Vol. VIII. No. 92. 
IMPERIAL INSTITUTE JOURNAL. 
[August, 1902.] 
221 
FOREIGN CONSULAR REPORTS. 
Beet-Sugar Acreage on the Continent.— The United 
States Consul-General in Berlin, who has given a great deal of 
attention to the beet-sugar question, and whose estimates have 
always turned out to be pretty correct, has made a report, under 
date of May 23, upon the effect produced on the planting of 
beets for sugar by the conference recently held. He emphasizes 
the fact that the area of sugar-beet planting throughout Germany 
and the other Continental countries is one of the most interesting 
features of the industrial situation. When the Brussels Con- 
ference abolishing export bounties had concluded its work, the 
syndicate of German sugar producers held a meeting and sent 
out an earnest demand that beet growers should reduce as far as 
possible their beet-planting for 1902. This policy was adopted 
in order “ to make headway against the enormous surplus of 
sugar that now overloads and depresses the European market." 
He now gives the result of this appeal. The returns show that 
Germany has planted this spring 1,046,396 acres, which is a 
decrease of 1 1 '2 per cent, from the area planted last year. Every 
province shows a decrease, the reduction of acreage ranging 
from 1 ’2 per cent, in Pomerania to 36 per cent, in Baden, 45 per 
cent, in Bavaria, and 54*1 per cent, in Hesse- Xassau. Four 
large factories have been shut down and will remain closed 
during the coming campaign against over-production of beet- 
sugar. He also gives returns from other sugar-producing 
countries of the Continent, the following table showing the 
variations of beet area as compared with last year : — 
Country. 
Area. 
Increase. 
Decrease. 
Austria-Hungary 
Acres. 
751,011 
Per cent. 
Per cent. 
16 "2 
France .... 
551.774 
— 
23-8 
Russia .... 
1,470,566 
1 
Belgium .... 
1300 16 
— 
24 
Holland .... 
77,009 
— 
35 
Sweden .... 
59.887 
— 
16 ‘4 
Denmark .... 
35.830 
4'8 
Four factories in Belgium and eight in Holland will suspend 
operations during 1902-3, and the mean average reduction in 
area of beet cultivation in these eight sugar-growing countries 
will be a reduction by 1 1 ’34 per cent, of the total acreage of the 
year 1901, 
Frozen Salmon in Germany.— Mr. Consul Monaghan, of 
Chemnitz, believes that 41 large business can be done in frozen 
salmon in Germany, if special attention is given to transporta- 
tion. Enquiries as to price showed that Oregon salmon could 
be bought for I'qo marks (35 cents.), while German salmon costs 
at the present times marks, or about §1 '25 per pound. The 
fish were frozen in Oregon and shipped in this frozen state to 
Europe. It is claimed that, if thawed in cold water and then 
cooked, the fish retains its flavour. If the above is" correct, there 
can be no doubt that Germany would make a very good market, 
as there is hardly any fish worth eating that can be had here for 
less than 40 cents per pound. Packers of salmon should look 
into this matter. A distributing house could be established in 
Hamburg or Bremen which would attend to the shipping of the 
fish to the inland German cities and towns. 
Fruit in China. — The following report by the United 
States Consul at Niuchwang will be of interest to Colonial ship- 
pers of fruit. The Chinese appetite for fresh fruit is strong, and 
apples are in great favour ; the only obstacle to the creation of 
a large market is the inability of the masses to pay anything but a 
low price. The average Chinaman does not distinguish the 
different varieties of apples, and if inferior grades could be sent at 
low rates, an extensive outlet could be created. Northern routes 
are the best for shipping green fruits. All shipments of apples for 
the Northern ports of China should be sent by October 1, on 
account of the danger of freezing if they arrive late in the season. 
If the fruit reaches North China in good condition, it will keep well 
on account of the cold dry climate. The presence of the Russians 
in Vladivostock, Port Arthur, and Dalny, will increase the 
market for apples, as the Russians like this fruit very much. 
