EUROPE: GERMANY. 



133 



most perfect methods of manufacture that a trade of great possibili- 

 ties may be acquired. German newspapers insist upon long-time 

 contracts and guaranties for regular delivery, and these require- 

 ments must be fulfilled. In order to sell paper in a country where 

 the supply is equal to the demand, it will be necessary to under- 

 sell the local manufacturers and to have supply depots whence goods 

 may be delivered promptly upon demand. For southern Germany, 

 such a depot should be established at Antwerp or Rotterdam, whence 

 paper can be shipped by cheap water rates to all the important cities 

 on or near the Rhine, and a valuable trade with the Netherlands 

 might be established. For the trade of northern Germany, Ham- 

 burg or Berlin would probably be the most advantageous location. 

 Capable sellers should then be sent out to push sales and establish 

 agencies. 



The trade in the cheaper grades of paper is necessarily dependent 

 upon the cheaper price of wood in the United States, which can only 

 be maintained by careful protection of our forests. Our country 

 has much to learn from Germany in the matter of forestry, and, un- 

 less precautions are taken, it is only too probable that American 

 competition in Germany with cheap papers will be prevented by the 

 fact that wood may become dearer. 



Of course, competition is yearly growing closer, and it is impor- 

 tant that any possible opening should be taken advantage of before 

 it is occupied by a rival. It is probable that Sweden will eventually 

 be the most serious rival, owing to its vast forests and the abundance 

 of water power in close proximity to the ocean. 



EXPORTS. 



The kinds or classes of paper exported from Germany were, dur- 

 ing the year 1897, as follows (values not accessible): 



