Commercial Chronicle. STATE OF TRADE. tem with the greatest violence, his ferocity was in no small degree counteracted by the establishment of associations and companies, which insured their respective members against the casualties certain adventures might experience from his triple row of Douanniers. The correspondents abroad gave the most correct information on the who, the when, and the where: so that while the emperor and king, who always captured something, as if par hazard, persuaded himself he was ruining u individual, he was, in fact, but drawing on a Consolidated Bank, and determining the averages of an insurance consociation. The same view of things has been taken by those who speculate iu what is technically known among themselves, under the appellation of the fair trade: but, which the uninitiated venture to call in plain terms direct smuggling. That this branch of traffic always has had, in all countries, as well as in our own, those who engaged in it, is but too true; but it was not always, as it has been lately, carried on, in that systematic manner, which is implied in the establishment of Insurance | Companies, and regular premi:ms. On this subject, a word to the wise: and we wish that those who think themselves wise, would accept the word; before they find it -a word and a blow! Lloyd's Coffee House, March 20, 1818. THE late boisterous gales have produced an effect on many of the countenances well known in this House, which, if it does not amount to alarm, has at least the force of apprehensiou. It must be acknowledged, that when an individual has an immense sum of money-and some of the more extensive Insurers, well know what it is to have a million floating on the seas at one time-be may well be pardoned if storms on land remind him of storms at sea; and if he watch with anxiety the news communicated by every letter received, and every entry made in the books of this establishment. Our own coast has witnessed, in various places, the damage done by what may be termed a hurricane; and the opposite coast of the Continent is thickly strewed with demonstrations of distresses and losses. Within the space of about a hundred miles, not less than a hundred and fifty vessels are reported to have suffered, some totally; some not leyond the hope of partial recovery. Other losses must be expected, the news of which has not yet arrived. And thus, our coun try readers who know nothing by experience, on this subject, may perceive by what vicissitudes a merchant's life is che quered; and to what degree, a principal part of his concerns, are at the mercy of the winds and waves; although not consigned on his account to any of his foreign correspondents. It will at the same time be recollected, that the insurances which may be affected by these disasters were under-written on the terms of the winter risk, and therefore, may be said, in a sense, COTTON, for instance, has felt no great to have been foreseen, and provided a- deal of briskness; and without going down gainst. Not, indeed, that they could be so, in price, has experienced some little diffistrictly speaking; but on the average of culty in maintaining its steadiness. The Joss as well as profit, and taking the whole Liverpool market, however, has tully supof this branch of adventure juto the ac ported its late quotations, if it have not count Insurance, in its very nature, im- rather, in some instances surpassed them. plies hazard; and though we may regret! The finer kinds have experienced a little the loss sustained by insurance offices-improvement; and this, notwithstanding those against fire, for instance—yet the bu- several large public sales. The ships en siness must be profitable, on the whole, orgaged in the Private Trade to india have these institutions would decrease instead of increasing. They have increased; although if report say true, not greatly to the advantage of those which have latest entered into the lists of competition for popolarity. If we are not mistaken, the calculations necessary in the management of insurance have been carried to the greatest length and nicety, within a few years past. When COFFEE, it appears, has revived from its Buonaparte inforced the Continental Sys-former depression, and notwithstanding the It will not be thought by any acquainted with the practical course of trade, that the foregoing hints are misplaced in a paper under the title of the present; for, beyond all doubt, honest trade is much affected by the facts to which they allude The early keeping of Easter, and its holidays, this year, has been somewhat unfavourable to the markets, at the moment. This, indeed, is but transitory; yet it rather abates the spirit of the present Report. brought over considerable supplies from that country; and these will, no doubt be feit as rivals, by those who have hitherto furnished the article from the Western world. The