accomplished during the present session of Congress. But there might be an increase of the free list, by the addition of articles of dyestuffs and raw materials, as recommended by both Walker and Guthrie, and advocated by the solid men of all parties in every section of the country. This would, of itself, diminish the imports of manufactured goods, without imposing an additional burden upon any, and to the mutual benefit of all. Such a proposition has been before the Committee of Ways and Means, and, we understand, will soon be reported. If the political excitement can be stayed long enough to secure its calm consideration, it will be passed by an overwhelming majority. The imports of dry goods at New York for May, included in the total imports given above, were $1,967,368 greater than for the same month of last year, $63,194 less than for the same time in 1854, and $455,124 greater than for the same time in 1853. We annex a comparison showing the description of goods received : IMPORTS OF FOREIGN DRY GOODS AT THE PORT OF NEW YORK FOR MAY. Total thrown on the market.. $3,717,155 $3,660,546 $2,603,310 $3,940,062 Total...... Add entered for consumption...... $430,778 $1,177,028 $264,174 $714,580 3,506,417 3,278,485 2,160,777 3,677,739 Total entered at the port..... $3,937,195 $4,455,513 $2,424,951 $4,392,319 This leaves the total imports, since January 1st, $18,964,413 larger than for the same time last year, $2,513,310 larger than for the same time in 1854, and $3,787,389 greater than for the same period of 1853. IMPORTS OF FOREIGN DRY GOODS AT THE PORT OF NEW YORK FOR FIVE MONTHS FROM Total thrown upon the market. $36,992,716 $38,359,072 $23,696,120 $41,837,441 Manufactures of wool... Manufactures of cotton... Manufactures of silk Manufactures of flax Miscellaneous dry goods. Total.... $2,569,187 $5,092,338 $4,052,451 $3,695,843 Add entered for consumption.... 34,948,683 33,699,611 18,288,395 37,609,416 Total entered at the port ... $37,517,870 $38,791,949 $22,340,846 $41,305,259 We have also compiled a statement showing the comparative exports of certain leading articles of domestic produce from New York to foreign ports since the opening of the year : EXPORTS OF CERTAIN ARTICLES OF DOMESTIC PRODUCE FROM NEW YORK TO FOREIGN PORTS FROM JANUARY 1ST TO JUNE 17TH: Candles-mold..boxes Coal.. Cotton... Hay. Hops. 29,803 1,054,189 5,139 880,934 12,111 5,600 1,653,422 1,926,031 Pork... ...bbls. 107,964 105,121 Beef... 44,416 49,432 Cut meats, lbs...13,763,790 23,961,132 Butter ...... ..... 324,536 441,170 .1,096,631 1,983,925 28,932 24,418 Lard........................... .. 4,940,239 6,967,443 ..trcs 1,898 Rice ..... 9,349 19,736 3,667 Tallow.......... lbs. 1,095,842 1,044,671 ...bales 133,513 119,922 Tobacco, crude..pkgs 17,999 20,504 Last year The above comparison presents some points of especial interest. there were, to this date, no shipments of wheat to Europe; this year the exports already exceed one million of bushels, at an average price of more than $1 50. The shipments of wheat-flour have increased more than 200 per cent; while nearly one million bushels of rye have been sent to the continent, chiefly to the German and Prussian ports. In provisions, the great increase has been in bacon, the exports of which have been nearly doubled. The promise of a bountiful harvest in Europe has been partially broken by the recent inundations in France. It is yet too soon to judge of the damage to the growing crop. In some localities it is said to be deplorable, but the evil may not be as general as at first supposed. In England there have been cold winds and rain, but nothing to injure the crop, and a large yield is still expected. Prices of breadstuffs have declined throughout this country, although there have been partial reactions at each change in the character of the foreign advices. We still see no reason to expect a range of prices for next year at anywhere near the quotations current during the last twelve months. NEW YORK COTTON MARKET FOR THE MONTH ENDING JUNE 20. PREPARED FOR THE MERCHANTS' MAGAZINE BY CHARLES W. FREDERICKSON, BROKER, NEW YORK. The action of our market, since the date of my last rǝport, May 23d, has been of a spasmodic character-in anticipation of light receipts, the cause for an advance became nugatory by the continued indifference of the foreign markets. Again the interruption of our diplomatic relations with Great Britain gave a momentary stimulus to the trade, only to be succeeded by increased apathy on the part of buyers. Holders generally have been indifferent to the causes which has tended to the above irregularity, and have offered their stocks only on an existing demand. The increase of the cotton trade of New York has, as a consequence, caused increased facilities for the payment of, or forwarding cotton to foreign ports on, consignments-the ease at which advances are obtained on this favorite article of commerce, causes less willingness on the part of holders to sell when the prospects ahead are deemed favorable. Many of our merchants, likewise, see the necessity of extending to our own spinners the same