The Lewiston teller. (Lewiston, Idaho) 1900-1905, 1901-02-21

P"iaSiaPH VI aititle o-o Oh the customs
statute. 1he measure will become effect
I've fortnight after its PRONUNCIATION.
Cassini Learns Of 1t.
Washington, Feb. lS.-Count Cassini.
the Russian ambassador, this evening re-
ceived cablegram from the Russian for
eign office confirming the report of the is
sue OF the decree imposing increased duues
on certain American imports into Russia,
and took steps to inf rin the stale depart
ment accordingly. 1t is realized that a
grave crisis has ben reached in the trade
relations OF ...e United States and Russia.
The immediate effect of the Russian de-.
cree, when 1t becomes operative on March
l, will be to increase by 80 per cent the
duty on American machinery, steel and
iron goods. These goods already enjoy
two separate reductions, 80 per cent bein Z
taken of from the general and 20 pc.
cent from the conventional duties. The
articles referred to in the Russian decree
are machinery and tools of every kind,
manufactures and products of cast iron
and steel. Roughly stated, the United
States is said to have exported goods of
this description to Russia last year to
the amount Of about $3O,OO0,OOO. The ad-
dition of so per cent to the duty will, it is
thought, prove practically prohibitory.
The action taken means that the Rus
sian government will not concern itself
with test case nor await the issue of such
a case. However, there is an expectation
that the American importers of Russian
sugar will make the fight in their own
interests. Some argoes of Russian sugar
are now afioat and on the way to the
United States, where atjeast one is due to
arrive in the next 10 days. 1t is not
doubted that the consignees in the United
States will, rather than pay the counter
vailing duty, which would make it impos-
sib,e to compete with other sugar, make up
test case.
The text of the Russian order is as
follows:
IAN order of the Russian minister of
finance directs additional tariff of 80 per
cent net on articles included in para
graphs $50, Isl, l52, 1853 and l6l, and sec.
ton 2, discriminating tariff upon Ameri-
can hardware, iron, steel, boilers, pipes
torglngs, castings, tools, gas and water
meters, dynamos, sewing machines; also
paragraph l67 Of the Russian tariff laws
when such articles are OF American man
/ ufacture. This includes motors and ma.
chinery of all kinds"
Ouick Acfinn
st. Petersburg, Feb. lS.-The finance
minister, M. DeWitte, has proved his abil-
ity to hit quick and hard. He was evil
IDENTIFY prepared for reprisals before Score.
tary Gage took final action. NJ DeWitte
sent to the senate for publication an
ordinance levying 30 per cent increased
duty on the most important American inn
ports into Russia. The ordinance was
published today in the Official Messenger
and becomes effective March l. This ac-
ton is greatly regretted in American cir
cles, and Americans anticipate much harm
therefrom. Well informed Americans dc
not believe the supreme court will sustain
the claim that Russia pays bounty on
sugar, directly or indirectly, and regard
the action taken as hasty, though not un.
expected. 1t is believed that little harm
would have resulted to Russian interests
if the action Of the court had beer
awaited.