294 [Senate 



6th. As to the quality of American raw silk, compared with foreign, 

 I have little experience, except with my own, which I know has 

 continued to command the highest market price, anti generally, in- 

 deed I may say always, from fifty cents to a dollar more per pound 

 than the foreign. I would also observe, that foreign manufacturers 

 here, who have worked silk reeled in my filature, have given it a 

 decided preference. A sample of reeled silks and sewings, which I 

 sent to the National Gallery at Washington last year, has been com- 

 plimented as being equal to any in the world. While on the subject 

 of reeling, perhaps I will be excusable for mentioning, what to rue often 

 proves a source of deep regret ; I mean the inexperience of those 

 in different sections of our country who reel their own silk, without 

 knowing the necessity of its being done in a particular manner to 

 suit the manufacturer. Lots of silk are frequently offered for sale, 

 which, to look at, appear perfectly good; but upon examination, are 

 not saleable at any price, because they cannot be worked. Hence 

 another cause of discouragement to the grower. 



7th. In regard to the best tree for feeding, I prefer the white Ita- 

 lian ; I think the silk stronger, and susceptible of higher lustre ; and 

 would recommend in all cases of multicaulis feeding, where practica- 

 ble, that the while Italian should be substituted from the last moult- 

 ing to the finishing. The other varieties I am not acquainted with. 



8th. In the tariff, the act appears ambiguous: " On sewing silk, a 

 duty of two dollars per lb." " On raw silk, comprehending all silks 

 in the gum, fifty cents per lb." It is currently understood, but I am 

 unable to say with what correctness, that sewings are imported in the 

 gum at 50 cents per lb. If so, the duty of -$2.50 per lb. is more or 

 less defeated. Foreign sewings include generally from two lo three 

 ounces artificial weight in the pound of thirteen ounces, or about 20 

 per cent, illegal profit. The American manufacturer, even if so 

 disposed, is unable to compete with this fraud, on account of the 

 small quantity dyed at the same time. Foreign sewings are made 

 from second and third quality silk, first quality being manufactureil 

 into fine fabrics. American sewings are made from the first quiility 

 of raw silk, and are admitted to be much stronger and better; and 

 being new is also an additional advantage. Under all these circum- 

 stances, the American sewings cannot successfully compete with fo- 

 reign. There is a very strong disposition in consumers to encou- 

 rage American silk, but a^- the foreign answers their purpose, the 

 difference in price overcomes their patriotism. I am decidedly of 

 opinion, however, that American sewings would succeed under a re- 

 vision of the tariff, the present tariff being defeated by the manage- 

 ment of the foreign importer. 



9lli. As to the enterprise being feasible, lean see nothing to prevent it. 

 Our climate has been siifTiciently tested to prove that it can be done. 

 That the climate soiuh of the parallel of 40 deg. is more congenial fo 

 the worm we may admit, having little need of artificial heal; but if 

 good cocoons can be grown in the norlhern part of the Stale of New- 

 York, why not in any partof our Union ? Our population want lead- 

 ing on by State bounties, and a protective tariff on silk (that cannot 



