The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-07-25
NO DUTY CHARGED.


The story wafch has been extensively
circulated throughout this state. on the
authority Of AZ Interested agent Of the
Victoria merchants sent here for that
purpose. that miners going into the
Northwest Territory would be compelled
TO pay duty upon their outfits when they
arrived on the Canadian side Of the line.
mas caused no eEd OF trouble and mental
worry to those intending 10 60 into the
Siondyke country. Every attempt TO Sc
cure an authoritative confirmation Of the
sAoFs mas been umayaillng There arc
certain things about II which have all
along led TO belief rhas il was hiun
put forward in the interests OF Victoria
outftters
The Canadian government. has always
cecn Asvniy alive to everything which
would help the development of the min
eFai resources OF that country 1t has
recognized that Americans are the pioneer
pfosi'essors and developers of every MIN
ing district. Ii has been liberal in its
treatment Of them. and has uniformly re-
FUSED TO pass laws forosdding alien own
ersnip OF Names, although the fair excuse
could De offered for such laws shar they
prevail on the United States side OF the
line.
Inc humble outfit Of the mining pros
pector has never been touched along the
northern boundary of this state. where
Canadian customs officers ars stationed IN
every town. The provisions which those
gong TO the Yukon are taking in are not
Tor barter or sale. but solely for the pr;-
sata use OF the individual taking them
Ine outnss are large, not because OF any
desire on the part OF The Adventures to
avoid the necessity OF trading with mar-
chants VINO may establish themselves in
canadian territory in the vicinity of the
mines. but solely because there are no
sach merchants at present there with
stocks at all adequate TO supply the de-
mands which will be made upon them.
To charge the duty upon the supplies
which prospector takes with him into
the wilderness for his own use. while he
g engaged in the work of developing tho
country and adding UNNECESSARILY to the
wealth OF the Canadian dominion. and to
Go SO by straininE the letter of statute
which had no such intent behind il, would
be IN radical opposition to the course
which the Canadian government has here
tofore pursued upon the subject.
Until an official declaration 10 the con-
trary Is made, 1t is probably quite safe
10 rest IN the belief that no such action
is contemplated, and that the dominion
authorities are not intending 10 engage
IN policy OF petty persecution of the
miners IN the interest OF certain trades
men
J. F. Foulkes, tho great tennis PLAYER
OF British Columbia, who has been In this
city for some days past. Is the private
secretary of the British Columbia min
tsser OF mines. At the Butler last even-
ing Mr.. Foulkes said, In relation TO the
Dominion customs duties In Northwest
Territory: Il would prefer not to be
quoted for publication. but can say this:
Miners entering the Northwest Territory
cannot be charged duty upon their out
fts. such as clothing. food. etc"
Mr.. Fouikes Is certainly In a position
to know. He says that no such duties
will be charged. The agent OF the Vic
toria merchants says. through a local
newspaper, that they will be SO charged.
The conclusion Is plain. The thing is a
blum. designed to turn trade to Victoria
merchants.