350 PAPER IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 



cheaper than from England. These purchases are insignificant in 

 total amounts. 



From these statements, it will be seen that Bermuda does not 

 offer inducements for specialties. Its trade is small and is conducted 

 by dealers who buy comparatively unimportant stocks for a general 

 retail trade. They purchase in the markets of the United States, 

 as well as in those of England. 



W. MAXWELL GREENE, 



HAMILTON, December 20, 1898. Consul. 



DUTCH WEST INDIES. 



There are no manufactories of paper in Curagao. The print- 

 ing and writing papers of medium class used here are mostly im- 

 ported from Belgium, Germany, and Italy, and the wrapping paper 

 from the United States. The preference is given to the European 

 articles only on account of the lower prices, as shipping, mail, and 

 telegraphic facilities are in favor of the United States. 



No statistics are obtainable as to the quantity and value of papers 

 imported. 



The import duty is 3 per cent ad valorem. 



J. WUISTER, 



CURASAO, January 14, 1899. Vice-Consul. 



FRENCH WEST INDIES. 



The total population of Martinique, according to the census taken 

 on December 31, 1894, was 189,599 souls. The percentage of illit- 

 erates may be estimated at about two-thirds of the above, if not 

 more; but for the last thirteen years, there have been established in 

 this island communal, or free, schools, besides a "lycee," or lyceum, 

 for boys and girls, both affiliated to the French University, besides 

 adult night schools. A large proportion of the population will, in 

 the future, enjoy the benefit of at least an elementary education. 



CONSUMPTION. 



While it will be impossible to reply at length to each-question 

 under this head, for the reasons given above, I will state that paper 

 is used in schools and offices for general writing purposes; in stores 

 and shops, for wrapping ordinary yellow straw paper being used; 

 and in the printing or newspaper establishments. Of the latter, 

 there are no more than three on the whole island, and the only pub- 



