Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-10-01

50 much needed, then the duty is increased. When
iron was E4.l0 in England, and our own furnaces
were daily sinking under competition at such a
ruinous price, the duty under the ad valorem rate
Of thirty per cent was about s6.75 per ton. Now,
when the price of iron in England is ESQ, and
our furnaces can again 20 into operation and almost
dispense with any protecting duty, the same rate Of
thirty per cent. gives duty OF about sl2.7o per
ton In the former case, the article, including first
cost dur, and freight, could be landed in the Unit
ed States at about $50 per tom and IN the latter the
mere frst-cosi of it, without duty or treigh Ii VIZ
When our producers most want protection the nd
ysloren system gives it in very moderate degree J;
and when they do not require it. IN consequence OF
the high cost Of the article, then the same system
offers protection that is not wanted. We presume
the iron interest Of the country would probably,
under all the circumstances Of the case, not object
to reduce onehalf the present duty on railroad iron,
which would, at the present European cost OF IT, be
equal to almost So per ton; with the proviso, how
ever that the duty in no event should be less than
that rate per ton in case of decline in European
prices. This would be great boon to all the rail-
roads projected or in progress, and with which
they no doubt would be fully satisfied.
The following is the Treasury Circular referred
ito in the above remarks. We find it circulating as
an estray in the newspapers, but presume it to be
authentic:
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, SEPTEMBER 20, 1858.
SIR: The increasing revenue and accommodating amount
Of money in the Treasury render it most probable that
the tariff will be made prominent subject OF discussion
and examination, with view to reduction, during the
approaching session Of Congress In the mean time and
Mt as early dav as may be- DESTROYS to obtain from
reliable the best information OF the
working of the present rates of duty upon the leading
branches of industry of the country and of the effect
be expected from the proposed notifications.
Understanding that you take interest in this sub
ject, and have given attention it. and perhaps
have been in situations to place within your reach very
valuable information you win much oblige by COM
municatlng to this Department your views thereon and
by furnishing lists OF articles subject duty which,
according to such views should be duty Free and Of such
other articles which the present duty should be
duced.
substantially for and fora fair and equal opera
ton both between the various sections of the country and
the various branches of industry the objects should
undoubtedly be kept in view and the reductions if any
shall be made, should be arranged to afford an
equal participation in the benefit every interest and to
every section Articles which enter into our manufac
lures, and those which do not into competition
with American products, are those about which there
will doubtless be the least question.
Besides these objects in the proposed reduction of the
tariff OF such an arrangement viii afford proportional
benefit and relief to every portion and interest of the
country there Is another which ought by to be
mean to abrdge the abors Of the custom
houses This object viii be consulted by adding to the
list articles of general consumption and articles pay
ing little duty which, but for this consideration might
properly be made subjects of revenue.
/ am, very respectfully,
JAMES GUTHRIE,
Secretaryof the Treasury.