Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, from the Moniteur, tabular statements prepared at the department of finance, showing the movement of trade and commerce of Belgium with foreign countries for the year 1864.
By reference to these it will be seen that the augmentation of imports and exports over the year 1863 is ten per cent. and nine per cent. respectively.
The importations of wool, linen, hides, and woollen fabrics have been in round numbers to the amount of four and a half, three, one, and one million of dollars, respectively, over the importation of 1863. The imports of grain, salt meats, &c., and cotton have diminished respectively by three, one and a quarter, and half a million dollars.
The augmentation of exports are on manufactures of linen, woollen, and iron, and on coal; and the diminutions fall principally on refined sugars, butter, and fire-arms.
Petroleum has become the most important article among our exports to Belgium; the importation from all countries the past year, according to these tables, amounts to about six millions of dollars, of which it is fair to presume that over five-sixths is of American origin. I learn from another source that the importations from the United States of this article at Antwerp the past year are about nine millions of gallons.
[Page 73]These tables give evidence of the steady growth in wealth and prosperity of this country.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.