FILES IN SPANISH AMERICA. 



PANAMA. 

 REPORT BY CONSUL-GENERAL ADAMSON. 



(1) There is no special demand for American files in this consular dis- 

 trict, neither is there a great demand for files from any other country. 

 The conditions under which we live in this country are so different 

 from those that prevail at home that it is difficult to make our people 

 comprehend our case. Briefly stated, there are no roads worthy of 

 mention, and therefore few vehicles to be repaired or horses to be shod. 

 The mechanics who use files are then few. During the time when the 

 works on the Panama Canal were in operation there was a considerable 

 consumption of files in the machine and blacksmith shops of the com- 

 pany, but that demand has ceased, and there is no prospect for creating 

 a fresh demand. 



There is but one store in the whole department of Panama which is 

 solely devoted to the business in hardware, and the purchases of, files 

 by that establishment amount to $250 a year. Under such circum- 

 stances as now exist here the total trade in files for the whole depart- 

 ment will hardly reach $1,000 per annum. 



(2) All the files used here are imported from Sheffield, England. 

 The kinds imported are such as are most used by blacksmiths, shoe, 

 makers, and workers in wood. 



(3) Files are not manufactured in this district. 



(4) The principal dealer in hardware at this place does not keep in 

 stock all the kinds or sizes of files mentioned in the list which accom- 

 panies the circular, and would only quote the cost of a few numbers. 

 For instance, he buys 10-inch bastard round files in Sheffield at 15 

 shillings per dozen, less 60 and 5 per cent. ; 16-inch bastard flat, 43 

 shillings, less same discount; 8-inch flat bastard, 10 shillings 6 pence, 

 same discount; 16-inch half round, 43 shillings, same discount; 16- 

 inch horse rasps, plain, 43 shillings, same discount. 



The ports of this isthmus are " free ports," but in the duty ports 

 there are no higher duties imposed on American files than on those 

 from Sheffield, and consequently the tariff can have nothing to do with 

 the competition. 



THOMAS ADAMSON, * 



Consul- General. 

 UNITED STATES CONSULATE, 



Panama, October 4, 1889. 



