy through traffic. owing to the
alliance of the Ricrhmovd Terminal sy >iem with
the trunk line* of toe Gould system, and a gr at
deal of western produce is expected to lie
diverted this way. The outlook for the steam
carrying trade is fair. It is expected that rates
later on will rule high, owing to the demand for
vessels for grain shipments Charters, how
ever. thus far for early ahiDments of cotton are
at about the same rate as for the opening of
last season. Unless the South American trade
improves, however, it is thought
that rates cannot advance materially
The following is the number of foreign
steamers, tonnage and bales of cotton carried
by them from this port from Sept. 1. 1990, to
Aug. 31, 1891, and for the previous ten years:
A o Bales
Years. Steamers. Tonnage. Cotton.
1880—81 43 44,488 203.2*13
IHSI —B2 32 36,203 157,847
1882— 42 52,222 237.339
1883— 45 54,641 238.26'.*
1884 -85 ~65 73.536 303,098
1885 — 86 63 71,686 310,383
1886- 87 79 * 95,747 407,110
3887-88 72 86.892 345.411
1888— 53 65,952 274,411
1889— 91 118.440 487.204
1890— 124,516 522,905
By Sail.—There were quite a number of sail
ing Teasels carrying cotton cargoes through t.ie
first half of the season, especially for the Baltic
ani Spanish ports, but the rates w._-r* so .P ,^ r
that thetrade hardly paid tin* e'p ns*■* tr f®
vessels. The Reason opened at sc* 1 f“ r Bakic
ports and for Spain. Vessels were corn
pelled to accept the rafe--. orring th** f figati
tion in the South American trade which, as
a rule, employs more sail -rs than any* **r part
of the world. For the same reason then* waa no
call for sailing tonnage during the P ast 'J^ ru
months, to speak of in the naval stores traae
there were plenty of carg os, but the over plus
of tonnage depreciated toe rates to such an ex
tent that the business was unremun**rative. lne
prospects are for low rates fr so ne time to
com**, as the graiu movement will hardly affect
sailing tonnage, especially vessels suitable in size
for the southern trade. .
The coastwise carrying trade by Bailors baa ,
been considerably gr'at-*r than for the preced
ing twelve months, but the results are not tat
ifactory to ship owners. becauae ol th** r**la
tiveiy low rates current luring the most of the
I year, which showed a decline of about 25 per
j cent. Asa matter of interest the following ta
Me of rates shows the highest figures prevailing
at the outlet and the lowest paid, which are
about the present rates an 1 the average rate
j for the year to northern coastwise |K>rts:
Highest, Lowest. Average
Boston and Fast... $3 88 sf> 00 $5 61
New York and Auiboy 7 62 4 8? 5 76
Philadelphia. .. f75 450 5 4<>
Baltimore C 12 4 00 4 90
DRY GOODS AND NOTIONS.
The close of the last fiscal year ( Vug. 31, 1891),
show* and that the dry goods ami notions jobbers
sold more goods than any year previously.
Their sales had been unusually heavy for the
months of July and August, fully 25 jw cent,
over the previous year Tne prosf**ct at that
time of a continued trade was bright, bit the
month of September washed away all their
br.gnt hopes and gloomy doubts of
tho future, and anxiety about the
collection of the amounts already sold took the
place of their anticipation
The continued rain in September, the injury
to the quality of the c**tb n crop by tne rains,
the tightness of the money maruet at home and
abroad, the steady decline in t e price of cotton
and the fo-ling of distrust that was abroad, all
combine! to affect trad** ami collections. The
failure of many of their customers who by
the*** untoward circuin*tane s failed
tomak*- payment, and the certainty that they
had to me t their own liabilities, made the
months of October, November and December
memorable for the d**al *rs. During these months
there was practically no tra !ing. ami very few
goods sold com pare* 1 to form r years.
The spring trade opened wit \ nothing to
brighten it in the future Jobbers b-*ing in a
right money market, with a gradual decline of
cotton. made light purchases, and did not fel
like selling goods payable in < >ctober as in past
years. Credit* w**re closaly watched and bat
about half of the usual spring busbies* done.
April, a time usually that jobbers go into
the market to make their purchases for the
tall trade and to get their men on the roid in
Juns for future orders, opened up with cir
cumstancos still about the same. In view
of the light sales of tb* spring and winter, the
jobbers exp cted to do a fair business and
made their purchases accordingly, bat with
the fact before them that sales made in the
spring were payable in October, and goods sold
in June and July must dat** in October, that
they must sell goods in this way to do a busi
ness, au unusual caution was taken in reference
to credits.
After three months* trade the business was at
no time satisfactory. The volume of business
•lone was light compared to the previous year
The tightness of the money market, the low
j rice of cotton an 1 the unsatisfactory condition
of it in some localities, and th** disinclination of
good merchants to buy until things looked bet
t**r, as a whole, made the business of the past
fiscal vaar far from satisfactory. Jobbers do
not wish to undergo another such year.
The trad * of Savannan is extending into new
territory. Is constantly being added to, and job
hers have shown that they are worthy of all
confidence. They are ever ready to ex fend to
their customers all the cr* lit they are enti
tied to, and equally ready to extend to th *m all
the facilities of low prices.