facilities for purchasing as they can obtain elsewhere, and, in consequence, there is a growing and increasing trade-on time-between our cotton factors and manufacturers. The increasing growth and importance of our own manufactures demand that they may buy, and with reason, too, on as favorable terms in New York as they do in the Eastern States. The quantity taken for export and speculation during the month has been small, while but few parcels have been sold in transitu, the views of holders being much beyond the buyers' figures. Our market for the week ending May 30 was dull and inactive-holders indifferent about selling, and buyers unwilling to proceed, unless at a reduction. The sales for the week were 6,000 bales, principally for the north of Europe, and consisted of the better grades. The market closed quiet at the following:— PRICES ADOPTED MAY 30TH FOR THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES: The foreign advices to hand during the week ensuing caused a more active demand for export and home consumption, 4,000 bales being taken by the former and 3,500 bales by the latter, at an advance of fully c. per pound on all grades. Much confidence was felt in a higher range of figures, from an anticipated falling off in receipts. The market closed firm at the annexed rates : PRICES ADOPTED JUNE 6TH FOR THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES: Our market for the week closing June 13th opened with more inquiry, and c. per pound was obtained. The foreign advices to hand during the week were, however, not so favorable as anticipated, and buyers in consequence claimed a reduction, which was not submitted to. The transactions amounted to 8,000 bales, market closing steady at the following: : PRICES ADOPTED JUNE 13TH FOR THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES: The transactions for the week closing at date were 10,500 bales-mostly before the arrival of the Arago and America--and at an advance of fully c. per pound. At the close of the week a more subdued feeling existed-without, however, changing quotations, the falling off in receipts counteracting the unfavorable advices from abroad. The market closed without inquiry at the following: PRICES ADOPTED JUNE 20TH FOR THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES: The growing crop is represented in good condition, and expectations for an other large crop generally entertained. 88,000 705,000 STATISTICS OF TRADE AND COMMERCE. STATISTICS OF THE COTTON TRADE. On the 10th of June, 1856, the Hon. N. P. BANKS, Speaker of the House of Representatives laid before that body the letter from Hon. WILLIAM L. MARCY, Secretary of State, transmitting a statement respecting the tariff duties and custom-house regulations applicable to American cotton in the principal commercial countries, together with tabular comparative statements relative to the import and export of cotton, and the quantities and values of cotton manufactures and yarns, in answer to the resolution moved by Mr. STEPHENS, of Georgia, some time since, and adopted by the House of Representatives, May 12, 1856. That resolution requested the Secretary of State to communicate to the House, in tabular form, such information as may be in possession of the Department of State respecting the tariff duties and custom-house regulations applicable to American cotton in the principal commercial countries; also, tabular comparative statements showing 1st. The quantities of cotton exported from the United States to the principal commercial countries respectively, and the aggregate amount of duties derived therefrom; 2d. The quantities of cotton imported into Great Britain, France, and Spain, respectively, and the countries whence imported; 3d. The quantities exported by Great Britain to all countries respectively; and 4th. The quantities and values of cotton manufactures and yarns exported from Great Britain and United States respectively to all countries. EDMUND FLAGG, Esq., the able and accomplished Superintendent of the Statistical Department, who was charged with the preparation of the required information on the subject of the cotton trade, communicated his report to the Secretary of State on the 28th of May, 1856, and we are indebted to that gentleman for a correct copy of his report, which we here subjoin to the exclusion of much valuable matter prepared for the present number of the Merchants' Magazine. It is, beyond all question, the most comprehensive and valuable document from any department of the government, not excepting the "Tabular Statements and Notes" of the late Secretary WOODBURY of the Treasury Department, on the same subject, twenty years ago. We give it entire as follows: I. STATEMENT RESPECTING THE TARIFF DUTIES AND CUSTOM-HOUSE REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO AMERICAN COTTON IN THE PRINCIPAL COMMERCIAL COUNTRIES. Papal States.. Cuba.... 74.86 lbs. 101 lbs. 10 cents. In national vessels, 194; in foreign vessels, 27 per cent on a valuation of $5. By the treaty of 1822, United States vessels are equalized with French vessels. VOL. XXXV.-NO. I. 6 |