The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-02-17
N. DE- N|TIE STRIKES BACK
DINGLEY LAW Is STRIKINGLY
ILLUSTRATED
REPRIsAL ON RUSSIAN SUGAR
Promptly Followed by Action of the
Cars Minister Against a Rap
idly Growing Branch of
American Commerce.

ST PETERSBURG, Feb. 16.-M. De
! Witte, minister of finance, has issued q
decree regarding the application of the
increased tariff to certain imports from
the United States. The decree is based
upon the first paragraph of article 62S,
| of the customs statute. The measure
VIII become effective a fortnight after its
| PRONUNCIATION.
The finance minister, M. de Witte, has
proved his ability to hit quick and hard.
! He was evidently prepared for reprisals
| before Secretary Gage took final action.
! NJ. de Witte sent to the senate WedneS-
day for publication an ordinance levyfng
so per cent increased duty on the most
! important American imports into Russia.
The ordinance was published today in
the Official Messenger, and becomes eff
fective March l. This action is greatly
regretted in American circles, who an
ticipate much harm therefrom. Well-in-
formed Americans do not believe the su-
preme court will sustain the claim that
Russia pays a sugar bounty, directly or
indirectly, and regard the action taken
as hasty, though not unexpected by
those knowing how he felt on the mat
ter. It is believed that little harm would
have resulted to Russian interests II the
action Of the court has been awaited.
The German press naturally has taken
the role of Tertium Gaudens, believing
The measure will transfer American COM
nerce to Germany. The ordinance re-
quires that the articles affected be ac-
companied upon importation by a certih-
cate from place of origin. The ordinance
affects the articles named in sections 100,
81, 152, 1853. 160 and 167, of the second
part, including all unWorked steel and
iron castings to sewing machines. Loco
mobiles, complicated threshers, steam
plows and fire engines are exempt.
TRADE CRISIS.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 16.-Count Cas-
SIM, the Russian ambassador, this after
noon received cablegram from the Rus
sian foreign Office confirming the report
of the issue of the decree imposing in
creased duties on certain American inn
ports into Russia and took steps to in
form the state department accordingly.
1t is realized that a grave crisis has
been reached in the trade relations be-
tween the United States and Russia.
The immediate effect of the Russ an de-
cree when it becomes operative on March
l, will be to increase by so per cent the
duties on American machinery, steel and
iron goods These goods already enjoy
two separate reductions, 80 per cent being
taken off from the general and 20 per
cent from the conventional duties. The
articles referred to in the Russian de-
cree are machinery and tools of every
kind, manufactures and products of cast
iron and steel. Roughly stated the United
states is stated to have exported goods
Of this description to Russia last year
to the amount of $3O,0O0,O00 The addi-
ton of so per cent to the duty will, it is
thought, prove practically prohibitory
The action taken today means that the
russian government will not concern it
self with test case nor await the issue
OF such case. However there is an
expectation that the American importers
or Russian sugar will make the fight in
their own interest. Several cargoes Of
russian sugar are now at1oat and on the
way to the United States. and at least
one is due to arrive in the next ten days.
1t is not doubted that the consignees in
the United States will, rather than pay
the 1ntervailing duty, which would make
it impossible to compete with other
sugar. make up test case. If the re-
suit favors the Russian side, then the
obnoxious decree will be amended
though it is not denied the government
officials feel offended.