New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-17
THE WOOL PROBLEM.

The question at issue between wool growers
and manufacturers might have been settled
wisely by them. Since they throw it back to
be settled by the committee that body will
have to settle II without regard TO the wishes of
either interest, but solely with respect to the
welfare of the country as whole. There are
some considerations which will dictate in such
a decision that were not perhaps duly consid-
cred by the representatives Of both interests.
There is first the certainty that duties not
higher than those Of the Act Of 1890 will greatly
increase the prosperity of wool growing and the
production Of wool The experience under that
act was eminently favorable to it. The cost Of
wool was not materially increased, but was
so satisfactory that the number Of sheep in
creased very rapidly until the manufacture was
arrested by the prospect Of change Of tariff.
The duties which then sufficcd TO produce benc-
fetal results for wool growers and large eXpan-
sion of the manufacture without adding any
thing TO the cost Of wOollen clothing TO con-
sumers, may with confidence be expected to
produce similar results.
One or two notifications Of this conclusion
may also have some weight. The great increase
Of wool production in other countries has ma
terially lowered the price OF wool abroad, and,
as far as can be anticipated with reason, has
lowered the price permanently. Hence the duty
which sutced in 1890 would now be relatively
higher, in proportion to the foreign cost Of
wool imported. though exactly the same in cents
per pound. At the same time it must he noticed
that the same duties in cents per pound would
now be less effective for protection than I'm
former years, in cases where wool directly
competing with American has been much re-
duced In price. Though OF higher rate ad valo
rem. 1t would in that case only secure TO Amer
lean growers somewhat lower minimum of
price
The manufacture cannot be Frustrated or
placed Mt serious disadvantage in competition
with foreign works In any important class Of
products without cutting off part Of the home
market upon which the growers must depend
and thus deprivng them Of the benefits de-
sired. 1t is therefore necessary, for the welfare
of the grower as we'll as the manufacturer, not
to make the difference between cost Of ma
terial here and in other countries so great rs
to handicap the industry. If all duties could
he made specific. both on wool and on wOollens.
this would surely be great help TO both in
tcrests. and one which they did not enjoy under
the Act Of 1890.
IHt skIIlluS CLAUSE WiS DevOnu uOuDt made
the means Of evading much Of the duty which
the law intended to impose. But that is not
reason for imposing prohibitory duties on
form Of wool found very needful to the manu-
facture. Instead, there should be a sincere
and dispassionate effort TO place the duty on
such wool as closely as possible on a level with
that Of similar wool not skirted In proportion
to value OF each in use. Something of the same
caution is needed in adjusting the additional
duties on washed or secured wool! having I'm
mind the fact that duties so high as to be
practically prohibitOry must place the manu-.
facure ut great disadvantage in competition.
The actual shrinkage in various forms of for.
eign wool Is closely known and can at any
time be accurately determined by the officials
charged with the enforcement of the law. II
does not seem impracticable to make the add.
tlonal duties vary in proportion TO the extent Of
the shrinkage on different foreign woods. The
great benefit to be secured for the grower. the
one more valuable TO him than any other. is the
establishment and maintenance OF n large and
growing home manufacture, which shall insure
permanent market for his products. Without
that. absolutely prohibitory duties on wool
would not be OF the slightest use to him.