ASIA : DUTCH INDIA. 393 



Some time ago, an American paper manufacturer was here look- 

 ing into the prospects for competing in this market. He abandoned 

 the idea at the time, by reason of the high freight rates between the 

 United States and Java. 



Recently, however, there has been established a direct line of 

 steamers from New York to Singapore, which, I understand, has 

 reduced the rates considerably. The transshipment at Singapore 

 to Batavia is, however, expensive. 



The best course for American manufacturers to pursue is to find 

 out in New York from the transportation companies the lowest price 

 that they can get in freight rates; then make some large importer 

 here an offer, after finding out what he has been paying. If the 

 offer is cheaper than what he has been giving, he will undoubtedly 

 accept it, as the average person here buys with little regard for quality 

 and none for sentiment. It is solely a question of price. 



Long credits say three months will probably have to be given. 



There is little hope of inducing the government to buy from any- 

 where but Holland, as public opinion would not tolerate it. 



OCEAN TRANSPORTATION. 



There is direct transportation from Amsterdam or Rotterdam by 

 three different lines of steamers running on regular schedule. All 

 of the lines are Dutch. 



The Messageries Maritimes (French) Line comes here, but goes 

 no farther than Marseilles. The Queensland Royal Mail (English) 

 runs from here to London, I do not think any paper is shipped by 

 either of the two last-named lines, and the direct trade between here 

 and Holland is practically controlled by the Dutch. 



The coastwise trade can be carried on only by steamers of Dutch 

 registry. 



The freight on paper from Holland to Batavia is $6.80 per cubic 

 meter (35.316 cubic feet) or per 1,000 kilograms (2,204.6 pounds), 

 as elected by the company; heavy goods like paper are usually sent 

 by weight. The paper contracts all provide that the goods shall be 



delivered at the harbor of Batavia. 



SIDNEY B. EVERETT, 



BATAVIA, February j, 1899. Consul. 