reported arrivals this week, at that port, are 3087 bags: the total of sales are 6,100 bags. Prime goods have fetched profitable prices. extent of some late sales, has met with fair | ginary, but real. Though Carolina Rice encouragement. At this moment, there is certainly that which is usually placed in are no sales of a heavy description ex- the first rank, yet, the superior kinds of pected; so that if the demand be limit- East India have been readily accepted; ed, the quantity offered is limited also; and much attention has lately been paid and therefore, as the market is not over- to them: they have their share of the stocked, those who determine to clear their request. warehouses, reap the benefit. Foreign Coffee has had few enquiries made after it; consequently, what parcels have been of fered, have, at the same time, been proposed at prices favourable to the buyer. SUGAR has been the subject of speculation; and the holders are likely to reap their advantage. Partly because, the quantity in the hands of the importers, is known to be very limited:-indeed, some go so far as to say, that before the new Sugars of the latest crop can arrive, the stock will be exhausted. And, partly, because it being now known that no fresh duties will be laid on in Russia this year, the demand has revived; and will be satisfied, as a matter of course. The Sugars lately on shew, have been mostly foreign, or Demerara, and other Dutch colonies, Jamaica, principally, are scarce; but those from other British islands, are by no means in plenty The supply of CORN to the London Market has not lately been extensive, from our own resources; and some of that which they have furnished, has not been equal to what is usually expected from the home counties. To what cause this may be ascribed, we do not very well know; but we know, that it has acted much to their disadvantage. The condition too has been inferior; and therefore, fiue dry samples have been much enquired after, and readily secured by the purchaser. The Foreign Wheats now in granary, are reported also to be inferior; and though some recourse is had to them, yet not without an evident feeling of reluctance. The former remarks chiefly affect wheat: Barley has been rather scarce; the supply, generally speaking, has been short; which has given an importance to fine samples, malting samples; and even the foreign that was fit for the purpose, has met with a favourable acceptance. On the whole, the market is not less than 2s. higher. Oats were for a while in very animated demand; but no scarcity of them being felt, the price; though fully maintained, did not experience any improvement. The demand for RICE, especially of the prime description, is lively; and bargains are concluded for cargoes before they ar rive. The last arrived cargo, is understood to be divided among the dealers; which shews a scarcity of the article, not ima Our last Report mentioned the declining price of OIL; that commodity has declined still further-from 521. to 441.: a sufficient proof of the opinion and determination of the trade. Those who may be tempted to put too much confidence in appearances, will do well to wait till the whole of a speculating account is balanced; of which this article may stand as evidence. It is but one among many; though rendered notorious by circumstances A-proposWith this subject, perhaps, we ought to connect the expedition of discovery fitted out for examining the regions around the North Pole, and-if it may be-of finding a passage through the ice; or rather, between the huge masses of that formidable barrier. Whatever we may think of the practicability of the undertaking, we do not despair of deriving from the voyage that resort in which the whales bold their some beneficial discovery:—perhaps, of most numerous assemblies. Our friend the Political Panoramist, advises a good look-out, on their part: for certainly, says he, this attempt may prove interesting to some of the great among them. Seal oil has also declined, say 21. The oil obtained from the Southern Whale Fishery, having been less raised in price, now feels the alteration but little. A small supply of Sperm oil has arrived ; but, that was previously engaged; and consequently has made no impression on the market. In fact, the scarcity of that arti cle has not been fictitious, but real. The prevalence of westerly winds has deceived the hopes of those who flattered themselves that the importation of TALLOW would 'ere this have been ample; and would have afforded an effectual supply. Tallow is really scarce; and the holders have already realized an advance of 2s, to 5s. on parcels ready for delivery. It is hoped that this rise will not extend itself to parcels expected; which are contracted for at 20s. less, to arrive during the season. HEMP and FLAX have experienced no variation worth recording. SPICES appear to be looking upward; which