The Consul instances a shipment of fifty boxes of apples which 
were sent from Portland on September 28, 1901, and reached 
Niuchwang, November 10. They were packed in ordinary light 
10 by 11 by 22 inch boxes, cleated on both sides, and the 
apples were wrapped in paper. The packages held in good 
shape, and every box arrived intact. The percentage of loss 
was greatest with the Red Russian variety (75 per cent. ) and 
least with Ben Davis (2 per cent.) ; the Spitzenberg lost 10 per 
cent. ; the Shannon pippin 25 per cent. ; and the Jonathan 
50 per cent. California ships a quantity of third grade yellow 
Newtons to China Some of these are consumed by foreigners, 
but most of them go to the Chinese fruit stands and restaurants 
and are eaten by natives. 
Madras and West African Peanuts.— In course of are- 
port on French methods of peanut crushing, the United 
States Consul-General at Marseilles gives some interesting 
particulars regarding Madras and West African nuts. The 
yield of oil from decorticated peanuts from the Madras coast, 
which constitute the largest import for the Marseilles soap 
trade, is from 39 to 40 per cent, of their weight. The resultant 
cake contains from 7 to 9 per cent, of oil. The price of the 
011 depends largely upon the purpose for which it is intended. 
Oil from Madras decorticated nuts, utilized by soap manu- 
facturers, brings 58 francs per 100 kilograms ($11.19 per 220 
pounds) naked, first pressure, delivered to buyers' stores. The 
finest edible oils are obtained from nuts imported in the shell, 
these coming from the West Coast of Africa, chiefly from 
Ruftisque and Gambia. Oils from these nuts are worth from 
75 to 80 francs per 100 kilograms ($14. 47 to $15.44 per 220 
pounds), naked, first pressure. Hand decorticated Mozambique 
nuts give an oil now worth from 74 to 75 francs ($14.28 to 
$14.47). The second pressure oil from Ruftisque, Mozambique, 
and Gambia nuts, which is suitable for illuminating purposes, 
is worth from 68 to 70 francs per 100 kilograms ($13. 12 to $13.51 
per 220 pounds). Ground-nut cake brings from 12.75 to l 3 
francs ($2.46 to $2.50) per 100 kilograms at mills, or 13.25 to 
13.50 francs ($2.55 to $2.60) delivered f.o.b. Marseilles in bulk, 
that is to say, without bags. There is usually a difference of 
3 francs per 100 kilograms (58 cents per 220 pounds) in this 
market in favour of ground-nut cakes over cottonseed cakes. 
The latter arc worth delinted, to francs ($1.93) per 100 kilo- 
grams at mills. Marseilles oil cakes are sold most conclusively 
for cattle feed. The soap mills of Marseilles consume on an 
average 3,000 to 3,500 tons of ground-nut and other seed oil 
per month, and about the same quantity of copra and palm- 
kernel oil, 
Mexican Tobacco. — According to a report by the Belgian 
Consul at Mexican city, the production of tobacco in Mexico 
has recently increased considerably, owing to the fact that 
several new plantations have been cultivated. During the last 
five years the exports of this article have varied greatly, attain- 
ing their highest point in 1898, during which year 7 , 997 . 35 2 lb. 
of tobacco in leaf, and 1,250,0001b. of manufactured tobacco 
were shipped. During the year 190a the local factories con- 
sumed a total of 15,000,0001b. of tobacco, of which 2,000,000 lb. 
came from Virginia. The production of tobacco in leaf in 
Mexico for the year 1902 is estimated at 17,000,000 lb. During 
the year T900 Mexican factories produced 377,502,882 packets 
of cigarettes, containing 15 to 25 cigarettes each, and 120,536,924 
cigars. Tobacco planters and manufacturers state that the 
quality of Mexican tobacco has greatly improved, and that at 
the present time it is almost, if not quite, equal to the best 
Cuban products. 

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE REPORTS. 
UNITED KINGDOM. 
Dundee.— A quarterly meeting of Dundee Chamber of 
Commerce was held in the Royal Exchange on the 3rd ult. 
