NORTH AMERICA: MEXICO. 339 



Cost of labor in paper mills is from 50 cents to $3 per day in 

 Mexican money. I am told there has been a production of some five 

 tons per day for the last five years. Water and steam power is used 

 by the mills. The paper is machine made and the processes are 

 modern. The production is likely to increase. There are no pulp 

 mills. 



BANKS, MAILS, KTC. 



Banking facilities with the United States and all foreign coun- 

 tries are good. There are responsible banks in all the large cities. 

 Import duties and freight rates can be obtained from my report of 

 November 23, 1898.* International mail and telegraphic facilities 

 are excellent. 



If United States manufacturers wish to extend their business in 

 this country, they must send energetic representatives who speak 

 Spanish to learn the needs of the market, and then furnish just what 

 is desired. 



ANDREW D. BARLOW, 



MEXICO CITY, March 25, 1899. Consul- General. 



VERACRUZ. 



POPULATION. 



The population of the city of Veracruz, as taken by the last cen- 

 sus, was 18,000; it is now estimated at 36,000. A conservative esti- 

 mate would place the number of illiterate inhabitants at 20 per cent. 



CONSUMPTION AND IMPORTS. 



There is one small paper (manila wrapping) factory in Veracruz. 

 Mexican labor is not skilled in this industry. 



Aside from the ordinary uses of paper in this consular district 

 such as writing, printing, and wrapping a considerable quantity is 

 used in the manufacture of cigarettes, as well as in pasteboard and 

 paper coverings for match boxes. The usual variety of papers is 

 found here; the quality, weight, size, and price being practically 

 the same as in the markets of the United States. 



The importation of paper into this country is principally from 

 European markets, the usual long terms of credit being given, viz, 

 six to nine months. 



It is quite impossible to obtain statistics as to the whole quantity 

 of paper consumed in the country. Importations of papers through 

 the port of Veracruz during the fiscal year 1896-97 f were to the total 



* See Commercial Relations, 1898, Vol. I. 

 1 V.-ilue of Mexican dollar for fiscal year 1896 -97, 5-'. j cents (Treasury valuation). 