probably may be attributed to the moderate supply obtained by Continental adventurers. The loss of a large vessel at the Cape of Good Hope, freighted from Batavia for Holland, is likely to encrease the deficiency. PEPPER is now a rising article; and several large parcels have lately changed hands, considerably to the advantage of the sellers. Pimento continues also to feel the benefit. A sale of Spices is announced by the East ludia Company, for May 13. in length, by means of counting reels, which strike upon a bell, or otherwise ine dicate when this quantity is complete, and such skeins are called Leas. From the number of leas which a pound of flax will produce, its denomination and value is computed Thus yain No. 10, or 10 lea yaru, is 10 times 300 yards, or 3000 yards from one pound of hackled flax; 40 lea yarn, or 12,000 yards from the pound, is said to be the finest produced in England by machine spinning, though by hand spinning the process has been carried as The Articles of Spirits have somewhat fluctuated. BRANDY, which had risen to a very high price, is declining, especially the middling and inferior qualities. RUM, which had been low, is rising; and the Leeward Islands' qualities, are now in request; understood to be for the North American market. This is a very accept-high as 120 leas to the pound. The ave able relief to the holders; who had been somewhat dubions in respect to this species of property. TOBACCO has lately remained almost stationary: the holders know that the stock is now so low, that 'he present prices cannot sink: parcels are not offering; but are sought after. Among other articles distinguished by extreme fluctation, we ought to notice the present price of Hops: a crop, always uncertain; when prosperous, the source of great gain; when defective, of much loss; and seldom in moderation. Kentish Hops are now, in bags, from 261. to 301.; and in pockets the fine reach 341. Sussex Hop from 251. 10 281., in bags; in pockets, 301.; fine 311. We have often marked them below 51.! POWER OF SPINNING, IN RESPECT TO FINENESS, BY MACHINERY. Our readers have observed that the prices of COTTON are marked in our tables according to a certain number, by which they are estimated and valued. We avail ourselves of an opportunity of explaining this mode of calculation, and at the same time of expressing the wonderful powers possessed by those machines which are employed in preparing this article for use. It will not be understood, that the extreme of this power is constantly exerted; or, that the wonderful velocity here recorded, is usual, however powerful a machine may be: it is sufficient that such performance is possible; and that calculation justifies the assertion, as attainable, when neces sary. Yarn, is the general name applied to all single or primitive threads since a thread, technically speaking, is always compound, or composed of more yarus than one. The yarns, when completed, are wound into skeins of 300 yards each rage work of every spindie in a spinning mill, where thousands are usually in motion at once, is estimated at an average of 12 leas in the day, or $600 yards; and in spinning the finest yarns the spindle is said to revolve no less than three thousand times in a minute! Such is the power of skill, ingenuity, industry, and calculation, in a British Spinning Machine!! AGRICULTURAL REPORT ESSEX. In this part of the country the Wheats continue in a flourishing state, although we had such an abundance of rain. It is a little remarkable so far as the s ason is advanced, the Beans and Peas are not yet all in the ground, owing to the tempestuous weather. Nothing here of the pulse kind appears above ground. A few pieces of black Oats have been put in upon Wheat etches by the drill. Turnips of our common growth are getting but little worth, but the Swedish kind are found to be useful and very nutritious at Lambs are very the close of the season. fine this year. Wool is much higher. Far: J. O. Liverpool, merchant Sol Mackin- Tangat G. Manchester, currier. Sols. Clarke and Co. Chancery lane. Walthew M. Liverpool, grocer. Sols. Young and Co St. Mildred's court, Poultry. CERTIFICATES, Mar. 17. J. Bell, Newcastle upon Tyne, stationer; J. Bleads, Chester, umbrella maker. J S. Bray, Coleman street buildings, London merchant. W. Bray, Coleman street buildings, baker. H. Evans, Cheapside, silk mercer. G Favenc, Copthall court, Throgmorton street, bill broker. M. Fosse and Co. Lower Thames street, gun powder manufacturers. W. Hanham, Walcot street, Bath. J. Kirkham, Leek, Stafford, farW. S. Mason, Colchester, grocer. W. Mathews, Usk, Monmouth, money scrivener. R. Seurr, Thirsk, York, clock maker. T. Williams, Leadenhall street, broker. mer CERTIFICATES, Mar. 21. J. Akers, Charles street, City road, corn deaJer. J. Clarke Warwick, coal dealer. A. B. French, Old South Sea House, Broad