Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1843-07-21

JAMES w. McCuLLocK, Esq.
First Comrtrol or of the Treasury.
SIR-On the 9Th of February last, the Yer
mont Delegation in the two Houses Of Congress
addressed Il letter to the Secretary OF the Treasu.
ny relative to the construction which should be
given, i'll the execution Of the tariff OF the so h of
August last, to the word coarse rs applicable to
wool in tho first clause OF the first section. The
latter was referred TO you for examination; aud |
had, you will recollect, consultation with YOU
upon the subject, Oh The day after the adjournment
of Congress at the close of which you expressed
your concurrence in the views contained in the
letter. and said you should give instructions to the
Collectors of the Customs TO that effect.
In the course OF your conversation il was sug-
gesied by you that TO produce greater uniformity
in the practical construction at the Custom Hous-
es, OF Tie word coarse" it might be expodient TO
dcpose with the Collectors specimens of wool
deemed coarse according TO the ordinary use of
that term among the growers and manufacturers
of wool, and engaged TO furnish you, as soon as
practicable, specimens OF such wool. Such spe-
cmens have Obtained, and herewith send YOU, in
Two packages. The largest is from Buenos Ayres
and the smaller, being Of n dark yellow shade is
from Morocco. These specimens | hive Obtained
from Il ISion. They are, as well ns | can nscer-
lau fair specimens OF coarse wool MS Ieusrn!Iy
understood among the growers and manuinctur.
ers OF wool; aud may, think, be sliey used as
specimens IN giving practical construction to the
You will recollect that called your attention
in my conversation with you, to the well known
reason for the exc 'pton from duty, of wool cost.
ing eight cents aud under, by the tariff of 1892 as
illustrating the extent TO which the spirit OF that
provision had been evaded, and the true intent
aud purpose of Congress in the use of the word
"coarse" as applicable II wool in the tariff of
1912. A recurrence 10 the history The enarlion
of the tariff of 1882 will satisfy any one, that it
was not the intention of Congress to admit any
wool duty flee, which could come in connection
with lhe growth of our own nocks; but that it
WIS intended to admit free OF duty, such wool on
ly, as was usually manufactured into course car
petngs, bookings, bailes, and negro cloths. All
telling woods are understood 10 be- in effect, excn-
ded from the duty free clause.
The object OF the introduction of the word
coarse inlo the last Tariff act was to carry out
fairly, the purpose Of the law Of le32-that pur-
pose having to u great extent, been defeated by
the cheap production Of fine WOOL as shown in the
letter TO the Secretary of the Treasury, above re-
ierred to. The wool.gtowers think they have
right to ask that This purpose shall he carried into
effect IN the execution of the existing tariff aud
! feel confident that the purpose will be but fairly
executed 10y making the specimens herewith sent,
the criterion OF coarse wool within the meaning
Of the law.
II instructions have not already been given to
the collectors upon the blecl of coarse wool, you
will permit ms to 0sk that II may he done spec
Oily AS possible, that tho woOl-growers may have
the full benefit of the protection intended TO he
gwen them hy the existing m"iff.
viii you do me The favor 10 send me n copy Of
your instructions 10 the Collectors touching this
subject at your earliest convenience.
am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedent servant
WILLIAM SLADE.