Our Jabbers, during tho financial trouble of
the past year, which pulled down many a large
and wealthy firm, have shown that they are
strong, financially, and not one failure has been
recorded against Savannah s dry goods jobbers.
The prospect for the coming year, from the
present outlook, is not discouraging; with a low
price on cotton at the opening of the season, on
the present crop, merchants cannot make such
losses on the staple as they did last year. Those
who stood the heavy losses in cotton last year
by its rapid decline, may this season make slight
profits.
There has not been the advertising in mer
chandise this season that marked last year’s bus
iness. The stocks generally through the coun
try are not so heavy, and purchasers have been
more cautious. Yet there will be demand
for goods later, and the business
of October. November and December w ill no
doubt exceed the business of last year for the
sa i e month.
While the last year was anything but a profit
able one to the jobbers, the present outlook for
the coming year is not altogether discouraging.
The causes for this overtrading and over
crediting throughout the country can be
credited to nothing so much as what is known
as “dating ahead.” It is the curse of the
jobber and the country merchant. If there
was no dating ahead by the manufacturers
and commission merchants, at the basinoss
centers, the jobber would not, as now. have to
date his spring bills payable in October ami his
bills sold in June and July sixty days and four
months from Oct. 1. If there was no dating
ahead by manufacturers and jobbing merchants
north, no buying of spring goods l>/ jobbers in
November, to be sold on the road in January,
layab!e in October, no buying by t. country
merchants of inusiin, summer un
derwear, etc., in January, those he has
no use for in June, no buying by the jobber in
April, to be sold on the road in June, of blankets,
shawls, cloaks and all winter goods, this
trouble would l>e avoided and tho country mer
chants would not buy blankets, shawls, etc., in
Beptember that oanuot be used before Novem
ber. If there was no dating ahead a jobber
would have January and February to keep up
bis winter goods stock and dispose of them,
and the summer months to keep up and dispose
of his stock of summer goods. He would not
be selling goods iu June to bo paid for out of a
cotton crop that lias just been planted. Bills
would be met more promptly and credit would
not lie o cheap.
As matters now stand, a merchant may be
perfectly sound when he buys his bill in the
spring, but he buys his fall bill before he knows
what his circumstances will be in December
and January when his fall bill matures. If dis
posed he can pay his spring bill and sell out or
fail before his other bills are near due.
We hope to see tho time when
this evil will be abated, and legitimate
trading take its place. fcrpace does
not permit a full and careful article on this sub
ject, but it is merely touched on to show the
great drawback the jobbers have to contend
with in carrying on a safe and profitable busi
ness
The following is the number of vessels arrived
at this port during the year, with i.ieir rjgs,
nationality and net tonnage. The numb *r does
not include arrivals at Tybee, but only the
vessels which have actually arrived at the
wharves and have discharged and loaded It
does not include river or inland coast steamers
f r failing vessels, nor does it include vessels
undsr 100 tons, except of foreign nationality:
Stmship6.Ships. Bks. Bgs. Schrs. Total.
American—42o 21 17 331 789
British. 96 24 2 1 123
Norwegian. . 14 93 3 .. 110
i German .... 2 4 11 .. l?
Spanish 3.83 1 15
Portuguese .1 .. 7 .. 8
Italian 19 1 .. 20
Swedißb 14 .. .. 14
Austrian 9 1 .. 10
Russian 0 .. 6
Bel.ian ...... .. 3 .. .. 3
Brazilian 1 .. .. 1
Dutch 1 .. .. l
Danish. 1 .. 1
Total 536 4 218 27 333 1,118
The tonnage was as follows:
Steam. Sail. Total.
American 648.282 167,426 815.708
British 123,822 17,719 141.541
Norwegian 4,9 k) 57.207 62,107
Spanish 6,359 4,659 11,018
i German 2,275 11,460 13.7 35
Portuguese 1,020 4.528 5,548
Italian 10.829 10.829
Swedish.... 9.575 9,675
Austrian 6,975 5.975
Russian 3,447 3.117
Belgian 1,491 1,494
Braziian.. Bii 811
Dutch 613 f>l3
Danish . . 3*4 8-^4
Total 786,658 298,127 1.082.785
TONNAGE OF THE PORT OF SAVANNAH FKoM SEPT.
1, 1890, TO AUQ 31. 18 91.
Vessels. Tonoa?e. Men.
American vessels entered 10 3.415 98
American vesa-la cleared 22 7.315 230
Foreign vessels entered 265 177,01* 3,671
Foreign vessels cleared... 325 261,516 5.32!
Total foreign 6 2 419,287 9,320
entries . 522 772.659 20,0 ‘.1
Coast wise clearanc?s.... 453 680.370 1 .388
Total coastwise
Total foreign 622 449.287 9.320
Grand total 1,596 1,902,316 47,967
A largi number of vessels arrive and depart
coastwise which do not enter and clear, and
TflE MORNING NEWS: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4,1891.
j which are not included in the above state
’ ment
IMPORTS AT THE PORT OP SAVANNAH FROM SEPT.
1, 1890, TO iFO. 31. 1891 .
Articles. Quantity. I Value.
Fertilizers, tons 11.477 $
I Fruits of all kinds ....
Brimstone, tons •••
Muriate of potash, 1b5.... | 10,183,89* 6L,*O
Cotton ti**B, bundles 42,509 82.327
Cement, barrels 24,723 31.856
Nitrate of soda, ibs 1,G65.90i 24.197
MoIIaASPS. gallons 132,54*5 19.000
Salt, lbs. . 12,438,036 15.102
Bags and bagging ( •••* 20*^
Cigars... *•'•!
Wmes and liquors, gals. 3.3 8 4,.59
Sulphur ore, toos j 3,893
( bina clay, tons 332 8.270
Macoinery ••••
Soap J*J2
Sulphate of potash .... 1.942
All other art ic es 11*519
i 530,527
FERTILIZERS
The trade in commercial fertilizers was re
ported to be very satisfactory during the past
year Dealers in Georgia disposed of over 300.-
000 tons of manufactured goods, and the trade
in the pa*t ten y**are has doubled it*elf. North
ern manufacturers stored but little here during
last s**aso!i owing to the unsatisfactory manner
in which the goods were handle 1 the previous
season* still dea era report that for the past
seaon fertilizers were handled quite satisfac
torily by the traiiß{tortaii*.>n companies. This
market. however, had its drawbacks,
which were felt quite severely at times,
liealers and manufacturers here complain
that the clm r ges for freight are excessive
m proportion t > the value of the goods. In
other words the transportation charge on
cement to Ixmisville, (a.. is *l3 50 for 20.000
pounds, and on guano ?2 >BO for the same
quantity. The freight on cement to Thomas
ville. Ga . i> S-i 10 for 80*000 pounds, while the
freight o i fertilizers for the same quantity is
SB7 50. A carload of cement is of greater in
trinsie value than guano.
In fact, they pay nearly one third of the cost
of the fertilizers in freight Another difficulty
the>* have to contend with is the competition
with Charleston in manufactured goods. To
some extent they say Savanna i suffers from
railway discrimiuati*>n, as Charleston enjoys
t e same rat**s of freight into Savannah s legit
imate territory, especially in Alabama al *ng
the line of the Alabama Midland railr< a I Asa
consequence Charleston can manufacture
cheaper than Savannah on account of her near
proximity to the rock.
The ct of prod net in has been about the
same for the past three years. T'p to that time
tte rock cost fully 5b per t<*>n lesa.owing to the
coini*etition of the mines. But since then the
Car->lina companies nave formed “thocombine”
and put up the prices of the raw material. It is,
however, believed that prices will take a tumble
soon, owing to th** competition of the Florida
nii’ies. which are bt*ing developed quite rapidly.
Prices are steadily going lower every year.
Amm -mated goods or complete fertilizers were
sold this sea-on at per ton. This is
about ?1 less than th" previous year, although
the cost of producing was very slightly
lower, while that for potash salts
was higher owing to the European
combine. These salts are used in the
manufacture of fertilizing kanits. Muriate of
potash was also higher. These salts, however,
are used in tue crude state, on sandy soil, and
are mostly employed in Southwest Georgia and
Rori-la. Acid phosphates have averaged about
?1 per ton. It is a remarkable fact in this
connection, and worth mentioning, that Geor
gia is now the largest consumer of fertilizers of
all the states of the union. She is aiso the
largest manufacturer. Millions of capitol is
employed in this industry alone, the tax upon
winch adds largely to the income of the stab?.
The consumption of fertilizes will, of course,
steadily increase, as it Is now used in the culti
vation of all farm products. It is a fact that in
the production of last year’s great crop of cot
ton plauters used a greater percentage to the
acre than ever before, and this
system of intensive farming is becom
ing more popular than ever throughout the
south, as it lessens the amount of labor neces
sary, as well as the need of stock. This is
more particularly advantageous to large plant
ings The use of home made fertilizers is
growing less. It has been found that it does
not give the productiveness to the soil that the
commercial fertilizers do, and for that reason
the average farmer has not the facilities for
producing it in as large quantities as his needs
call for. Most planters have also found it
profitable, since the establishment of oil mills in
the south, to dispose of their seed and! nvest
the proceeds in fertilizers, as the cost of a ton
of the latter is about equal to that of a third of
a ton of seed. Dealers report that collections
were unsatisfactory, owing to the low prices
obtained for cotton, and a good many planters
are being carried over. There were, however,
no losses. It is a hard matter for the fertilizer
dealer to lose. Asa rule he is always pretty well
secured.
The manufacturing of fertilizers has steadily
increased at this point and the manufacturers
managed to dispose of their product without
carrying over any stock.
Another attempt was made during the season
to make Savannah an exporting point for
Florida phosphate rock and 4,659 tons were
shipped from here to Europe during the sum
raer ; as yet, however, this branch of tne trade
develops verjr slowly, although shipments
are being made ferely from
Florida points. With the ad van
tages of deeper water here, however, than most
Florida ports, it is believed that it is merely a
question of time and cheap railroad rates and
facilities to m*\ke this port the leading one for
the shipping of rock to foreign lands.
The prospects for the coming season are not
to say very bright. The outlook is not at all
encouraging, owing to the condition of the cot
ton trade and the past year’s stringency of
money. But it is thought by close attention to
their business, and a little care and discrimina
tion exercised in regard to their customers,
that the manufacturers and dealers will come
out of the next season with a satisfactory busi
ness to their credit.
Tne exports of fertilizers from Savannah from
Sept. 1, 1890, to August 31, 1891, were:
Tons.
Per Central railroad and branches ...... BS,sSB
“ Savannah, Florida and Western
Railway Company 41,732
Per Charleston and Savannah Ra lway
Company 13,500
Per Savaunah river steamers 5,237
" Florida and Satilla river steamers . 3,750
“ coasters 1,700
Total 157,757
LUMBER.
It was thought at the beginning of last fall
that the lumber industry had seen its worst
season the year previous. It was the belief
that the season of IX9O-"91 would be a very pros
perous one, encouraged by the prospect of
heavy railroad building during the year. Of
course there was no thought then that any
serious impediment in the near future would
arise to prevent a rapid absorption of the out
put of the mill*, although as early as last Sep
tember financial troubles were brewing in South
America. But the impression prevailed at that
time that the troubles would be bridged over
somehow and that the South American busi
ness would be greatly benefited thereby. Sub
sequently, however, the collapse of the credit of
Buenos Ayres nearly paralyzed the whole
financial world and settled all doubts as
to the status of the South American countries,
so far as the lumber trade is concerned,for some
time to come. It will lie seen, however, what
an important factor this trade was in the gen
eral lumber business wb n it is known that in
ordinary seasons those countries absorbed fuMy
200,000,000 feet of lumber yearly. Of this im
mense amount the greater part went from the
gulf ports, and the cutting off from them of
this export trade threw them in direct compe
tition with the mills of the Atlantic states. In
other words the output of the mills of the south
ha l to be taken by the domestic trade; hence
the lumber business has suffered as muen by
reason of overproduction—haviug no outside
market for the overplus—as from any other
actuallv known cause In fact, the demand
from the domestic trade has been at all times
during the year and is at present fully up to its
usual average.
The business from this port during the
year was larger in volume than ever be
fore and is constantly growing. In
fai t this has grown to be the greatest lumber
port of the Atlantic static, and with probably
one exception the greatest lumber exporting
center of the south. That exception is Pensa
cola, which exports in quantity more largely
thau Savannah. Hut if quality and value be
considered there is hardly a doubt but that this
port leads Pensacola. Savannah has absorbed
a great deal of the business that formerly went
through Krnandma, Jacksonville and Bruns
wick. There are various caws *8 for this. One
is the inadequate draft of .water at Jack
sonvilleand partly the same at Fernandina.
But the main reason is said to be the 'r/mt of
sufficient and shipping banking facilities in
Ihnse p >rrs
T.ie railroads also assisted by making low
rates of freight for the nulls iu the territory of
the upper edge of Florida and Southwest Geor
gia. which enabled them to put lumber here as
cnoaply, if not more cheaply, than at other
near-by ports. Thu business, however, as a
whole was not satisfactory. For the first six
months it was only fairly so, whiio for the last
half of the year prions were lower than was
ever before known in the history of the trade.
Th* primary cause of this has been already
stated. Com petition of Gulf mills and the
failure of the South American demand were the
greatest.but the Span sh trade also fell off some.
Although tbM consumption was fairly active
for home account the orders were more diffi
cult to handle in sixes, and prices were lower.
On some grades the prices ranged
per thousaud lower than the previous year, or
$\ <4O per thousand lower than was ever before
kb two. Asa conse<juence numbers of mills
snut down during the 1 ist six mouths, particu
larly those farthest off from the coa6t. The
high rates of fr Lht al-owed that class of mi ls
to run only for a short while on western orders,
whi**lj fell off about six months ago and left
such mills without a remunerative market
Upon the whole the mills have not made
money, the profit in th*- business going to the
mills l**N§t organized, and hence enabled to man
ufacture to the best advantage or most econom
ically, and to those with the advantage of loca
tion convenient to the shlppmj? port The
margins, however, w.-re very close in every
particular, and made much more so by reason
of orders throughout the year running into the
large and difficult sizes, requiring the working
of
The m*.■■lim and small-
FreJTTJf g-aeiu# m’ad lw. At times
ar ! trmghv rates were ad
vanced. But they did not hold. In fact, the
trade suffered no very great hardship for lack
of tonnage and dealer- . *pt very closely shipped
up thn >ughout the year Indeed, rates of trans
port at ion were favorable to the business, and it
h said by some that rates were too low and
tended to keep lumber where it is in price.
There were very few new mills started during
the year and they were more than offset by
those destroyed.
A good feature of the year’s business, how
ever, ix* that the Industry,, all in all, fared as
well w oehfer while the
manufacturers were compelled to market their
prodpeis at low prn *s. tliene wrrs very few
failures - none of any consequence in the section
tributary fo this port.
In many respects the outloqk is brightening.