st. merchant. J. Gomersall, Huddersfield, York, and Co. merchants R. Hardy, Chorlton row, Manchester, stone mason, G Huxham, Black Hall, North Huish, Devon, seedsman. W Rogers, Oulnev. Buckingham, innkeeper, J. Roper, Long Melford, Suffolk, cabinet maker. BANKRUPTCY SUPERSEDED Mar. 3. Venables Hugh, Union place, Greenwich, mer chant. BANKRUPTS. Allen Matthew, Agath, York, d and c. Sols. Bram William, Snodland, Kent, miller. Sol. Cowell B. B. High street, Shoreditch, oilman. Sot. Lindsay, St. Thomas's street. Curme G. and T. Brighthelmstone, linen drapers King J. Swaffham, Norfolk, farmer. Sol. Barbor, Fetter lane, Mercer J. Graystonely, Lancaster, lime burner. Sunderland S. and A. Barnoldswick, York, corn dealers. Sols. Stocker and Co. Furnival's inn. Tapscott W. Plymouth, victualler. Sol. Darke and Co. Chancery lane. CERTIFICATES, Mar. 24. S Card, Mere, Wilts, farmer. J. Price, Clirow, Radnor, farmer. W. Rees, King's mews gate, Castle street, Leicester fields, linen draper. P. Shortman, Bristol, shopkeeper H. Stanley, and T. Weston, Lower Thames street, ironmongers. BANKRUPTS, Mar. 7. Gilkes W. Aldersgate street, cooper. Sols Bourdillon, Bread street. Joseph S. and W. Hughes, Winchester street, Parker H. Sheffield, cutler. Sol. Darke, Chancery lane. Pitcher J. Back road, Middlesex, bricklayer Sol. West, Red lion street, Wapping. Pollett C. Manchester, grocer. Sol. Addington, Rycroft T. Idle, York, cloth manufacturer. Sol. CERTIFICATES, Mar. 28. R. Collyer, Cheltenham, porter dealer. D. Duck, Whitby, Yorks, chemist and druggist. W. Freebody, Reading, Berks, coal merchant. F. Kidd, Liverpool, merchant. S. Lee, Tailor's Arms, Duke's place. J Marshall, Manchester, draper. J. Oliver, Newington causeway, Surry, Cordwainer, J. Raine and B. Shout, Phoenix Brewery, Bagnigge Wells, Middlesex, brewers. S. Waddington, Brighouse, Halifax, corn fac tor. 1691 Gifford J. Frome Selwood, Somerset, coal merchant. Sols. Blake and Co Cook's court, Carey street. Hawkins J. Huddersfield, York, butcher. Sols. Proctor G. and W. Birmingham, opticians Sols. CERTIFICATES, Mar. 31. A Granville, Plymouth Dock, china and glass merchant. H Smith and N. S. Johnson, ManR Strachan and T chester, manufacturers, C ValenStubbs, Cheap ide, warehousemen tine, St. James's walk, Clerkenweil, japanner. J. H. Watchorn, Oxford street, linen draper. BANKRUPTS, Mar 14. Allport E. Birmingham, silver plater. Sol. Egerton, Gray's inn square. Almond R. Dartmouth, d and c. Sols. White Sols. Gatty Sol. Moore J. Armitage, Staffords. d and c. Plimmer T. Brailsford, Derby, d and c. Sol. Hail, Chiswell street. Vose J Hardshaw, Lancaster, Ironmonger Sols. Wright W. Bristol, d and c. Sol. Heelis, Staple iun. CERTIFICATES, Apr. 4. W. Arrowsmith, Stoke, Stafford, earthenware manufacturer. B. Cooke, Patricraft, Lancaster, cat on spinner. J Norrison, Rudston, York, common brewer. W Cowell, Wigan, Lancaster, butcher. T. Dodd, Stanhop, Durham, grocer. J Elliott, Bath street, City road. J. Hol royde, Halifax, merchant. W. Hyde, Cagliari, in the island of Sardinia, tailor. T. Jones, Birmingham, woollen draper. T Moore, Bartonsham, Hereford, farmer. R. Ollerton, Bradford, Wilts, shopkeeper R Powis, Grosvernor mews, Grosvenor street, veterinary surgeon, farrier. F. W. Schmaling, Fenchurch street, merchant. J. Thompson, Walton, Suffolk, coal merchant. G. Watts and W. Bush, City of London, ivory black manufacturers. BANKRUPTCY ENLARGED, Mar. 17. BANKRUPTCIES SUPERSEDED. BANKRUPTS. Boycott R. Newport, butcher. and Co. Furnival's inn. Sols. Baxter Cohen J. Manchester, hat manufacturer. Sols. Eeles T. Collier's rents, Southwark, fellmonger. and Co.. Bartlett's buildings. Smith W. and Co. Merton bridge. Surry, dyers. Ware W. H. Bow street, Covent garden, music Wilson J. and J. Shrewsbury, drapers. Sols. CERTIFICATES, Apr 7 J Doswell, Winchester, butcher. C Greet- BANKRUPTCIES SUPERSEDED, Mar. 21. BANKRUPTS. Aguilar J. Devonshire square, broker. Sols. Brown H Ruddington, Notts, butcher, Sole. Cook J. Liverpool, merchant. Sols. Clarke and Earle J. Winchester, druggist. Sol. Emly, Gates S Stepney, wine merchant. Sol. Lewis, Gibbs G. Southampton, potter. Sol Gude, Hall A. Drayton, Stafford, dealer. Sols. Austin and Co. Temple. Joseph J. Ratcliff Highway, slopseller. Sol, Poole, Old Broad street. Lord J. Manchester, tobacconist. Sols. Harvey and Co. St, Helen's place. Patterson C. Great Surton street, woolen factor. Ronse W. Woolwich, victualler. Sol. Faulkner, Scott R. Liverpool, merchant. Sol. Crowder," Old Jewry. Smith R. Gorton, Lancaster, warehouseman. Milne and Co. Temple. Wilks J. Finsbury square, merchant. Sols. Tomlinson and Co. Copthall court. J. H. CERTIFICATES, Apr. 10. A. Ferneley, Manchester, grocer. Henzell, South Shields, Durham, ship owner. J. Pollard, Bridgewater, Somersetshire, pot ash manufacturer. S. Roberts, Sheffield, spirit nerchant. W. Walker and J. Walker, Pall Mall court, army agents." |