The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-04-01
THE COAL TARIFF.

The Alta and Exdmjner, the two leading
Democratic papers of California, have Of
late been giving : good deal Of their space
to protestations against the very moderate
tariff by which American coal is protected
against foreign competition. This tariff
they treat ~ an unbearable injury to their
state, and they somewhat peremptorily
demand that CALIFORNIA; Representatives
and Senators in Congress. Of whom six are
Republicans and two Democrats, shall
vote for its repeal.
The Alta IN recent article claimed that
California consumes more than the entire
output of the Pacific states and territories
in this product. This is followed by an
irresponsible and absurd estimate that the
average cost Of producing coal upon this
coast, delivered at the mouth of the
mines, is but tribe over two dollars per
ton; that the price in San Francisco this
winter has been as high as so, and is
seldom lower than IS per ton. This, that
paper claims, indicates profit that does
not need protection. Ittherefore demands
repeal of the tariff.
eral reputation for being logical. The San
Francisco prices quoted apply no less to
foreign than TO domestic coal. As a mat
ter Of fact Wellington is the favorite coal
in that market for domestic use, and fixes
the price for all other grades. If it can be
produced at anything like the figures
named, and commands from 50 to $50
ton, then the tariff Of IS cents a ton can
cut no figure in limiting the shipment of
that coal to San Francisco. and but little
If any in affecting the price. So that, ad-
hitting all that the Alto claims, this tar
in is merely clear gain to the federal rev.
enues, does not materially affect the price
TO the consumer. and entails but an insig-
nincant percentage Of charge to the for
eign producer for reaping the advantages
OF big and robust customer in COMPETE
ton with home producers.
The Examiner publishes a suggestion
made by Mr.. Alfred Bannister. V ice
President and General Manager of the
Starr Milling Company, addressed to the
San Francisco Produce Exchange and
Chamber of Commerce, urging those bodies
to recommend and exert their influence
that the state shall refund to all importers
of coal from Australia and Europe the du-
ties collected by the national government.
Mr.. Bannistcr argues that this would
effect large increase ia such importations,
increasing the tonnage available for wheat
shipment, creating q competition that
would reduce freight rates, which in turn
would enhance the price of wheat in the
hands OF the farmer, thus benenting Calf
fornia's farmers, her steamship, railroad
and gas companies, her growing home
industries, and all householders and other
consumers of coal
This, though narrow and selfish, is a
husiness-iike view of the matter, and if
California chooses 10 pay the tariff the
outside world has no right TO object 1t is
pretty certain, however, that while the
interests represented by Mr.. Bannister
would reap the advantages of increased
shipping, in 4 reduction of rates for wheat
and hour freighis, just to that extent the
demand for American coal would be les
sened, while the chances are infinitely
small that the price TO California consum.
ers would be reduced a particle.
The Eramsner. however. does not agree
20 this reasonable proposition that if A
leading industry of that state is to reap a
great advantage in obtaining more and
cheaper tonnage the state shall contribute
20 that end. The same results il ora.
culariy declares, 'could be more conyen-
iently and surely attained by the easy pro-
cess Of transferring coal from the dutiahle
10 the free list" In other words, rather
than let California pay for distinct special
advantage, let the American coal produc.
ers OF the whole Coast suffer that she may
reap tina, advantage without paying for it.
The two papers above quoted, be il
understood, have been strenuous advo-
Gates of protection to California fruits,
wines, brandies, farm products, and worst
of all. 60 her quicksilver product, very
large percentage of which is exported and
sold in foreign markets below San Fran.