New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-06-30

Quantity
Article.
Ensrsyine.: etehin a,
THE TARIFF ON DRUGS AND CHEMICALS.

IhE TAHITI ON AMI ClEmlIhLo'
In order to ascertain the probable effect of the
change of duty on drugs and chemicals reporter
of THE TRIBUNE called on Daniel c. Robbins, of
McKesson & Robbins druggists, in Fulton-st.
@The drug and chemical trade" said Mr.. Rob
bins, Gembraces such large collection of articles
in number about 40 per cent of the entire list
that it Is somewhat difficult to speak correctly in
general terms. On the whole, however, L consider
the revised tariff to be mainly wise, in generally
careful reduction of duties well as in simplif-
cation of the list. Heretofore there has been con-
siderable trouble arising from q distinction drawn
between medicinal and chemical preparations, MS
the latter preparations when not otherwise pro-
vded for, duty of 20 per cent was charged, while
on medicinal preparations, largely chemical, the
tariff was 40 per cent In the new list they are all
classed together at 20 per cent"
How about the duty Oh oDiumT
sThe duty on smoking opum-the use Of which
is considered vicious and is on the increase-is
raised from SO to 80 per pound. In consequence
Of this proposed increase large importatons of this
drug have recently taken place IN California"
"Many of your goods have been placed on the
free list" suggested the reporter.
"Spices have been, and q few articles used in
manufacture The placing OF spices on that list IS
in opposition to tic policy of most other nations
The British Government derives its main customs
revenue from the Injuries OF the table, of which
spices form an important part but tho policy OF
our Government In regard TO these articles is in
perfect harmony with previous legislation, such as
removing the duties from teas and coflees in defer
ence TO a public sentiment which can only DO re.
garded by political economists as errone us"
" Have the interests OF the chemical manufac-
turers been regarded in tho new taIlhp
"B, lesseung the duty on chemicals which are
used in manufactures, the new tarlt VIII benefit
the manufacturing interests of the country ana the
interests OF the chemical manufacturers hayo all
been regarded with two eXceptloDs-qnnine ana
borax. As in the OF spices, In deierence 10 tue
demand OF public sentiment, quinne ~ retained In
the free list and the matter stands now TINS I'M
pottant Northumberland industry Is largely de-
stroyed. The annual consumption OF quihlhe IN
this country is 10000 ounces OF which ons-halt
ia imported while It should all he made here, anc
Guild bs under protective tariff Of 10 per ont rs
proposed by the manufacturers Inc lnanuiactuLe
OF horaI has also been seriously intertered with.
Crude bOrax has been taken from the Tree list ana
subjected 20 n specific duty OF cents pound,
while boracic acid which n imported Tor the man
uiacture Of borax has been advanced from the free
list to a duty OF cents. This change Is supposed
to be duo 10 the influence OF California, when IL
largely interested in the crude product and also III
metallic mercury which has been advanced from
the list and subjected 10 an AL ya'orem duty OF
10 per cent. The advance on pcrfumeries and toilet
don bt aue 10 the pressure Of special interests while
the reduced duty on castor OIL crOton on ana
chlorofurm is still regarded az almost prohibitory"
"What will be the effect on the price oil drugs
and chemicals after this week ~
"There will no doubt he some reduction In ptices
Of goods Affected by the tariff. but not To the eX
tent OF the lessening of the duty rs all experience
has proved. The benefit arising from the decreased
duty Will he shared between the public and the
foreign producers There have been no large i'm
portations In anticipation OF the change OF duty
although some goods such As spices. may have
been left In bond longer than usual"
THE LEATHER TRADE LITTLE AFFECTED.
+. Kaufman. OF =. Kaufman n Co.. importers OF
fine calfskins in william-st near Spruce-st, said
thai the net difference between the old and the
now tariff on tho goods in rhlch he dealt was re-
duotion OF about Dig per cent. To offset this the
price Of skins hal gone mp little i'll Europe, so
that really he could zee no difference IN tho price
and the amount imported. This was the dull sea-
son for tho leather trade for other kinds Of busi-
nes.. hnt he thonght there was about the average