Mr. A. B. Gilroy, the president, occupied the chair, and, in 
moving the adoption of the minutes, referred in fitting terms to 
the illness of the King, the postponement of the Coronation 
festivities, and went on to remark that they all fervently hoped 
that the satisfactory progress of His Majesty towards conva- 
lescence would be steadily maintained, and that they might be 
able very soon to offer their heartfelt congratulations on his 
complete restoration to health and strength, and that at no 
distant date they might see him duly crowned. When that 
happy event took place, the Chamber could send the address 
referred to in the minutes. Proceeding, he went on to remark 
that the most important subject dealt with by the Directors was 
in regard to the rating of machinery for the purposes of local 
taxation. In conformity with the decision of the annual meeting 
of the Chamber, the Directors had communicated with all the 
Scottish Members of Parliament, and urged them to vote for 
the second reading of a Bill before Parliament, the object of 
which was more clearly to define the law as to the taxation of 
machinery in England. Efforts had been made to get the Bill 
made applicable to Scotland, and, narrating the course of 
Parliamentary procedure, he explained that the measure had 
been shelved in the meantime. Mr. Renshaw, one of the 
Scottish members who had taken a great interest in this and 
other commercial matters, had introduced a Bill, the object of 
which was to ensure that the practice which had so long 
prevailed of only including as heritable the machinery required 
for driving a mill or factory should lie continued. The local 
Assessor of Taxes, encouraged by his success in a recent 
decision dealing with engineers' tools, was understood to have 
under consideration a scheme for raising the rateable value of 
jute factories by including factories hitherto exempt. If he was 
successful it would lay a heavy burden on some of the members 
of the Chamber, and give their Indian and foreign competitors 
a still greater advantage over them than they had at present. 
The Directors would continue to watch carefully over the 
matter, and use all their influence for the benefit of the members. 
He expressed satisfaction that the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
had seen fit to withdraw the tax on cheques, against which 
nearly every Chamber in the Kingdom had protested, and con- 
cluded by drawing attention to the fact that there had been a 
considerable increase of membership during the quarter, about 
25 new members having joined. 
Walsall. — The monthly meeting of the Council of this 
Chamber was held on 30th June, when -the president, 
Mr. F. RathBONE, occupied the chair. Before proceeding 
to the ordinary business, it was resolved to send a telegram to 
the Royal Family, expressing the sympathy of the Chamber in 
the serious illness of His Majesty the King. A reply was read 
from the Telephone Company stating that they had not, as 
alleged, lost time in repairing the lines after the great storm 
before Christmas, and that as the damage was an act of 
Providence, no rebate could be allowed on the subscriptions for 
the time when the instruments could not be used. On the 
proposition of Mr. Clark, it was resolved to refer the letter 
to the General Purposes Committee, several members contend- 
ing that undue time had been lost. The report of the 
Committee appointed to consider certain proposals re postal 
orders was received. Only meagre information had been 
received from the Postal Authorities, but the Committee thought 
that the poundage on small orders should be reduced, and that 
the time limit be extended or dispensed with altogether. A 
discussion took place on the Standardization of Metals, and it 
was generally held that it was necessary that active steps 
should be taken to arouse public interest ; to that end, it was 
resolved to bring it before the next meeting of the Associated 
Chambers of Commerce, in conjunction with the Sheffield 
Chamber. The Parliamentary Bills Committee recommended 
that support be given to the Merchants Shipping (Lighthouses) 
Bill and the Bankruptcy Law Amendment Bill. In response to 
the Decimal Association's request, it was also resolved to write 
urging that the question of the Metric System be brought before 
the coming Colonial Conference. 

GENERAL INTELLIGENCE OF THE PAST 
MONTH. 
July , 1902. 
UNITED KINGDOM. 
July 1st : The King continued to make satisfactory pro- 
gress. The Prince of Wales reviewed the Colonial Troops in 
London. The Colonial Premiers were entertained at a banquet in 
the Inner Temple. An Exhibition of Egyptian Antiquities was 
opened at University College, Lord Strathcona presided at the 
Annual Dinner in celebration of Dominion Day. 
2nd : The Queen and the Prince of Wales reviewed the 
Indian Troops on the Horse Guards Parade. The trial of the 
Pyx took place. The National Rose Society's Show was opened. 
3rd: The Royal Coronation Guests left England. The 
Hospital Sunday Fund exceeded £40,000. In the House of 
Lords the Finance Bill was read a second time. In the 
House of Commons the British Museum Bill was read a third 
time. 