Low pri*ea have taught the vAkkperi**nced, as
well as the experienced mill men, a wholesome
leeson. particularly as to the value of the
different grades and sizes of lumber, and will
undoubtedly bear fruit in the near future. It is
anticipated that as *o-ju as the financial diffi
cutties are arrange.! in South America the
mark -1 depression will disappear and our
southern neighbors will come into this country
with a heavy demand which would have an
immediate effect in strengthening the mar
ket, esrecially as th* belief prevails
that ttibidoiuestic deman i wdTttv no less than
usual. it is felt ti*at the enormous
grain.urhps of the. will 1 encourage
increased orders from that direction. Many of
the small mills built in the past two years on
the territory of the newly constructed railroad
line-*, and in the midst of timber that had a
considerable effect lu demoralizing and depress
ing values, have exhausted the timber in and
around the mills, and in future cutting must
invest in railroad iron and locomotives, as well
as tramroads, the cost of wrhich must be added
to their management
The follow!d *ar * the evrart* of lumber for
the j*a*t fiweft •nr on hs. The Ft a! exports the
previous year -ore 111,809,*18. feet. It w ill be
seen that the past exceeds thn jferiom season
by 8,382,502 feet, but there is an enormous in
crease in shingles and a decrease in staves.
Lumber,
Toast wise 100,789,797
Foreign 19,402,123
Total 120.191,990
Shigles.
Coastwise 13,202,410
Foreign 205,000
Total 13,467,110
Staves,
Coastwise 76,120
GENERAL STATEMENT, By Articles and Countries, of Commodities, the Growth, Produce, and Manufacture of the United States, Exported to Foreign Countries from the
CrsToMS District of Savannah, During the Year Ending Aug. 31, 1891.
“T COTTON- j NAVAL STORES. j LUMBER. j All I
- Cotton Seed. Fertilizers. Others. Total.
Sea Islands. I Uplands. * Rosin. Turpentine. Brds, Flk. &c.| Timber. Staves.'
Bales, i Pounds.i Dollars. B&(*. 1 Pounds. Dollars. Lbs Dollars Tons. Dollars Barrels. Dollars. Gallons. Dollars. M ft. Dollars. C ft Dollars. Dollars. Dollars. Dollars.
Great Britain 7” ‘ 19.66etTJt00.239 , 108 3 $ 21.808 2,944 § 31.94 ft 167.tK,S 36f1,U 0 i0
Brazil I I "i I I | I 1 7,698 11,608 4.02% 54.496 .5.A i L.., 1 -—05.W4
Portugal ;i7 142:813 : 2.446 3.700 1 i.o.*n sm* 2,927, 27,720...... ~1 1 ab!
Kelli ium 8.H76. 1,955. *93 193.150 23.869 36,116 497,337) 175,355 • 200i,.z.-.. 4 -.. 103.32! 1
France 3,17*1885,013 184.063 85.478 17.407.810' 1,676.919 ... •••"••••• M I.W.fl#
SSS* SSSSS SSjSS ’S3 :::::: j £ USB
Totals ‘ 82,231 *1,816, '200 570,964 384.843,768 $27,660,319 2,161,283 2!,033 4,659 $ 55,790 702, 844 81,227,539 6, W 8,531 $2,4:0,234 20,874* 277,034 1f,354-‘f sJE. 3,465 $ 21,093.537,551
♦The nuinoer of barrels rosin reported in this
statement are aommercial|sarrel3 of 280 pounds
esA. * A f
KhVITR A^>|®TABI.EB.
a 9 orange Muson it, Ifcrida was a pood one
shipper* to northr* inarkets realized fair
ros Quite a larfcAfiart of the fruit was
Bought outright lu Florida at the beginning of
the season by northern speculators, but It ap
liears that they ovisiltd the thing and their
speculation was not d'riffftplete success for the
reason mat growers asked and obtained full
prices at the beginning. In fact higher prices
were paid than in sevtyai preceding seasons,
although the crop of oranges was larger by
about 400,0.10 boxes. The crop was late in
getting to market, but with all this
it escaped harm from the weather. The Florida
producers were assisted very much In their
opposing of the fruit M r 'tU Ooeau Steamship
company, which provided an inclosed heated
wharf in New York, where tri weekly auction
sales were held. Producers, however, com
plained of the advance in freight rates, more
especially as it costs no more per package to
bring the fruit from Sicily than from Florida.
The melon season was comparatively a poor
one. This was owing as much to over-produc
tion as to anything else, as the northern mar
kets were kept glutted, which caused the fruit
throughout the season to rule entirely too low
to make suipments remunerative, and many
•tippers lost heavily. The season, however
was very propitious for all fruits, and producers
felt the effect* in low prices, owing *o the over
•uppiy.
Toe vegetable crops were very much hurt by
the frosts early last spring, and some, were
destroyed, especially the pea crop There was
cons’derable truck shipped north from Florida
which did not pay, as they were in such condi
tion that receivers north refused to receive th-tn
and turned them over to tbe transportati m
company to i>e sold for what they would brin*.
But the potato truckers in this section made
money. The crop was larjfe and of very good
quality, while the Florida crop was almost a
total failure, owing to the early frosts. The
early shipments brought large and remunerative
prices until about the time Norfolk came in
with shipments, when the market became pretty
well glutted and values went off. Cabbages also
did very well, but for the rest of the vegetable
crop n<t much can be said.
Appended is a statement of the exports by
the water route of fruits in packages, number
of melons and vegetables in packages to the
different coastwise ports. There is a consid
erable quantity going inland by rail, of which
it is impossible to give an accurate statement:
Fruits, Vegetables, Melons,
feet. feet. feet.
To New York 5*0,300 385.239 1,011,607
To Boston 188, 334 i?0.4?4 282.810
To Philadelphia.. *3.373 11..78 21,217
To Baltimore 72,700 60,053 3*3,000
Total 604,707 467,039 1,378,640
GROCERIES.
