No. 350.
Mr. Bell
to Mr. Bayard.
The Hague, December 14, 1885. (Received December 29.)
Sir: The growing trade between this country and the United States in Sumatra tobacco at a time when other industries are tranquil seems a question of so much importance to those connected with the culture of tobacco in the United States, that I have thought it proper to invite your attention to certain features of the trade at a time when measures are likely to be considered by Congress regarding a change in the tobacco tariff.
Tobacco growing or culture as an industry in Sumatra dates from 1865.
There are no figures at hand to show to what extent it was cultivated between the years 1865 and 1876.
During the year 1876 29,000 bales were grown in Sumatra. In 1883 the number of bales had increased to 100,000.
The tobacco is brought from Sumatra to Amsterdam, where it is sold at public auction at stated periods during the year.
The following statement, according to the last consular record, shows the growth of the trade. Sumatra tobacco exported from Amsterdam to the United States as follows:
| Quarter ending— | ||
| September 30, 1883 | $5,789 86 | |
| December 31, 1883 | 32,720 26 | |
| March 31.1884 | 117,625 06 | |
| June 30, 1884 | 437,541 88 | |
| September 30, 1884 | 415,759 47 | |
| December 31, 1884 | 713,767 78 | |
| March 31, 1885 | 290,153 00 | |
| June 30, 1885 | 547,951 00 | |
* * * * * * *
I have, &c.,