4th : The King continued to make very satisfactory pro- 
gress. A brilliant reception was given to the Indian Chiefs at 
the India Office, at which the Prince of Wales, representing the 
King, was present, with the Princess of Wales and the Duke of 
Connaught. The second Meeting of the Colonial Conference 
was held ; Mr. Chamberlain presided. The Annual Banquet of 
the American Society was held in London. 
5th : The King's dinner to 500,000 of the poor of London 
took place. The King was pronounced to be out of danger. 
I'lie Royal Agricultural Society's Show was opened at Carlisle. 
7th : The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Guy's 
Hospital. A carriage accident occurred to Mr. Chamberlain, 
after his inspection of the West African Troops. The Duke of 
Devonshire presided at the Annual Meeting of the British 
Empire League. The National Indian Association held a 
Coronation Reception at the Imperial Institute. Death of 
Lady Milner. 
8th : The Queen's tea to servants took place. Death of 
the Earl of Arundel. 
9th : The Prince of Wales presided atj the tenth annual 
meeting of the Royal College of Music. Lord Roberts 
inspected the boys of the Duke of York's School. Prince 
Henry of Battenberg was present at the annual meeting of 
the Colonial Nursing Association. Death of the Duchess of 
Atholl. 
10th : The Queen opened the Imperial Coronation Bazaar 
at the Royal Botanical Gardens. The Prince and Princess of 
Wales held an .evening reception at St. James's Palace. Death 
of Lord Cheylesmore. An Educational Conference was held at 
the Colonial Office. 
nth: Lord Onslow presided at the Empire Coronation 
Banquet at the Guildhall. The annual meeting of the British 
Homoeopathic Congress was held. Lord Salisbury resigned. 
12th : Mr. Balfour accepted the post of Prime Minister 
vacated by Lord Salisbury. Lord Kitchener reached Southamp- 
ton, and, on arrival in London, was enthusiastically received. 
He was received by the King at Buckingham Palace, and was 
presented with the Order of Merit. 
14th : The pending resignation of Sir Michael Hicks- Beach 
was announced. In the House of Lords the Licensing Bill was 
read a second time. A Unionist Meeting was held at the 
Foreign Office. A dinner was given by the National Liberal 
Club in honour of the Colonial Premiers. 
15th: The King, accompanied by the Queen, journeyed 
from London to Portsmouth, and was carried on board the 
Royal Yacht. The funeral of Lord Pauncefote took place at 
Newark -on-Trent. In the House of Commons the Education 
Vote was agreed to. 
16th : The King was much benefited by his removal to 
Cowes. The Canadian Club Dinner was held under the 
presidency of Lord Strathcona. In the House of Commons 
the London Tube Railway Bills were read a second time. The 
resignation of Earl Cadogan as Viceroy of Ireland was 
announced. Death of Mr. W. Johnston (U.), M.P. for Belfast. 
iSth : Ft was announced that the Coronation would take 
place on August 9. Mr. Chamberlain presided at the third 
sitting of the Colonial Conference. The Gordon Statue in 
St. Martin's-place was unveiled by the Duke of Cambridge. 
Sir Henry Fowler presided at the annual general meeting of the 
Incorporated Law Society. The freedom of St. .Andrews was 
conferred on Lord Elgin, Lord Balfour, and Mr. Caniegie. 
19th : The Indian troops visited Windsor Castle. Mr. 
Balfour opened a new Conservative Club at Fulham. The 
Guards Battalions landed from South Africa. The Indian 
Princes were present at a Garden part}- at Hatfield. Death of 
Mr. Kegan Paul. 
21st : The King continued to gain strength. Mr, Seddon 
was presented with a testimonial by New Zealand Colonists in 
London. The Honorary degree of D.C.L, was conferred on 
Sir E, Barton at Oxford. 
22nd : Death of Dr. Croke, Archbishop of Cashel. The 
fifth congress of the International Co-operative Alliance was 
opened at Manchester. 
23rd : An exhibition of Japanese Art was opened in White- 
chapel. The Duchess of Devonshire opened the Nature Study 
Exhibition at the Royal Botanic Gardens. 
