New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-06-05
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.
AGITATION on THE TOBACCO TAX.


Mr. Helm, of the firm of Appleby & Helm,
tobacco manufacturers OF NewYork with others from
that city engaged In the tobacco trade, Dr. Spence OF
Cincinnati and representatives Of the leading firms OF
tobacco manufacturers OF ST. Louis arrived here this
morning. aud have been busy at the Capitol to-day urg
ing an amendment to Mr. Burchards bill amending t1e
internal revenue laws so TO reduce the tax on all
manufactured tobacco to I6 cents per pound. The bill
gave way to Mr. Woods Tariff Bill this afternoon, az
fordng the tobacco delegation o full opportunity to
urge their views before final action is taken upon It.
Some OF the leading manufacturers in NewYOrk have
protested warmly against any reduction In the tax on
tobacco, asserting that the very agitation OF the
subject has paralyzed ther business. Tho Secretary
OF the Treasury also opposes reductions on the
ground that the Government cannot afford TO have the
revenues reduced just now and the Commissioner OF
Internal Revenue holds that the present rate which is
equal to the average rate, taken all in ALL for sixteen
years past, is not too high. Two hundred memorials
have been presented for and against reduction OF the
tax on tobacco many or them RECOMMENDING that IN
reduction Is made, drawback shall be given 70
those who have tobacco on hand on when the OLD
rates have been paid Nineteen bills nave been INTRO
duced this session in favor OF allowing producers OF TO-
and Means has decided that It il fmpractcable 90
Into an investigation OF this feature OF the trade and
efforts. The bills in the interest OF the growers came
principally from Kentucky North Carolina and Alabama
members.
NEW MARKET FOR BROOKLYN.
Representative Blisss bill for the sale of
Government land adjoining the Brooklyn Navy Yard TO
theI City Of Brooklyn for market purposes together
with the report of the commissioners appointed TO ap
praise its value, which have been under consultation
the Committee on Naval Affairs acted upon this
morning The committee agreed 10 report favOraby the
conclusions OF the commission, with reference 10 the
price to be paid per lot but against making charge for
street 100 feet wide for the OF the Government and
the CITY OF Brooklyn jointly This will reduce the
total TO be paid for the land 10 about 100000 The
committee will also recommend that tine amount
realized be appropriated for the Improvement and
pair OF the Cob dock.
Mr. HEWITTs ARMY BILL REVISED.
Mr. Hewitt's Army Bill, as reported to the
Senate from committee to-day revised 80 as 10 leave
the Army at the standard Of $4,000 men. All the sec
lions in regard to recognizing the Army aud cutting
down its pay were stricken ont. The Senate Military
Affairs Committee has agreed TO an amendment to the
Army Bill referring the entire subject Of Army reor-
ganizafiOu a commission, TO be composed OF three
members OF tho Senate Committee on Military Affairs,
four members OF the corresponding House Committee
and three Army officers OF at least seventeen ears
service who TO be detailed by the President an
officer OF rank not less than captain 70 act recorder
for the commission.