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manner in which it has been managed by the present Governor, Sir 
eee Shea, who has all along taken a most earnest interest in the 
matte e isa man of large experience in affairs, and has practical 
know ledge of the e proper wd to manage industrial enterprises. From 
Bahamas, and, setting his heart upon it, he pushed it forward with 
great energy and rudence, overcoming numerous difficulties, sur- 
mounting obstacles, encouraging the faint-hearted, until now the people 
are touched with his own enthusias m, and the industry is feirly afloat, 
He visited England, and by personal effort enlisted capitalists and |. 
procured large investments. 'To Sir Ambrose Shea the colonists owe 
measure, they will more p: rfectly realise how not only their individual 
interests, but those of outside investors, have been wisely and prudently | 
promot oted and guarded from the very inception of the industry by the 
practical, discreet, and conservative action of their Governor. ; 
ere can be no doubt or question as to the success of Sisal cule 
inthis colony. It has passed far beyond the experimental stage, and 
is giving daily evidence that it will become a source of wealth to all - 
concer ned. The combined conditions of soil and climate especially 
odapted to the growth of first-class fibre give this colony a marked 
advantage over other West Indian islands, where the plant may grow 
luxuriantly enough, but will be found deficient in good strong fibre. — 
The poorer and more sterile the soil the better the result, and here the 
i y, it 
cultivation, and at an expense below that of almost any other agricultural 
product, and its value is substantial. 
s two-thirds of the trade of the Bahamas is now with the United 
States; as their only steam communication with the outside world is 
by a subsidised line of American steamships running between Nassau 
and New York; as their increased wealth and pro oe means a 
larger and more profitable commercial intercourse with our own country, 
we should view this coming development of their cia Stasi with 
si dide and with the warmest wishes for its complete success. 
I clusion, I would add that I have sent by this mail kr samples 
of the Behaina fibre for the information and satisfaction of the State 
“tier ani siege that the same would be of eae interest to 
justify m doing. These specimens were not specially selected, 
but are mis fair samples of the mde fibre which is now being grown 
and shipped from the colony. Two of them have still — a stub, 5 
or portion of the butt end of the leaf, which was purposely n 
through the machine, showing the character of the Sisal Ef when 
extraeted. gs 
Tuos. J. MoLai, Jn : 
United States Consulate, N m i Consul. z 
Jan uary 20th, 1890 vd 
