The Bremen Cotton Market made slow progress and now and then the
progressive movement was interrupted. It required courage to pursue the
projected course, but "never despair" was the motto which finally
carried the day. It became apparent, that the "weal or woe", of the
market depended upon the attitude of the Industry. Far sighted men
strove hard to awaken an interest for Bremen amongst the spinners, who
still utilised considerably the Liverpool market.
The following letters bear witness how this idea was received:
Bremen, ... 1886.
The time has arrived, when the South German Cotton Industry should
decide to come a step nearer to the sea. Frequently, complaints
have been made about mutual misunderstandings, and that this lack
of understanding had given rise to friction. If the spinners would
unite with the Bremen cotton trade, an opportunity would be created
for eliminating these misunderstandings. By talking matters over in
a friendly spirit, and becoming known to each other, common
interests could be defended and furthered. There is no danger that
the spinners might be outvoted in Bremen, for there is a strong
feeling here, that the common welfare must predominate, and that
the Bremen trade depends, to a large extent, upon the goodwill of
the Industry.
* * * * *
Augsburg, ... 1886.
We note with pleasure the suggestions, which we received from you
verbally, and by letter, and are convinced that the reasons which
you advance for a union with your market, are perfectly correct.
Many of our spinners are a little out of the world, and it would be
of advantage to them, to come into closer touch with the foreign
and oversea trade. We shall gladly come to Bremen, after the
necessary arrangements have been made in Augsburg. We do not wish
to be merely affiliated, but desire to become active workers; for
this purpose, we should require full membership, with voting power.
We shall take care that Bremen--as a German Sea Port--attains the
position in the cotton World, which it deserves.
* * * * *
In July 1886, the entry of the German Spinners into the "Bremen Cotton
Exchange" became an accomplished fact. The arrangements, which the
trade had made, for dealing with the cotton business in a just and
fitting manner, were pronounced excellent. It was resolved with great
enthusiasm, to unite forces for the fostering and regulating of the
cotton Import Trade, thereby, creating for Bremen, a great Cotton
market, and for the spinners, an easier way of obtaining their raw
material.
Six spinners joined the Board of Directors of the "Bremen Cotton
Exchange".
The German Spinners Unions were now united with the Bremen Cotton
Exchange, but, in the course of time, Swiss and Austria-Hungarian
spinners followed suit. Through this fusion, "The Bremen Cotton
Exchange" gained greatly in importance, influence and business
activity, so that it stood on equal terms with the great foreign
Exchanges.
At many meetings, spinners and merchants have peacefully sat at the
same Board table, although the interests of both groups are frequently
opposed to each other. Now and then, this has been apparent, but on the
principle that good reasons must give way to better ones, differences
of opinions were settled after proper discussion. Mutual understanding
and a determination to pay due respect to the interests of the other
party, have always been the leading spirit of the meetings. To-day, it
stands beyond any doubt that through this fusion, great benefits have
accrued to both parties, and to the far sighted men, who brought this
about, great honor, praise and veneration are due.
In the following we give a few figures concerning the number of Members
and the activity of the Bremen Cotton Exchange: