Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-04
ae1ALlAYsoN.
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as nation did not impose any ton
mage duties on American vessels arriv-
ing at German ports, the maritime
states which compose part Of the Ger
man empire, did not impose such tax
in violation of the treaty existing be-
tween the two countries
The German tonnage tax now being
imposed is about six and half cents
a ton, or greater than the tax revoked
by the President in his proclamation
Jan. rs. 1888, and which is now revived
| The new proclamation affects all
vessels coming from German ports
and entering United States. regardless
| of the nationality Of the vessel. Mr..
Chamberlain said. this afternoon, that
he would, in accordance with the Pres
ident's proclamation, Immediately be-
gin preparation of the regulations 10
| carry the proclamation into effect.
Mr.. Won Reichenau. charge d'affares
Of the German embassy, declined to ex
press an opinion, this afternoon, re-
| garding the Presidents proclamation.
He stated in a general way that the
matter had been the subject of cores
pondence for some time, but he could
neither anticipate what action the i'm
erence to the proclamation nor did he
care to express an opinion regarding it.
1t is not believed that the German
government will consent to the imposi-
ton of a discriminating tax on German
vessels without at least a more vigor-
Gus protest than yet made. The Ger
man contention, il is understood. is
that the tax complained of in the Presi-
.lS,v i'm, 10. e.faI
solely on American vessels but upon
vessels of all nationalties, including
German vessels. The revenues arising
from the tax are not covered into the
Imperial treasury. but become the
property of the several states within
whose jurisdiction the tax is laid, and
ny whom the money is used to i'm
prove the harbors in order to facilitate
the loading and unloading of vessels.
It is argued that if Germany should
rescind this tax. so far as American
vessels are concerned. it would at once
call forth protest not only from Ine |
English, French and other European
powers whose vessels would still be |
subject to taxation. but from German |
shippers.
The bill dealing with this subject of |
tollildst TAX thtiilptlllS lIpiii Suci tdS All
of the law exempting from such tax all |
vessels from foreign countries which |
extend a like exemption to our vessels,
was introduced in the last session of
Congress by Senator Frye. but after
an exhaustive hearing in winch New
York representatives of the German
steamship lines We're heard, the com
mittee. being unable to agree. Jan. 80
a
ment. 1t was subsequently recommit-
ted TO the committee. Senator Frye
made an elaborate report on the SUBJ
ject, showing that the law had not done
what was promised for ii al the time
Of its passage. Among other things
Senator Fryes report gave the follow
ing information which, in connection
with the proclamation, is of special
and timely interest:
The law providing for reciprocity in
the abolition of tonnage tax was passed
in the belief that the nations of the
world would hasten to repeal naviga-
ton charges. This expectation has not
been met. Germany and the Neither
lands alone of the maritime powers.
have accepted the invitation and our
experience with them has proved re-
cprocity only in name.
During the seven years since the
proclamation exempting German ships
was issued. the total clearinances of
American vessels from he United
States for German ports numbered only
Is, of 21.156 net tons. and the entries
from German ports 90 vessels. of 80, 800
net tons. A levy of a tax of six cents
a ton by Germany on this tonnage
would have produced between $1,000 and
$500 during the seven years, or less
than $500 year.
During the same period the entries
of foreign vessels from Germany into {
the United States numbered 1872 of g.
$50, S37 net tons. A tonnage tax of six
cents a ton. the amount levied on yes
sells from all other European countries
except Germany and the Netherlands,
would have amounted to over S400. 900.
or about $50 600 in a year In other ,
words Nnder the provisions of the law
which this bill proposes to repeal, the
United States to secure an exemption
of 5000 or $500 a year in taxes on Ameri-
can vessels in German ports. have ex-
empted foreign vessels from Germany
from annual tonnage dues amounting
to about 100000
Representative McCreery of Ken
lucky. member and ex-chairman of thel
House committee on foreign affairs. did
not care to discuss the proclamation,
he admitted that the subject
had been recently quietly discussed by
some members of the committee.
1t will probably have a salutary
effect" said he. and should bring AMI ,
end to the evils of which we complain. c
|