The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-09


When we consider the effect of the McKin-
ley tariff upon many branches OF foreign in
dustries it seems very surprising that the
American people should expect European
manufacturers individually, or the European
national governments to take any interest IN
the establishment Of the Worlds Fair, or to
adopt measures that will promote its success.
There is not single inducement beyond a
conventional international comfy that would
under existing circumstances lead the authori-
ties Of foreign governments 10 contribute llo-
orally in representative articles and funds for
their transportation to the Chicago exhibition
II we take the single instance OF England.
we will see 80 what extent the Mckinley law
has raised barrier around the United States
against the admission of manufactures OF
foreign countries. First the tariff has caused
collapse in the tin-plate trade. An enor-
nous amount of tin-plate, however, was
shipped to the United States before the Nc
Kinlev measure went into operation. The
operation now prevailing will to a certain
extent. be permanent, unless the Democratic
party obtains control AZ the next National
election and reduces the present duty on tin
plate Thousands Of workingmeD employed
in this industry are now thrown out Of work.
Tho Mckinley tariff has destroyed the
trade in steel scrap, which was formerly
shipped in very large quantities from Scot
land to this country. to be remelted in the
American provinces.
While it is stated that il is as yet too early
10 Judge what is the precise effect OF the Nc
Kinley tariff on the English wooden indus
tries. nevertheless it would appear as if the
wooden manufacturers Of England would
hereafter be unable to import their inferior
goods to this country except at a very heavy
loss. Wooden goods Of tho best quality will
continue to be imported simply because
large class OF persons in America will insist
upon buying them, however high the duty
imposed. Under the present duty countless
numbers Of persons who have always been in
the habit Of using English woolens Of the
best texture have been compelled to use an
inferior American cloth.
Manufacturers Of English cutlery have not
been 80 much injured because the Americans
have not yet been able to produce the same
quantity Of goods as has for so many years
conferred such celebrity upon the workman
ship of Sheffield.
In many branches Of their trade the Leeds
manufacturers have been entirely cut off
from the United States and it is only in the
higher cloths that they have been able t0con-
tend with the American duty.
The actual value of declared exports of
every kind from Bradford to the United
States shows marked decrease since July J.
This decrease in May. June and July last
amounted to 100, 600 pounds less than during
October, November and December Of 1890
In the district Of Dundee the report is to
the effect that the Mckinley bill has stopped
the manufacture Of all the low priced yarns
intended for the United States while the high
priced are now manufactured in greater
quantities for the American market. the duty
on that class not having been SO much raised
by the Mckinley law.
:-s--According to the consul general at London,
reports from all the consulates in Great
Britain show marked decrease in exports of
such articles as silk, fine worsted dress goods.
fine unions, which are cotton and linen
mixed goods, WOOL camel and goat hair goods
and manufactures Of iron and steel. amount
ing approximately to so per cent. while the
decrease in the value of cutlery exported
amounts 10 about GO per cent
II may be Justly inferred from the facts
that We have given England is not very
much interested in the success Of the Chicago
Fair, and the same feeling for precisely SINH
lar reasons is shared by all tho continental
nations.