U. S. Consul McDoiKjaWs Report on Oils and Jute at Dundee. 637 



The facts and figures 1 liave given clearly indicate that the jute trade within 

 the last thirty or forty years has advanced to be a most valuable branch of in- 

 dustry in this country, and also that this trade has contributed not a little to the 

 commercial importance of the nation. It has been shown that the trade has been 

 stagnant here for the past three years, but it is thought at last the prospects of 

 the trade are beginning to look brighter 5 prices are better and firm, inquiries 

 having been more active during the last month. It is averred, however, that this 

 improvement is not tangible, but created by speculation on the market, and that 

 this fictitious demand will likely soon pass over and leave the business as lifeless 

 as before. This belief, however, is not universal, as one small jute work which 

 has been stopped has been started again last week, and it is rumored that portions 

 of the idle machinery in the jute factories that are working have been recently 

 set agoing. 



Advices from America of the restoration of mercantile confidence and sound 

 trade, it is believed, will be the commencement of good trade for Dundee, seeing 

 the connection it has wath the United States, and this is adduced as a reason for 

 setting the closed works and idle machinery again in motion. I trust, for the 

 mutual welfare of both countries, these hopes may be fully realized. 

 I am, sir, your obedient servant, 



MATTHEW McDOUGALL, 



Consul. 



Hon. F. W. Seward, 



Assistant Secretary of State, Washington, D. G. 



