New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-05-25
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.
SOME EFFECTS OF \ CHANGE IN THE TARIFF
LAWS.
WASHINGTON. Nav q. 1874.


WASHINGTON May q. 1874.
A matter recently brought tothe attention Of the
Committee Of WAYS and Means by Representative
Woodwork of Ohio affords an interesting example
of how apparently unimportant changes in the tariff
laws may injure important branches of manufacture
lag business When the present tariff on earthen-
ware was fixed IL was made uniform at 40 per cent
adj vaOrem, which, il was estimated, would cOmpen-
safe our manufacturers for the difference between
the wages of workmen in this country and in Eu-
rope and enable them 10 compete successfully with
foreign makers 1t escaped the attention of Con-
gress, however, that two little articles. known
as stills and spurs which used
10 separate the ware when placed in
the kiln for burning must be classified as
earthenwae' and are therefore liable to the same
duty. These articles are not manufactured III this
country. but are imported from England. They are
important item Of cost IN the production OF all
kinds OF ware made az the potieres except common
stOneware. IL is said that 10 make 30 cents worth
of common white cups and sauceIs, Is cents worth
Of these Suits and spurs are used. The duty OF
40 per cent DurdeusOme that several pOttees IN
Mr. W0OdwOrtbs district that were successfully
manufacturing what Is known as stone CHINA nave
been Obliged to stop business. II Is now asked that
these articles be placed on the free list, on tine
ground that they are properly raw material used IN
the manufacture OF eaTthenware.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSE MILITARY COM
The Committee on Military Affairs bad the whole
day to itself, and had large number Of bills pre-
pared including several for the sale of military
reservations, which Mr.. Duunell Of Minnesota tried
to have amended in the interest OF squatters, but
failing to do SO INDUCED in some destinations that
they were Jobs IN the interest of land spectators
The remark stirred up the Indignation of the
doughty Chairman of the Military Committee. who
claimed that that Committee was, III point ofrcCard
for the public interests, ten thousand leagues in adj
vance Of the Committee Of which Mr. Dunn-ll is
member-the Public Lands. The bill to deplete the
Treasury couple of hundred millions under the i'm
preston of equalizng bouuties was sent 10 the COM
mittee of the Whole on a point Of order made by
Mr. Townsend of Pennsylvania. The same DISPOSE
ton made of the bill TO reduce the army. Notice
was given, however. that III regard 10 both these
bills motions to suspend the rules in order 10
slider them In the House would be made next Mon
day.
GEN. BUFFERS HEALTH, plans, AND PROSPECTS.
1t is published in one Of the morning papers to-
day that the physicians Of Gen. Butler, in conse-
quence of his continued i'll health have advised
him to forego all work for while and 90 to Europe.
To this report is added that the President VIII
tender to Cen Butler the mission TO Vienna in place
of John Jay, who has long been Objectionable 10
the President and is here. The fact is that the
chances for Gen. Buffers nomination for Governor
of Massachusetts at the next election are hardly
hattering and 1t is currently believed that he Will
not be able to secure his return 10 Congress from
his old district The unfortunate position which he
occupies in connection with the SanbOn matter,
and great many other trials and disappontmcnts
which he has undergone lately-all these might lead
10 the conclusion that the General could very well
afford TO take the Austrian mission at the present
time A Cabinet officer, however. to-day says that
there not the slightest foundation for the report
and that 10 not likely chat Butler will throw up
the sponge SO soon III the fight.