The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-06-07
JAPAN AND OUR TARIFF.
THE DINGLEY BILL ExCITEs ALARM
IN THE ISLANDS.
Communication to Our Government Decinr-
ing that tho Bill wouid Ruin Sapan's
Trade with Us-Tnlk OF Retnliation-RH-
nrrernted Tariff Figures Printed There.

n Communication to Our Government Decinr-
ing That the BiiI wouid Ruin Sspan's
Trade with Us-TaLk OF Retniiation-Er-
aEHeratea Tariff Figures Printed There.
TACOMA, WASH, Juno 6.-The Japanese EN-
pire il greatly agitated over the increased duties
Of the Dingley bill, and various measures are
being proposed. both by tho Government and
commercial bodies, to Offset the erect OF the
new tariff on the expectation of Japanese prod
ucts to the United States.
Tho newspapers received to-day from Yoko-
hama say that Count Okuma, Minister for For
elgn Affairs, has sont a despatch to the United
States Government. representing that the pro-
posed tariff will, II adopted, result in serious
injury to the trade between tho two countries.
1t is also mentioned that Japanese merchants
and manufacturers, appreciating the ominous
character Of the tariff. have appealed to the
Minister for Foreign Affairs, reminding him
that Japan is at liberty to denounce the most
favored nation clause in her treaty with the
United States and impose retallatory duties on
American goods. Count Okuma recommends
that tho United Statos Government reconsider
the proposed amendments of the tariff.
A deputation representing their trades have
had an interview with the Minister Of Agrioul.
turo and m to point out that the collec-
ton Of q high duty on tea by the United States
would paralyze Japan's expectation Of that prod
not. Ten cents per pound duty would equal
twenty yen on tea worth twenty yen per hum
dred cattios.
Adding tho freight insurance and other
charges, tho cost would be sixty-hve yen per
hundred ~catties. which would ruin tho trade.
The tea traders have called o general meeting
to discuss tho situation, and will demand that
the Japanese Government impose retaliatory
duties.
In o convention of the Chambers Of Commerce
throughout the empire, Just held at Hiroshima,
a resolution was passed strongly condemning
the new tariff. The Japanese Foreign Trade
Society has likewise expressed It's disapproval,
while tho National Mating Guild and the Yoko-
hama Tea Guild have issued circulars broadcast
calling attention to tho iniquities of the now
tariff.
The Japanese hope by this means K, influence
United States Senators into rejecting or modi.
flying the Dinglsy bill.
The figures Of the new tariff rates seem to DO
exaggerated in the Japanese newspapers. They
report q proposed impost upon silk piece goods
at s. per pound. and other articles in proper
ton.
At Kobe, moro practical views have been
taken, for, in view of the new law rejecting in
ferior grades Of tea. the Kobe Tea Sellers Asso-
citation has addressed o circular to producers
about the careful preparation of the leaf. The
association will pay q premium upon packages
of the finest grade. but mixed teas will DO re-
jected.
At Yokohama and Kobe foreign firms are
rushing their shipments In view Of possible
tariff changes. The Northern Pacific Steamship
Company has added Ave chartered steamers to
its line, making nine In all. to carry the aug
mented tea shipments.