This large and important branch of Savan
nah's commerce seems to have been holding its
own fairly well during the past year. An impe
tus£ad been given the trade by the large crop
of cotton which had been marketed at a fair
price the previous season.
Last year the season opened with a bright
prospect for a great crop, but subsequent
events proved that it was rather a detriment to
a satisfactory business. Only that the trade
rests upon the firmest possible foundation in
point of good credit and ample capital it would
nave been very seriously impairea.
Of course Savannah did a very heavy business
in this line during the year—in fact, larger than
it ever enjoyed iu its history. Still, as a whole,
it was not satisfactory. This was due in a great
measure to the twin causes of over production
in the cotton and lumber trades and consequent
low prices. As both of these interests are so
closely allied with the trade it was natural that
any depression in either would have its effect
upon groceries nnd provisions.
Added to the above causes for depression were
the financial disturbances and the stringency in
money, running throughout the greater part of
the year. That has also operated to retard
collections and in a way that was to tho last
degree unsatisfactory, and to imperiled credit
as to cause jobbers to exercise great caution in
all transactions and almost render necessary au
entirely new' basis of credit.
That the country merchants did not make
money goes without saying. Indeed, a great
many of tham have had to be carried over, and
expect to close out last season's accDunts from
the proceeds of this year's crop.
The increase, however, in the total volume of
the year's business in the general grocery trade
was probably 10 to 15 per cent. Some of our
large houses made money, notwithstanding the
many obstacles presented during the year.
They did it by extending their territory and
finding a greater outlet for their stock in
trade.
It was demonstrated last season that Savan
nah firms with the world as a field wore able
to compete for business anywhere As are
suit they have succeeded in duplicating prevj
ous contracts for several months ahead in the
northern market, especially in tho line of
canned goods.
In this connection the business lias made
quite an acquisition in the Oemler Oyster Com
pany, which lias just completed a plant on
\\ ilmington Island w ith a capacity’ for
packing 1.000,000 to 1,500,000 cans of
oysters per year. These goods will
find their way over a great expanse of territory,
even as far as the Pacific coast ; in fact, orders
have been booked for the next season's pro
duction. The canned goods trade, which has
come to be one of the leading features of the
grocery business, was very satisfactory
especially to those having heavy stocks in the
early part of the season, as prices then ruled
higher than for the past ten years. In point of
fact ab< >ut all stocks were so well cleaned up as to
cause considerable scarcity. This was owing to
the failure of crops the previous summer.
The coming season, however, is not looked
forwar! to with such brignt prosp cts as its
predecessors Some goods are lower than
they ever have been. Among these are in
cluded poaches, beans, etc., owing to the heavy
crops this summer. Some goods, it is said, are
below the cost of production, which is due
to the same causes which affect cotton.
Over production is the trouble. But the chances
of au advance are more in favor cf canned
goods than cotton, by reason of a steady and
healthy consumption. By their cheapness their
use is encouraged as a substitute for other ar
ticles of food which may appear higher to the
economical housekeeper. At all events they
are cheaper than ever before, even in the
face of an advance in the price of tin as a result
of the tariff.
The movement of flour was not increased to
any appreciable extent. Still there was a steady
and healthy business doing.
The increase in the sales and consumption of
sugar has been very heavy Fully 50 per cent,
of this was duo to the McKinley bill, which, of
course, cheapened this necessary article to the
extent of about 33U per cent.
In coffees the high prices restricted consump
tion. Substitutes were resorted to.
The tobacco and cigar trade has grown
largely with the grocery business, and is now
one of its necessary adjuncts. Tbe importa
tion of fine goods has been very heavy, and
dealers in these articles nave not confined
themselves to the territory adjoining, but have
found au outlet for their goods in many states
of the union.
The liquor business has also been quite steady
and increased fully 15 per cent.
In other miscellaneous goods there has been a
healthy movement throughout the, year and
although dealers have had to cope with keen
competition they have managed to meet all
cuts of prices wherever found, and have suc
ceeded in boldingtheV own all along the lino
The trade has had little to complain of from
the transportation companies durin< last year
as pretty much all the railroad lines have en
deavored to meet the requirement s of shippers
The wharfage question, however, seems to
cause considerable annoyance to the trade, and
a great many dealers complain that at times it
becomes so onerous as to literally constitute an
embargo on business, particularly where the
trade has to meet the close competition of the
large northern and western business centers
While the rate of wharfage is not so great on
bulk goods it is very hoavy on the lighter
articles ana fancy goods necessarily handled in
the course of business. Frequently the propor
tion of wharfage amounts to fully 2;, per cent
of the freight charges, while the average on all
goods will reach 20 per cent, of the
freight Jobbers generally claim that the
charge for wharfage is, strictly speaking, an
imposition on the merchants of this port, as
such a charge, they allege, is not made in any
other port of this importance in this country,
and that through freights to interior towns s
not subjected to any such charge on goods pur
chased north.
It was thought that the opening up of new
territory by the new lines of railroad would add
materially to the trade, and while it has in a
measure realized these expectations some
dealers have had cause to regret covering the
territory too well.
HIDES.
