The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-07-09

A Compilation Of Figures That Makes an Ar
gument Against the Mills Blu.
Special to the indianapolis journal
WASHINGTON, July S-The last special or bull
letin edition of the United States Consular Re-
ports, issued at the Department Of State this
week, contains lengthy and carefully prepared
statement on the subject of Australian wool
from United States Consul Griffin, at Sydney.
New South Wales. 1t 10 stated upon the author
ity OF q Democratic member of the House that
this report was prepared for the purpose Of
making an impression upon Congress in ths dis.
cussion of the Mills tariff BILL but the figures
produced by it form an argument against tho
adoption Of the free wool clause in the tariff
bill. There are two sets Of tabular statements
In this report One Of them contains the value
OF the wool produced in Australia from 1872 to
1855, while the other gives an exhibit showing
the export of wool to the United States from
Melbourne for each season since 1871. To APP
preciate the meaning Of these figures it should
be stated. upon the authority of Democratic
members OF the House committee on ways and
MEANS that Australian wool is worth about 80
per cent more than the article produced in tine
United States. One of the arguments offered
by the Democrats in favor of free wool Is that
the Australian wool is finer than IN the United
States, and that it Is necessary In the manufact.
ure OF goods from the product of the United
States. This report shows that the average
product of wool in Australia during the last
sixteen years was worth $94. 702. $50 a year.
Each bale averaged little over $50 in American
money. and during the last year one firm ex-
ported from the single port OF Melbourne Is, 909
tales to the United States.
IL Is shown further in this report that the
total number of sheep in the United States
during the period embraced has increased from
$4,000, 600 to 60,000,0O0, while the increase in
the Australian export of wool to the United
States during the same period has doubled,
thus showing that our imports OF wool 10 In
creasing quite rapidly as our increase in
fiocks of sheep, Notwithstanding the duty now
levied on foreign wool. This ia clear demon
stration, proven by democratic figures. that
despite the increase in our focks our demands
ior raw wool are growing more rapidly than the
products.
Farmers will read with interest comparison
between the prices of wool in Australia and the
United States While the ordinary unwasbed
wool was commanding % cents this spring In
our markets, the Australian wool, quoted as
good average, Free" at 16 or Is cents, while
the medium" which the Democratic members
of the House are proclaiming as far superior to
the best American grade. is quoted at from IA
to 10 cents a pound, or from to n pence. The
good average" washed and picked Australian
wool is quoted at from IL to IA pence. or "a to
2S cents pound in Australia, aud the same
grade OF American wool is at the same time
pound. To appreciate keenly the comparison
OF these figures the reader should add about 81
per cent. to the figures on Australian wool. II
he would recognize the arguments the Demo-
Gratis are making now in the House. II can
readily DO seen how much cheaper than Ameri.
cans the Australians viii! lay down wool in
American markets IL wool is placed on the free
liar y ha ~ ho Mi1la hill