24th : The King continued to make uninterrupted progress 
towards recovery. 
25th : The King went round the Isle of Wight in his yacht. 
Princess Henry of Battenberg visited the Naval and Military 
Exhibition at Portsmouth. Lord Roberts visited Sandhurst. 
The fifth meeting of the Colonial Conference took place. Lord 
Cadogan opened the Chelsea Physic Garden. Lord Charles 
Beresford spoke at the 12th annual dinner of the Institute of 
Marine Engineers. Death of Canon Blackley. 
26th : The Colonial Premiers visited Edinburgh. The 
Cancer Research Fund amounted to ,£36.491. The King held 
a Council on board the Royal Yacht at Cowles. General Lucas 
Meyer arrived at Southampton. Death of Lady Harriet 
Duncombe. 
28th : The Colonial Premiers visited Glasgow, The 
freedom of the Cutlers' Company was presented to Lieut. -Gen. 
Sir J. D. French. The General Ship Owners' Society held 
their annual meeting. The Alien Immigration Commission 
held a meeting at St. George's Town-hall, E., Lord James of 
Hereford presiding. 
29th : A Viscountcy was conferred on Lord Kitchener. 
Mr. R. Barran (L. ) was elected M.P. for North Leeds in the 
room of Mr. W. L. Jackson, raised to the peerage. The 
British Medical Association opened its annual meeting at 
Manchester Death of Dr. Searle, Master of Pembroke College, 
Cambridge. 
30th : The Colonial Conference held its sixth meeting at 
the Colonial Office. Death of Lord Gerard. Death of Bishop 
Walsh. 
31st: The annual meeting of the S.P.C. A. was held. Lord 
Rosebery presided at the Liberal League Dinner. 
COLONIES. 
Australia. —3rd : The Federal Senate continued to reduce 
the Customs duties. — 10th : The Australian State Capitals were 
illuminated in celebration of the King's recovery. — 17th : Lord 
Tennyson arrived at Melbourne, and was sworn in as temporary 
Governor-General. New South Wales. — 7th: An Irish 
demonstration, presided over by the Mayor, in favour of Home 
Rule for Ireland, took place in Sydney. Victoria. —3rd : Lord 
Hopetoun left Melbourne for England. — 16th : The State 
Assembly Reform Bill was published. South Australia. — 
3rd : The State Parliament was opened by Lord Tennyson. 
Queensland. — 9th : The State Parliament was opened ; the 
Governor announced increased taxation. — 16th : Lord Hopetoun 
embarked at Brisbane for England. Western Australia. — 
17th : Sir A. Lawley opened the second session of the Fourth 
Parliament. Tasmania.— 16th : The Premier proposed the 
amalgamation of the two Chambers. 
New Zealand. — 1st : Parliament was opened ; the Gover- 
nor announced that it was intended to appoint commercial 
agents in England, the Cape, and Australia. 
Canada. — nth: The Canadian Manufacturers’ Association 
invited the Australian Premiers to the Association's Annual 
Banquet at Halifax, on August 14.— 24th : — Lord Dundonald 
arrived at Quebec. 
Cape Colony. — 3rd : 34,000 persons signed the petition in 
favour of the suspension of the Constitution.- — 8th : The Cape 
Parliament was summoned to meet on August 20, A despatch 
was received from Mr. Chamberlain urging the inadvisability 
of suspending the Constitution. — 13th : A day of thanksgiving 
for peace was observed in the Dutch Churches.— 15th : A 
deputation of members of parliament waited on the Governor 
to urge the filling up of parliamentary vacancies. — 25th : 
Generals Botha and Delarey visited Paarl. — 28th : Sir J. G. 
Sprigg arrived in Cape Town from England. — 30th : Generals 
Botha, De Wet, aad Delarey left Cape Town for Europe. 
Jamaica.— 17th : The Imperial Government advanced 
£ 10,000 , to assist the sugar planters. 
Leeward Islands.— 25th : Sir Gerald Strickland was 
appointed Governor. 
Natal. — 20th : 400 Boers arrived at Durban from Colombo. 
— 29th : The Natal Volunteer Composite Regiment was dis- 
banded. 
p -$C ■■II& 