In the early opening of the season there was
every reason to beheve that the bide and leather
market would improve, aud that arices would
advance, which they did, but the advance was
only temporary, as the panic last fall com
pletely upset matters and caused several heavy
failures in the trade in the eastern markets, ail
of which naturally caused a severe depression
and prices to recede, untit at last the lowest
prices known in many years were reached. The
receipts of hides continue steadily to fall of
at this port, as well as at the interior towns.
The cause is mainly the competition of the
western dressed beef oompanies. which have
about driven the native article from the mar
ket, and there is less slaughtering of Georgia
and Florida cattle in consequence. There were
shipped from this port 5,874 bales of hides
moving as follows: To Baltimore 2,703 bales
to Boston 1.63 C bales, to New York 1,376 bales
and to Philadelphia 159 bales.
WOOL.
There is not much to be said about the wool
business, as it was altogether unsatisfactory to
most of those connected with the trade except
the sheep farmers. About the usual clip of
1,200.000 pounds was rapidly marketed, and
those who were early in tbeir shipments got
the best prices for their product, while others
who waited for the market to advance were
disappointed, as the best prices paid during the
season were paid at its opening early in May.
The purchasers of wool of this market made no
money, owing to the strong combination north
and east, which wag aided by the stringency of
the money market. Tbe McKinley bill had the
effect of keeping foreign wools out of the
market to some extent, but this
was of very little assistance to
the domestiStnarkets owing to the unsettled
financial conditions and consequent depression
in the New Kngland market, anu also from the
fact that large eastern mills had loaded up the
previous season in anticipation of the passage
of anew tariff law. There were shipped from
this port 9,166 bales of wool, distributed as fol
lows: To Boston 6,837 bales, to New York 1 300
bales, to Philadelphia 659 bales and to Balti
more 300 bales .
HARDWARE.
The hardware trade was not any better, if as
good, as that of the previous year, in general
results. The trade in volume was slightly more
than the preceding season, still the losses were
comparatively heavier, while collections
throughout were poor. Dealers had a hard
time lost fall, when business was at a stand
for fully a month and did not pick up much
until about February. Merchants found coa
siderable difficulty in effecting settlements and
tne closing ud of old accounts. Tbe losses in
Alabama were quite heavy, and while some
were looked for, as is always the case in anew
territory, the porportion was not expected to be
as great as if was. The great bulc of the fail
ures in this terr.tory was attributed to
the low prices of cotton and to the
fait fhat the business was entirely
overdone. The sales of agricultural imple
ments was very fair during the season, but there
was a good deal of competition arid cutting of
prices by outside competitors. The business in
mechanical tools and other articles was also
good. Prices were comparatively steady
through the year. There were but few fluctua
tions, the stringency of money preventing an
advance The exports of pig iron by the ocean
r >ute show a falling off of 6,303 tons. This
decease, though not as heavy as that of the
previous year, is much less than that of two
years ago. Ago >d deal of the products of the
Alabama mines now goes overlaud. The ship
ments of pig iron by steamer to the different
ports are embraced in tbe follow ing tables, in
comparison with last year:
SHI I'M ENTS OF PIG IRON IJf TONS TO THE FOLLOW
ING PORTS FROM SEPT 1, 1890. TO AUG. 31, 1891,
AND FOR THE SAME TIME THE PREVIOUS YEAR:
Tons. Tons
1890 91. 1689-90.
To New York 19,034 21.721
To B< tston 1 1,6 *0 10.332
To Baltimore 1,100 1,500
To Philaielphia 2,385 6,869
Total 34,139 40,442
REAL ESTATE.
The year under review has been made famous
by trie exceeding stringency of money. Soon
after the publication of the last Trade Review
the financial storm which had beeu brewing in
Kngland and in South America culminated, and
its effects were felt all over the commercial
world. The causes leading to this are analyt
ically treated and fully explained In the finan
cial article in the present Review.
But for the ditlicultv in obtaining money the
transactions in realty would have been im
niHUsc and the profits proportionately great.
Naturally the effect of tight money has been to
reduce the volume of business. The disposition
to invest has been marked, and has only been
restrained by the difficulty experienced ia ne
gotiating loans It has not been a ouestion of
caeap money, but altogether one of obtaining
it at current rates. The profits on realty war
rant the payment of current rates, if untram
meled by ‘ calls.” The course of the banks of
the city has been to call in all real estate loans
and to discourage transactions of that nature
Such a course, if continued, must result unfa
vorably to the community, and in time react
upon the banks adopting such a policy.
It behooves stockholders ia such institutions
to u>e their capital in the formation of a trust
or other kind of company, w here real estate
transactions will be treated as “legitimate,”
and where this important interest will be fos
tered and protected.
Notwithstanding the general troubles in finan
cial matters which were augmented by three or
four local failures of importance, realty has
“held its own.” While the whole line of stocks
and bonds, including those heretofore classed
as “gilt-edged,’' have suffered severely, aud in
many cases have been utterly neglected, real
estate has experienced no decline. While trans
actions have been curtailed os compared with
last year, the sales made have been at full
prices, and good paying profits have been real
ized
Holders who wera compelled to raise money,
having failed utterly to find relief by trying to
sell securities, have been uMe to sell realty at
full prices, and have saved themselves thereby.
