292 Transactions of the 



two million five hundred thousand dollars, while there may he five hun- 

 dred thousand dollars worth manufactured here. This great drain on 

 our circulating medium to keep up the industries of other countries 

 should and can be checked, if men of capital will study the interests of 

 the laboring class among us, and devise ways and means for giving them 

 constant and remunerative emploj'ment. From the experience I have 

 had in my small way of manufacturing furniture, I am of the opinion 

 that a large establishment with capital to operate with, so as to take 

 advantage of circumstances, located in Sacramento, could be made to 

 pay a handsome profit on all the money invested. 



The freight on furniture is greater in proportion to the value of the 

 goods than on most any other class of goods imported, on account of 

 their great bulk. 



Again, the average breakage and damage to fine furniture by being 

 handled is very great; while all furniture comes in a more or less 

 damaged state, and has to be overhauled and repaired at considerable 

 extra expense before it can be sold. The change of climate has also a 

 very damaging effect on furniture. For instance, furniture put up in a 

 damp climate, like that of New York or Boston, will last a long time if 

 used in the same climate; but if transported into a dry climate, like that 

 of Sacramento or most parts of our State, it falls to pieces in a very few 

 years. 



The annual loss to the people of California on furniture from this 

 cause alone is thousands of dollars, all of which might be saved if this 

 furniture could be manufactured in the State, in the vicinity and climate 

 in which it is used. Had I the capital to invest, I would manufacture 

 all the furniture I sell; but being unable to do this, I claim no less merit 

 should be awarded me, because I have demonstrated that it can be done, 

 and I am endeavoring to induce capitalists to put their money into a 

 joint stock company against my knowledge and skill in the business. 



With these remarks I leave the matter in the hands of the committee. 



JOHN BEEUNEE. 



CANDLES. 



Statement of Winter, Maurer & Co., of San Francisco. 

 To the Gold Medal Committee: 



Gentlemen: We desire to call your attention to the importance and 

 extent to which the branch of domestic manufactories which we repre- 

 sent affects the trade and industrial manufacture of California: 



First — The importation of candles in boxes, as per official records, 

 amounts to three hundred thousand boxes, valued at over one million 

 dollars. 



Second — Tallow, heretofore exported, did not realize to shippers over 

 six to seven cents per pound net, while now, since our factory com- 

 menced operations, it is sold here at a ready market at ten cents per 

 pound. 



Third — To furnish our factory with tallow requires not less than the 

 fat of thirty thousand head of cattle annually; the price obtained for 

 tallow oilers a great inducement to farmers and stock raisers to increase 



