New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-27

FIVE SCHEDULES HAVE BEEN con-
SIDERED.
WORK ON THE SUGAR SCHEDULE BEGUN-IM
PoRTANr POINTS TO BE coNsIDERED-THE
QUESTION OF RATES STILL oPEN-ALL
DUTIES TO BE SPECIFIC so FAR
AS PRACTICABLE.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBuNE.l

icy TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.]
Washington, Jan. 26.-The majority of the Com
mttee on Ways and Means to-day began the con-
sideration of the sugar schedule which is one OF
great Importance in whatever aspect 1t may De
viewed. and it is probable that the discussion and
consideration of II will occupy several days There
are a number Of important questions 10 be consid-
cred and settled before that OF rates can be lis
posed of-frst as to whether the bounty provisions
of the act 1890 shall be reenacted and imported
raw sugars placed on the free list; second what
derential rate Of duty shall be imposed on refined
sugar and on sugars upon which export bountics
have been paid: third. whether specific rates snail
be substituted for existing ad vaorem and COM
pound rates OF duty. and so or
Judging from expressions dropped py several
members Of the committee. 1t is not probable that
the bounty provisions will be re-cnacted or sugar
restored to the free list. Conditions are dinereh
esnecally as to the revenue. from those which ex-
listed in 1900 The customs revenue from sugar 'or
the year ended June 30. 1896. amounted 70 s-''oo'
S12 or more than 10 per cent OF the total amount
Of revenue from customs duties for that year
Even if the condition of the National Treasury war
ranted the restoration Of sugar to the free ist " ~
doubtful ~ the re-enactment Of the provisions OF
1900 would be recommended by the majority OF the
committee. Domestic producers OF sugar "i'ie a'
hitting that the bounty provisions great! suihu
lated the industry. and saying that II assureu "a
the stability of the bounty system ior term VI
rsbment also say that. taking everything into con-
s,daration the industry would probably thrive pet
ter and enjoy safer and more certain prospectus u"
der system Of duties sufficient TO protect II i'oi
UNEQUAL foreign competition
The question of proper differenal rates on rehheo
suqars and on sugars imported from Dounty-pa!ihs
countries is one which offers good many oicu'iee
CIV soI,,ion The actual cost Of refining sugar IN tho
United States as compared with European cost seems
difficult 10 ascertain. II also seems dimcut u
measure with exactness the benefit. ASIDE from
the differental duty. which the American Ieiner oe
r;ves from the provisions of existing law but sevea
the opinion that the total protecuon o. ne i nc
exceeds three-tenths of a cent pounu. ~ - az
understood that there are some Indications OF uii
ference of opinion among members Oh me
az IN whether IL would be desirable 10 Apply specihc
rates of duty IT. the sugar schedule out the ques.
viii probably be settled in the affirmative without
much difficulty or friction. :,
The maiority OF the committee have thus far de-
voted more or less time 10 the consideration OF tne
following schedules: Chemicals wines ana liquors
co'ton manufactures. silk and sugar. AS one OF the
members remarked to-day. however. no rates OF uuty
have vet been changed in any OF the scheduies Whcn
a:e not subject TO further changes Inc scneiu.e VI
chs rn,cas has probably received more attention tha
either of the others, but there are TWO linpor am
class.s OF items liz that which have not yet peeh as
Glasses will affec. rates considerable NUMBER OF
items outside OF them The genera avsidge Oh ldIes
in this schedule will probably he 9s oeo"
In the cotton schedule the more important changes
will he those affecting classification and no consider
able increase OF rates is expected apart from mat re-
svi,inq from changes OF classification and phraseol
ogy The silk schedule will UNDERGO pretty inorougn
revision. and members OF the conmtlee II Is uluti
GOOD have virtually reached the conclusion already
thai will be practicable 10 apply specic rates OF
duty in this schedule more generally even man was
done in the revision Of sso ERE ssb"se Of Vines
ard liquors will be at least az high as that OF ieJV