Avery important factor in maintaining tho
strength of tho market has been the character
of the holders of real estate. In this article last
year that matter was referred to—with little
thought, however, that the test would be so
so on applied.
Reference is made to the “syndicated” or in
corporated owners of real estate. The fact
that much property has gone into the hands of
such companies, well organized, and
strengthened by the aggregation of capital, has
placed beyond possibility the sacrifice or forc
ing of property. So great has been the con
servatism that has marked the management of
these companies, that the offerings have not
been sufficient to meet the demand.
Tne few \ üblic sales of lots which have been
made have been very successful. Good prices
have been realized as the result of healthy and
legitimate competition. Several large private
sales have been made recently and others are
now being negotiated. The prices at which
sales have been made show a wonderful faith in
the future of the city. These remarks apply to
all classes of property—urban as well as sjb
urban.
Vacant lots not too far out continue in fine
demand, aud some very fancy prices have been
paid. These, however, are warranted by the
paucity of the offerings. Unless something is
done to bring in the property south of Anderson
street, aud that very soon, a falling off in build
ing must result. The prices which holders have
a right to expect for w ell-located lots, by reason
of tbeir scarcity, places them beyond the
reach of persons of average means.
There is always a good demand for residence
property—for dwellings ranging from $3,000 to
£35,10). Those at the lower prices are exceed
mgly scarce, aud really most in demand. It is
a matter of wonder w’hy some of the various
real estate companies do not seek to fill this
want and build up their holdings with neat,
convenient and inexpensive dwellings. This
must soon be done bjg ome one if we expect to
successfully encourage those who show a dis
position to move among us. The increase of
population, which has been going on for seme
time, and which must be greater with our
growing importance as a seaport and as a rail
road terminus, can best be encourage! by
cheapening the cost of living here. One of the
most important factors in tuis cheapening pro
cess is cheap houses, whether for purchase or
rent.
In the matter of rents, the remarks of last
year apply with increased emphasis to this
year. There is a “large shortage” of houses
for rent, and an increased demand. There has
not been a sufficient number of houses within
the last five years to accommodate the large
increase of population. This increase contiu
ues, and the shortage will become more and
mor * apparent. The opening of new territory
by the completion of new lines of railroads, and
by the extensions of and additions to the old
lines, and the Increased volume of freight to be
handled by reason of new connections, will
bring to us all classes of wage-earners. All
must have homes. We nave the territory, the
artisans. and the material necesssary
for these homes. If we do not invest
our capital and prepare for this influx of popula
tion we shall lose the l>enefit* to b* thus de
rived, and instead oi building up our city this
population will overflow into and build up the
small near by towns along the several railroads.
This is a menace not to be despised or neglected,
and our people should take care that tt.eir
policy of ‘masterly inactivity” does not cost
them too dearly.
one of the great needs of this community is
cheap lots in healthy localities on the lines of
street railruads. The capitalist who at once
will take hold of a tract, sub-divide it, and
place it on the market well drained, supplied
with good water, and accessible by street curs,
will not only reap a rich reward but will be con
sidered a public benefactor.
The outlook for the coming year is full of
promise, the fruition of which none should
doubt. Never before in our history has the future
been sj bright for business of all classes.
The process of liquidation through which
every prudent business man has put himself
during the trying year just completed, has
served lo “strengthen our solidity.” New en
terprises have been inaugurated by prudent and
successful men, which must add to our facilities,
an 1 bring new business. Our people and
the people of the wfiole state are united in a
determined effort to make Savanuab tie port of
the sonth. Capitalists from other sections are
investing and others seeking investments In our
realty, and new lines of railway projected, com
menced and nearly completed, all are converg
ing to this as their Mecca. The outside world
is doing much for us, and it only remains for
us to “do well our part.”
Under these circumstances it is not strange
that “real estate, tbe basis of all wealth,”
should be considered in our city as a sure, a
certain, a very desirable investment. Large
fortunes have been made here by such invest
ments, and each day witnesses new accessions
from the shrewd business men of the city—those
who believe that real estate investment is the
sure road to wealth.
As previously stated, all that has militated
against a very active market during the whole
year has been tbe stringent money market.
This difficulty will be overcome by easier
money, this year, and new methods and new
sources from which to draw for real estate
loans The result will be an exceedingly active
market in realy. larger transactions, bolder
operations and fresh capital from outside opera
tors. The indications all point to a constantly
advancing market, which means large profits
The outcome of these conditions is a rapid
ouilding up into a great city of our beautiful
Savannah.
For Over Fifty Years
Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup has
been used for over fifty yeap by millions
motners for their children w hile teeth
ing-, with perfect success. It soothes the
child, softens the gums, allays all pain,
cures wind colic and is the best remedy tor
Diarrhoea. It will relieve the poor little
sufferer immediately. Sold by druggists in
every part of the country. Twenty-ffva
oents a bottle. Be sure and ask for "Mrs
kH^ 08 SjrUPl ”“ and Uk ™
M. FEBST’S SOXS * CO.
M. FERSTS SONS & CO.,
to HVIw <SSI
Wholesale Dealers in Groceries, Wines, Liquors, Cigars, Tobacco, Etc., Etc.
138, 14.0, 142 144 Bay Street, Cor. Whitaher arid River Streets, Savannah, Ga. JVeiv ~Yorh Office, 483 & 485
