Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 87, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 February 1912 — Startling Export Figures. [ARTICLE]

Startling Export Figures.

Census figtires showing exportations of American boots and shoes are startling in proportions. This condition is Illustrated most effectively by a comparison. In 1880 we sent abroad 400,000 pairs. The showing for this year will approximate 8,000,000 pairs. These figures do not Include exportations of rubber footwear, of which about 3,000,000 pairs are sent abroad annually. The value of the exports this year, Including rubber goods, will approximate $17,000,000. A very noteworthy feature of the matter is the fact that the average price per pair secured for American boots and shoes is $1.69, against $1.13, the average received for footwear exported from Great Britain, our closest competitor in the boot and shoe business. Our boot and shoe manufacturers do not appear to be In any immediate danger from competition by “foreign pauper labor.”