436 [Senate 



nish a very superior article. The machinery used by this company is 

 said to be of American invention and make. There are others that 

 manufacture what is called English and French elastic webbing, but 

 all on a limited scale. This branch of the manufacture is in a very 

 prosperous condition. The article of imitation patent leather, made 

 under the Goodyear patent of gum elastic, bids fair to become a very 

 important branch of this manufacture, and is worthy of your particu- 

 lar attention. It is an article that is brought into daily use in almost 

 all branches of trade, and is likely to supersede the patent leather in 

 this country. 



There are also the gun covers, cartridge cylinders, sword belts and 

 mail bags. It is only necessary for us to say, that the general govern- 

 ment after testing these articles, have given large orders to the Nau- 

 gatuck Company, (the only manufacturers of the above,) for the dif- 

 ferent articles for the use of our army and navy. These are also ma- 

 nufactured under the Goodyear patent, as are also a number of other 

 useful articles which we do not at this time particularize, but which 

 are worthy of attention, such as duck for sails, riggings, roof cover- 

 ings, &c. &c. 



To show the importance of what are termed the Goodyear inven- 

 tions and patents, some enterprising merchants of high standing in 

 this city, have offered Mr. Goodyear $100,000 for one-half of the 

 right of his patents for gum elastic composition, not before however 

 examining minutely into every branch of the business. Their saga- 

 city shows them that this is yet to be an important business, and those 

 best acquainted with it foresee that almost every article manufactured 

 under these patents will soon be in demand for exportation to almost 

 every country. We should not be surprised that if in the course of 

 three years the thousands of capital now employed in this manufac- 

 ture, should swell to millions of dollars. Neither have we any doubt 

 but that we have some one in our own land who will produce caout- 

 chouc, equal if not superior, to that imported from South America 

 and the Indies. The climate of some portions of Florida as well as 

 the soil, is similar to that of South America, where the caoutchouc tree 

 is raised; and if not found to exist here at the present time, there can 

 be no doubt but what it could be easily cultivated in the marshy 

 grounds of our southern States. 



It was shown by the report last season, that about 250 persons 

 were employed in the different India rubber establishments in the 

 United States. We now show that there is not less than 700, mak- 

 ing an increase of 450 in one year. The precise number of opera- 

 tives we have not been able to ascertain, as many of the manufacto- 

 ries refuse to give the required information — but it is hoped another 

 season every manufacturer will send to the American Institute a state- 

 ment of the number of hands employed, amount of capital, products, 

 &c., as it can do them no harm, and is of much importance to those 

 interested in the progress of American manufactures. 



We think enough has been shown to satisfy the American public, 

 that the manufacture of India rubber goods is rapidly on the increase; 



