New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-16

J. Juc. linen ana nenp
X Manufactures of wool ...................27o 10000
~ p,,In and naper ....................... 5000
X surdries ..............................6 $4,000
HOW THE ESTIMATES ARE MADE UP
This estimate IS on the supposition that the
imports Of each class OF goods would be the same
the next fiscal year as In the fiscal year ended
last June But the imports OF wool were three
times as great and those Of woOllen goods more
than twice as great in pounds as in 1898 the
committee assume that their excessive importa-
ton would be largely reduced by the proposed
bill although the fact that our domestic produc
Ton Of wool has diminished S,OV,OU pounds
since 1898 will necessitate the importation of
much more wool now than in the latter year
Assuming that the importations Of wool will
fall off at least one-third from those of 1896. on
account Of anticpatory imports 10 avoid duties
we place the increased revenue from this source
at S11 100000 Anticipating also that the I'M
ports Of wooens will fall off nearly ~ per cent
from the enormous imports Of 1896 we estimate
the increased revenue from this source under
the nroposed rates at about S11 OOO0O0 From
sugar we estimate $40 OeO 600 additional reve-
nue. Anticipating considerable falling off or
imports OF Havana tobacco. because OF the revo-
luton in Cuba. reduce the estimates or ad-
ditional revenue to be derived from the tobacco
I
would afford revenue Of about S39,5oo.OOO on
the basis of imports of 1896, but there would
probably be diminished imports at some points.
although the gradual restoration Of business
activity would offset this by increasing the con-
sumption of imported luxuries, we reduce the
estimates on these to 3l,OO0OWO. These would
aggregate an additional revenue Of SSO,0OOWW
the first year A further reduction OF So,OOo,OOo
or Sl0OO0OOO for contingencies would leave
S7OOOOO0O TO S75OOOOOO the probable In
creased revenue from this bill the first year.
which would undoubtedly rise to S1O0,OOOWO
the second year.
DELAY WOULD RESULT IN LOSS.
"These estimates are below rather than above
the probable result, unless considerable delay
in the enactment Of the bill should greatly en-
large the opportunity for imports Of articles on
which duties are TO be raised-particulary wool
and woollens-for speculative purposes. I'm
eoubtedly any delay beyond the first of May in
placing the bill upon the statute book would re-
suit in a large loss Of revenue. This increase OF
revenue is secured by transferring wool. lumber,
crude opium. argols. paintings and statuary,
straw ornaments straw mattngs, burlaps and
various other articles from the free list Of the
present law to the dutiable list; by increasing
the duty on woollens to compensate the manu-
facturer for the duty placed on wool; by raising
the duty on sugar ABOUT tn!ee-lOuIlHS u Il cent
per pound in order 10 encourage the production
Of sugar in this country. which it is believed can
BE done and thus give our farmers new crop
which we now import mainly from abroad; by in
creasing the duty on agricultural products affect
cd by Canadian competition, and on fine cotton
goods some advanced manufactures of iron and
steel manufactures of jute. flax and hemp. in
order 10 encourage these and other Industries
here and especially by increasing duties on such
luxuries as liquors, tobacco. silks and laces. ETC.
"As rule the rates Of duties proposed are
between the rates OF the tariff Of 1890 and the
tariff Of 1894 such reduction of rates from
the former law. preserving the protective prin-
cple. being made feasible by changed condi-
tons.
PROTECTING FARMING INTERESTS.
The iron and steel cchedule is changed very
little from that schedule in the tariff OF 1874,
the change being entirely in the more ad-
Vanced articles The same is true OF the cotton
schedule. In the agricultural. wool and glass
and earthenware schedules alone are the duties
of the Act Of 1890 fully restored. as rule. and
IN a few cases increased with the view of amply
protecting and encouraging farming in
terests at every possible point. While the duty
on clothing wool is larger in proportion to the
foreign value than on manufactured articles,
yet ii is thought desirable for the public in
terest and for our agriculture that we should
produce this prime necessity for ourselves. The
duty on carpet woods. as well as upon many
other articles, IS imposed mainly for revenue
the irritation caused by the use Of few woods
heretofore classed as carpet wools being used
for clothing purposes. has been remeded by
transferring such woods 10 the clothing wool
classes. but the duty on clothing wool has been
restored to the rate Of the Act Of 1890
In framing this new tariff the aim has been
10 make the duties specific. or at least partly
specific. so far possible. TO protect the revenue
and also 10 protect our own industries This has
been done in response 10 the wishes Of the better
class OF importers well as Of the admins
traitors Of the law and Of own producers.
The very general substitution of specific duties,
even where they are only the equivalent Of ex-
iS'lng al yalorem. Will Of itself increase the rev.
'nue ana strengthen the protection afforded 10
cur Industries
THE RECIPROCITY FEATURES.
The reciprocity provisions Of the Act OF 1890
nave not only been fully restored. but this policy
mas oeeh extended by adding to sugar. tea. coffee
anu Noes as articles on which TO make reciprocal
s'eefheh's. such articles as champagne brandy,
mes aruncial and natural mineral waters.
,iIe' a.rsols and silk laces. In adding these ar
@ @Sies lne reciprocity provision is strengt hened
,tasE Dy providing for a reduction Of duties on
TN ~ countries giving us similar concessions.
nos. ne piI as whole has the unanimous sup
"a ,W the Republican members Of the Ways
90. neahs committee, and will IL is hoped, re-
OF o.hn one suppvr, not only Of Republicans but
ieas, 10 es VINO DeIieVe that revenue should be at
tba. ,e9usi 10 expenditures with the conviction
Ia qich ~