The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1897-03-25

C-Metals. NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. 1000 coo
D-Wood Observation-Disclosures. 100000
E-Sugar Observation-Disclosures. 81 $50 600
F-Tobacco. Observation-Disclosures. 1000, 900
G-Agrlcuiture. Observation-Disclosures. 6, 800 600
H-Liquors. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 100000
LOTIONS. Observation-Disclosures. 100000
J-Jute, linen and hemp.......... 1890 O1O
k-Wool. OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. II, 500 600
K-Manufacture of wool..... .27 800 900
L-Sllks ........................ 100000
M-Pulp and paper ............... $4,000
N-Sundrles ...... .............. 600 900
This estimate is on the supposition that
imports of each class of goods would be
the same the next fiscal year as in the
fiscal year ended last June.
/ But as imports of wool were three
times as great, and those of wooden goods
more than twice as great in pounds as in
1893, the committee assume that their ex-
cessive importation would be largely re-
duced by the proposed bill, although the
! fact that our domestic production Of wool
has diminished 100000 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 the least one third from
those of 1896 on account of anticipatory
imports to avoid duties, we estimate the
increased revenue from this source at Sill
OO0, 600. Anticipating also that the i'm
ports of WOOlenS will fall off nearly so per
cent. from the enormous imports of 1896,
we estimate the increased revenue from
this source under the proposed rates at
about S14, 600, 900.
From sugar we estimate $40, 900, 600 adj
ditional revenue. Anticipating a consid-
cradle falling off of imports of Havana
tobacco, because of the revolution in Cuba,
we reduce the estimates of additional reve-
nue. to be derived from the tobacco
schedule to 81, OOG, 600. The remaining
schedules would afford a revenue of about
S39, 800, 600 on the basis of imports of
1896. AS there would probably be dimin-
lshed imports at some points, although
the gradual restoration of business activi-
ty would offset this by increasing con
sumption of imported luxuries, we re-
duce the estimate on these to S31 900, 600,
These would aggregate an additional
revenue of $50, 600, 600 the first year.
further reduction of five OF ten millions
for contingencies would leave SO, 600 600
to s75, 600, 900 as the probable increased
revenue from this bill the first year, which
would undoubtedly rise to 800, 600 900
the second year
These estimates are below rather than
above the probable result, unless consid-
cradle delay in the enactment of the bill
should greatly enlarge the opportunity
for imports of articles on which duties
are to be raised-particular wool and
woolens-for speculative purposes.
Undoubtedly any delay beyond the first
book would result in large loss of reve-
nue..
| This increase of revenue is secured by
transferring wool, lumber, crude opium,
argols, paintings, statuary, straw orna-
ments, straw mattings, burlaps and vari-
Gus other articles from the free list of the
present law to the dutiable list; by in
creasing the duty on woolens to compen-
safe the manufacturer for the duty placed
on wool; by raising the duty OH sugar
about three fonrths of a cent per pound,
in order to encourage the production of
sugar in this country, which it is believ-
ed, can be done, and thus give our farm
ers new crop which We now import
mainly from abroad; by increasing the
duty on agricultural products affected by
Canadian competition, and on fine cotton
goods, some advanced manufacturers of
iron and steel, manufacturers of iute flax
and hemp, to encourage these and other
industries here, especially by Increasing
the duties on such Injuries as liquors, to-
bacco silks 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 principle, being made feasible
by changed conditions The iron and steel
schedule is changed very little from that
schedule in the tariff of 1894, the change
being entirely in the more advanced arti-
cles.
The same is true of the cotton schedule.
In the agricultural, wool, glass and
earthenware schedules alone are the duties
of the act of 1890 fully restored, as rule,
and in a few cases increased with view
of amply protecting and encouraging our
farming interests at every possible point.
While the duty on clothing wool is
larger in proportion to the foreign value
than on the manufactured articles, yet it is
thought desirable for the public interest
and for our agriculture that we should
produce this prime necessity for ourselves.
The duty on carpet woods, as we'll as
upon many other articles, is imposed
mainly for revenue. The irritation caus-
GU ny ltlt uSt VI d lew WOOlS heretofore
classed as carpet woods for clothing pur-
poses has been remedied by transferring
such woods to 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 to make the duties specific or at least
partly specific SO far as possible, to protect
our own industries. This has been done
in response to the wishes of the better
class of importers, as well as the admins
traitors of law and of our own producers.
The very general substitution Of specific
duties, even where they are only the equiv
aent of existing advalorem, will of it
self increase the revenue and strengthen
the protection afforded to our industries
The reciprocity provisions of the act Of
1890 have not only been fully restored,
but this policy has been extended by add
ing to sugar, tea coffee and hides as ar
icles on which to make reciprocal agree
ments, such articles as champagne, brandy
wines, artificial and natural mineral wa
ters, chicle, argols and silk laces. In adj
ding these articles the reciprocity provs-
ion is strengthened greatly by providing
for reduction of duties on them to
countries giving similar concessions