Mining in Canada.-Commercial Agent Beutelspacher sends from Moncton, August 19, 1898, a synopsis of the Canadian Mining Annual for 1898. The book, he says, is a 600-page digest of information relating to the history, organization, and operation of all Canadian collieries, metal mines, blast furnaces, and smelting works, compiled from the most authentic sources, with introductory notes and official statistics.

The book shows that mining enterprises in Canada are on the increase. The geological survey places the total value of the mineral output for 1897 above $28,000,000, or an increase of $6,000,000 over the previous year. The output is divided as follows among the principal mining Provinces: British Columbia, $10,455, 268; Nova Scotia, $6,000,000; Ontario, $5,000,000; Quebec, $2,063, 266; Northwest Territories and Yukon, $3,000,000.

Tariff Changes in the Argentine Republic.-Minister Buchanan telegraphs from Buenos Ayres, September 23, 1898:

According to a law passed by the Argentine Congress yesterday, in force from now until December 31, customs duties are increased as follows: Ad valorem duties of 5 per cent and under, doubled; those above 5 per cent, subject to 10 per cent additional, and 10 per cent on customs law; value of article added on all specific duties.

The following are among the articles that come under the 5 per cent ad valorem classification in the Argentine tariff: Cork, jewelry, wire, twine, tin in sheets; iron, zinc, and lead in ingots or bars; sewing machines and parts, tar oils, quicksilver, machinery for installation of electric plants or waterworks (except meters and electric fixtures), fire bricks and clay, wool-clipping machines, steam motors, gold and silver watches and plate, agricultural machinery, and wool yarn. Under the 22 per cent rate come cotton in bales, zinc in sheets, wood pulp, hops, rabbit hair, gelatin, etc. Specific duties. are charged on provisions, drinks, tobacco, collars and cuffs, hats and hat felts, matches, kerosene, grain bags, playing cards, stearin, linseed oil, etc.

Additional Import Tax in Uruguay.—Consul Swalm writes from Montevideo, July 27, 1898:

Beginning with August 1, an additional permanent tax of 21⁄2 per cent on all imports into Uruguay is again in force. The proceeds are at first to be applied to the payment of outstanding treasury certificates, which are ten months behind, and will afterwards be

devoted to the proposed harbor improvements. The tax is of especial significance to Americans interested in the exportation of lumber and refined oil, upon which the duty is already very heavy.

Supplies here are very light, shipments having been retarded on account of the war with Spain.

Increase of Duties in Nicaragua.-Consul Sorsby writes from San Juan del Norte, September 14, 1898:

I have to report that on August 30, 1898, import duties on liquors, dry goods, and several other staple articles were advanced about 100 per cent. This new tariff decree has not been received by me; therefore, I am unable to give it in detail.

New Tariff and Harbor Regulations in Japan.-Minister Buck writes from Tokyo, September 12, 1898, that he has received a note from the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs to the effect that the new customs tariff law* will be enforced throughout the whole of the Japanese dominions from the 1st of January, 1899.

Under date of September 10, Mr. Buck says that the new harbor regulations will be enforced at the port of Yokohama from the 10th of October, and at Kobé and Nagasaki from the 1st of November, 1898.

Commercial Code and Treaties in Japan. Minister Buck has informed the Department of State, in a note written from Tokyo, July 28, 1898, that Japan put in force the revised civil code and the commercial code, beginning with the 16th of July. On July 17, 1899, all the revised treaties with foreign countries will become effective; it having been stipulated that the codes should be in operation twelve months previously.

Railway Material Wanted in Australia.-On September 9, 1898, Consul Halstead sends the following from Birmingham:

The London correspondent of the Birmingham Daily Post states that information reaches him from an official source that the Victorian and South Australian governments will invite tenders for

* See CONSULAR REPORTS No. 204 (September, 1897), p. 91.

+ See CONSULAR REPORTS No. 217 (October, 1898), p. 255.

railway material in the course of October, and that the material, including rails and girder work, is intended for relaying government lines and the development of the agricultural districts.

I assume that these British colonies do not limit bids to citizens of Great Britain.

Jute Crop of India for 1898.-Consul-General Patterson writes from Calcutta, July 28, 1898:

I will state for the information of manufacturers, dealers, and consumers of jute that the first forecast of the department of land records and agriculture, in the province of Bengal, where jute is principally cultivated, shows a decrease in the area cultivated amounting to 477,300 acres (22 per cent), due partially to the deficiency of rain during the sowing season and partially to the low price of jute last year and the high price of rice, which have induced the cultivators to grow the latter crop in preference to jute. It may be roughly estimated that this year's yield will amount to 90 per cent of a normal crop.

