The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-06-01
TARIFF FOR THE PHILIPPINES.
Existing Spanish Schedules May Be
Allowed to Remain.

NEW YORK, May 3.-A special to the
Times from Washington says: "As a result
of investigation the Treasury Department
has been making into the question of a tar
if for the Philippines to be levied as a
military contribution during the occupation
of the islands by the United States forces
the administration has practically decided
to enforce the existing Spanish schedules,
with only such changes as the circum-
stances may make necessary. The experts
of the customs service have made an ex-
haustive study of Spanish tariffs, with spe-
cial reference to the course to be pursued
in the Philippines, and the results of these
labors have been laid before the President
by Secretary Gage The first proposition
was to adopt a new tariff drawn on the
American model, as was done when this
country occupied Tampico during the Mex
lean war; In that case, which has fur
nished the most useful presidents for the
present emergency, q. special tariff was pre-
pared and enforced during the brief occu-
patton of the port by the military forces of
the United States. In the case of the Phil
ippineS, however in view of the differences
Of language and of standards of measure
of the remoteness of territory, and of the
conditions entirely dissimilar to those ex-
listing here, it has been deemed wiser SIM
ply to take up the tariff lists as the Span
iards will leave them and continue the same
duties as now. This. it is believed will
cause less interruption to commerce, be
more satisfactory to the foreign merchants
who do business with the islands, and prove
more acceptable to the natives, whose good
will is recognized worth cultivating if
the territory is to be retained.
The Spanish tariff in the Philippines is
different from a "
enue tariff. Pursuant to the Spanish policy
of squeezing the colonies just as much as
just as high as possible. They are specific
entirely, no ad valorem duty being laid. All
goods imported from the mother country are
exempted from taxation, SO as to make 1T
to the interest of the people to trade with
the mother country. The free list is large,
special privileges being given to the priests
and the church One of the particulars in
which the tariff will be changed under the
American administration will be in the
away the Determinations in favor of the
church and the numerous holy orders.
THE enforcement OF the tariff will be
left to the military authorities under Gen.
Merritt. The Treasury Department will
have no official connection with it, although
it will send out number of expert assist
ants TO aid the army officials in the tech
meal execution of the task. The tariff, be-
ing imposed as military contribution, the
proceeds will be turned into the armys
strong box without the formality of for
warding them to the treasury. In view of
international law, the philippines, even
after they have been occupied by the mill
tary forces of the United States, will re-
main extraneous territory. They will not
be part of this country until the conclu-
sion Of a treaty of peace has settled the title
upon US. In consequence, American goods
sent to the islands will be made to pay duty
just as goods from other countries. This
will be in direct contrast with the Spanish
policy, and is expected to have a good eff
feet in making the American occupation
popular. AS the import taxes will not be
increased, as American merchants will have
no advantage over those of other countries.
and as there will undoubtedly be an i'm
provement in the administration with re-
gard to honesty and progress, the CONNER
cial world of the far East, 1t is pointed out.
has nothing to complain of as a result OF
the change of masters in the philippines.