ASIA: TURKEY IN ASIA. 423 



BANKS, MAILS, TELEGRAPHS, AND IMPORTS. 



There is a branch of the Imperal Ottoman Bank at Samsoun and 

 one at Angora. No other regular banking facilities exist. The 

 import duty is 8 per cent ad valorem. There is one post daily on 

 the Angora Railroad, and four or five posts a week by steamer at 

 Samsoun; also one a week to most of the towns of the interior. This 

 is carried by wagon, horse, or camel. There is no fixed tariff for 

 transportation. The telegraph facilities are sufficient for the cities, 

 but messages are slow and subject to Government inspection. No 

 code words are permitted. 



Import statistics are not procurable. The estimated valuation 

 of the annual import $800,000 was obtained by consulting various 

 merchants. 



OUTLOOK FOR AMERICAN TRADE. 



It would appear that the United States might reasonably expect 

 to share in the paper trade of this country. Paper should be laid 

 down at Constantinople or at Samsoun, and might be sold from 

 there for cash on delivery, if prices could be made profitable to the 

 small dealers. The United States, to build up its export trade in 

 paper to this country, should foster the merchant-marine service, 

 and direct steamship communication with Constantinople and Sam- 

 soun should be established.* 



M. A. JEWETT, 



SIVAS, February 4, 1899. Consul. 



SMYRNA. 



POPULATION. 



The estimated population of this city is 300,000. Illiteracy pre- 

 vails to the extent of 75 to 80 per cent. The people seem to give the 

 preference to trading and shopkeeping, and neglect mechanical or 

 industrial pursuits. 



CONSUMPTION. 



The different uses of paper are for writing, printing^ wall adver- 

 tisements, newspapers, wrapping, cigarette, pasteboard for boxes, 

 bags, etc. Wall paper and different kinds of fancy papers are also 

 employed. 



The industries using paper and pasteboard are bookbinding and 

 the manufacture of boxes and bags and some other articles of minor 

 importance. 



*See footnote, p. 420. 