New Railroad in Mexico.-Consul Thompson, writing from Progreso, August 22, 1898, says:

The States of Yucatan and Campeche are now united by railroad. The inaugural ceremonies, which took place July 29, 1898, were very imposing, and the banquet which followed was presided over by the Minister of Justice for Mexico, acting for President Diaz.

The conclusion of this railway marks an important era for both States.

High Price of Coal in France.-Consul Jackson writes from La Rochelle, August 18, 1898, that, owing to the labor troubles in England, the price of coal has increased enormously. Retail prices range from 45 to 50 francs ($8.685 to $9.65) per ton, and there is an increasing anxiety on the part of public men concerning the supply for the coming winter. He is informed that American coal would be acceptable at La Rochelle.

Adjustment of Trade Differences with Germany.-Consul Monaghan writes from Chemnitz, under date of August 6, that the Prussian chambers of commerce have called for expressions of opinion from the mercantile classes on the best action to be taken in regard to an adjustment of the tariff situation in its bearing upon

the United States. Present indications show an opposition to any careless tariff war, and those whose interests are most deeply affected are hoping for a settlement of disputed points in as friendly a manner as possible.

Large Hay Crop in Germany.-Consul Hughes writes from Coburg, August 29, 1898:

I would respectfully suggest that a warning be given to American grass raisers and dealers, that they should not ship hay in any shape on consignment to this part of the German Empire, as the crops of all kinds of grasses have been enormous, and to consign for sale here will not only entail the loss of the hay, but heavy additional expenses.

Opposition to American Pork in Italy.-Consul Cramer sends from Florence, under date of August 8, 1898, an article published in a Bologna newspaper to the effect that the manufacture of pork and its different products, formerly so remunerative in Italy, has for some years met with powerful competition from foreign manufacturers, especially American. At a meeting of Bolognese saltedmeat sellers it was resolved to ask the Government to alter the tariff laws now in force relating to the importation of hog products from the United States.

Animals in Switzerland.-Under date of September 21, 1898, Consul Frankenthal, of Berne, says that according to the figures for 1896, just published, there are 1,306,696 cattle, 566,974 hogs, 415,817 goats, 271,901 sheep, and 108,969 horses in Switzerland. The number of cattle increased 32 per cent in the last thirty years. From 1892 to 1895 the import and export of cattle showed the following yearly average: Imports-oxen, 45,695; bulls, 4,490; cows, 7,456; heifers, 5,763; calves, 14,922; exports—oxen, 456; bulls, 2, 105; cows, 18,711; heifers, 11,505; calves, 14,641. The import of horses is steadily increasing, the average during the three years under consideration being: Horses, 6,455; colts, 1,221; mules, 3,125; donkeys, 1,740. The full text of Consul Frankenthal's report has been sent to the Department of Agriculture.

Poultry and Eggs in Russia.-A report from Consul-General Holloway, of St. Petersburg, dated September 21, 1898, says that Russia has made rapid progress in the poultry and egg industry, which now occupies the fifth place in value of her exports, repre

senting $11,587,500 in 1894.

Pheasants are successfully bred, and geese find a ready sale in foreign markets. Shipments are made to Berlin, Vienna, Paris, and London. The report in full has been transmitted to the Department of Agriculture.

Women Employed in German Trade.-Consul Monaghan, of Chemnitz, under date of September 9, says that there are 579,608 women engaged in trade in Germany, the number having doubled. during the last thirteen years. All branches of industry show an increase in this line of employment, the higher classes of labor even more than the lower ones. The greatest gain, however, is apparent in commerce, the percentage of women in this line being 1 to 4. The full text of Mr. Monaghan's report has been transmitted to the Department of Labor.

Treatment of Tetanus by Cerebral Injection.-Consul Skinner reports from Marseilles, September 12, 1898, an operation in the city hospital. The patient's skull was trephined in both hemispheres, and a serum prepared by Dr. Roux, of Paris, was introduced into the brain. The operation lasted forty minutes, and five minutes after its completion the patient was able to respond intelligently to questions and seemed at first to be doing well. After four days, however, he died. The newspaper discussion of the affair brought out a statement from a physician at Agde that in July last, under circumstances requiring heroic treatment, he had performed the operation very successfully, the patient being out of danger in five days.

The full text of Consul Skinner's report has been transmitted to the Marine-Hospital Service.

Branch Post-Offices in Brussels.-Under date of August 26, 1898, Consul Roosevelt, of Brussels, says:

Besides the main post-office and telegraph building of Brussels, there are twenty-four subpost-offices distributed in various parts of the city and suburbs, located in buildings either rented or owned. by the Government. Cafés and liquor shops are excluded. Persons intrusted with these offices receive an annual salary of from 200 to 400 francs ($38.60 to $77.20), besides a stipulated percentage on the amount received from the sale of stamps, postal cards, and money orders.