Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1890-06-07
THE rIN.PLArE TAX
One OF the Most Outrageous Changes In the
Tariff.

Ouo 0k the Most Outrageous Changes In the
TRrln.
One OF the most outrageous and un-
necessary changes in the tariff Is the
proposed increase Of the duty on tim
plate. We do not manufacture one
pound of tin-plate, but get our supply
from Wales, where nearly all the tin
plate for the whole world is made. The
proposed tax is two and one-ffth cents
pound. The total amount collected
last year from this source was 81, 400. 900;
and when the new bill goes into effect
this tax will be about sixteen million
dollars, provided tho quantity imported
remain the same.
The great development OF tho canning
industry In this country has resulted in
great increase in our purchases of tin
plate, our importat!ons last year being
some three million pounds more than in
1883.
This tin-plate comes to us in boxes,
which cost on an average SS.42. On u
box OF the usual size tho present duty is
S1.0S, makidg the entire cost of the box
$3.50. Under the Mckinley bill such a
box would pay ss.37; and the entire cost
would then be SJ.79.
Tin-plate has three principal uses: It
is used for roofing; for making fruit,
vegetable and meat cans, and for making
household and kitchen utensils. The
great extent OF its use makes almost
every man, woman and child directly
interested in keeping it as cheap as
possible.
The only excuse for raising the duty
so enormously is that Mr.. Cronemeyer,
Of Pittsburgh, appeared before the Nc
Kinley committee and said that he could
manufacture t n-plate II such duty
were put on. or course Mr.. Crone-
meyer got what he wanted, for Mr.. Nc
Kinley and his associates are quite
ready to tax all the people of the
country for the benefit Of one, two or
three men-any Tom, Dick or Harry who
can speak eloquently about what a good
thing it would be for the country to pro-
tect him.
But the makers Of tin-cans have not
relished the proposed increase, and in
various cities they have vigorously pro-
tested against it. The manufacturers
in Philadelphia have this to say in their
protest:
"Tin plate is part Of every household in
some shape or form, solely on account of Its
cheapness. and more so by the poorer and
working class than by those who are more
well-to. do: and further tax on 1t. there.
fore, becomes n direct tax on every indivd. .
ual, as he will either be obliged { use II in
some shape or form, or will pay the higher
cost OF Its substitute. To Increase the duty,
means that every household shall
be taxed; that Industries national to our
represent ng millions OF dollars
and employing hundreds OF thousands Of
hands, shall be crippled. embarrassed, and
perhaps ruined simply in order that few
iron or steel manufacturers may be put In a
position to experiment in the manufacture
Of this commodity.
IAN adequate conception IL hardly posi-.
BILE Of the extent to which chean tin plate Is
used for packages and cans, but some idea
can be had from the fact that the official
statistics give the exports of beef, salmon,
RunpOwder and other explosives,
spices, lard, fancy goods, cosmetics, patent !
fish. oysters and petroleum,
paints and painters colOrs, prepared cocoa,
FeRetuDles, IIlllh anu lTUitS, tHt NhlUe Oh
90 55S for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1858.
GAS, therefore. no tin plate Ia made In the !
United states. and has never been made, ex.
,ept 80 matter of curiosity; as p'g-tin Is on |
he free list to encourage the manufacture |
If tin plate: as the present duty Ia an
equivalent al valOrem one, OF 100 per |
,ent. more than double what II formerly |
vas; as no class OF people have asked for an |
Increase in the duty on tin ties; as public
opinion favors the reduction in the burdens |
" tax ,tion upon the people, and as an adj.
'ance in the duty would be serious blow to |
Millions OF dollars invested In industries de.
,ending on cheap tin plate, we respectfully
equest that no advance shall De made in the
present rate of duty"
The committee was shrewd enough to
clay the time when this duty is to be-
in till q year hence; for an election
will be held next fall, and it might
rove hazardous to pile on all these
nigh taxes at once.