Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1890-09-29
EFFECT or THE NEW TARIFF
On the worsted Industry-How the Wool
Raisers VIII suIicr.

KalScrS VIII Suncr.
BosroN, September 2s.-The worsted
industry of this district is just now in a
nutter Of excitement, caused by the
abnormal demand upon the shipping
houses for the United States. Forward
ing houses have been working night and
day for weeks past, in order to get of
consgnments OF worSted fabrics in an
ticipatlon OF the probable passing OF
the Mckinley Tariff.bill, and on receipt
of news that the bill had passed the
Senate, exertions were, if possible, in
creased. and it is believed that the Ser
via will tomorrow (29th) take out the
last goods that can arrive in New York
in time to be taken out OF bond at the
old rates.
Under these conditions commercial
men here are exercised as TO the proba-
bic effects of the sweeping measures OF
the bill after it has become law. In
passing, however, it should be stated
that there are Isolated instances of gem
tlemen engaged in the American trade
who have doubts even yet that the Me-
Kinley bill ever will become law, the
ground for this belief being that the
policy Of the high tariff party in the
States will yet be seen TO be so ruinonS
to Americans generally that the bill
will be vetoed. The general opinion,
however, Of those most concerned in the
worstcd trade is that the passage OF the
bill into law is as certain as anything
can be. The first effect of its operation
contemplated here is that for the next
three months at least shipments from
Bradford to America will be few indeed;
but that when the trade has adapted
itself TO the new conditions it will be
found that the American consumer will
still require considerable quantity OF
the worsted manufactures Of England,
even with the additional price put on
by the increased tariff. Even under
the higher tariff imposed by the Nc
Kinley bill these goods could be retailed
in America at lower prices than pre-
vailed during the war time, when Il
very large trade was done in them.
The new duty is to be charged upon an
altered basis. There are 10 be two claS-
siiications, n duty of so much per square
yard up to a certain value. and beyond
that value SO much per pound weight,
with ad valorcm duty in each case.
The natural result of this arrangement
will be that the increase Of cost OF the
more substantial goods will be greater
than in those of lightcr-weigEt fabrics.
Upon this point the Bradford Observer,
the leading organ Ct the worstcd indus
try of Yorkshire, observes:
THE effect OF the new tariff will be
to largely foster the making Of low
stulTs by the American manufacturers,
because these are protected in proper
tion to their value much more than fine
'stuffs are. The American manufacture
ers will in future mainly devote them
selves to making low and heavy stuifS,
to the almost complete exclusion OF
such products from England, simply
because these will pay better; and Eng
liSh makers will have to occupy them
selves in the manufacture Of fine goods
cXcelling in style and design. So as to
attract the custom Of the wealthy aud
the better middle class people. There
fore. though the bulk of goods shipped
will undoubtedly be decreased. the stcrl-
ing value Of the trade will not be FAR
short of what it is at present when, in
few months of time, business has again
fallen into regular course and adjust
ed itself TO new conditions
The increased tariff will materially
affect worStcd coatingS, in which 50
large trade has been done OF late years
with the United States, especially in
! laYror and medium qualities. Upon
some of these goods the tariff duty un-
der the Mckinley bill will amount to
l90 and as high as $50 per cent. upon
the value. These high rates will in all
probability be prohibitory OF future
trade but the feeling is strong that they
cannot last for long.
Meanwhile, another phase OF the sub
| ject is presented in the fact that already
several leading firms Of Bradford manu-
/ facturcrS are making arrangements for
commencing departments OF their works
| in the United States. IL has been al
ready stated that the Fletcher mills and
the National mills at Providence, Rhode
Island, have been acquired by syndl-
cate, the principal members OF which
are the mayor Of Bradford and others
engaged in the Bradford trade. 1t Is
not Improbable that MeSSrs. Lister n
! Co. Limited whose silk and plush
works at Bradford are the largest In the
world, will found branch in the
United States, and we hear Of other
movements Of similar character. What
the effect of these new departures may
be upon textile manufactures in this
district remains to be seen, but the
situation is one to create some amount
cf anxiety. mixed with hope, in com
mcrcial circles"