The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-04-22
TARIFF CHANGES URGED
MERCHANTS NOT QUITE SATISFIED
WITH PHILIPPINE RATES.
Most OF the Proposed Notifications i'm
Interest OF Frcer Trade-Mac-
Arthur's Casualty List.

WASHINGTON. April 2l.-It is not likely
that the new Philippine tarir will be pro-
mulgated until after the decision of the
Supreme Court in the insular cases 1t is
stated at the War Department, where the
matter has received considerable considera-
ton. that this decision may make il un-
necessary for the government TO estab-
lish. system OF tariff rates in the Philip
pines, although the department has pro-
ceeded with the work of equalizing the
rates and receiving and considering sug-
gestions as though the coming decision
would not make any change in the present
conditions
Some months ago the War Department
published the tariff as prepared by the
tariff experts in the Philippines
and approved by the Taft COM
mission. Interested parties, especially
manufacturers and shippers. were invited
TO examine this proposed tariff and make
suggestions. 1t is interesting to note that
of the 1As paragraphs in the proposed tar
if only thirty-tnree paragraphs have pro-
voked criticism suggestion. Even these
are in mild tone and nearly all take the
form of suggestion. Some of the more i'm
portant suggestions embodied in the
following: 1t is suggested there will be
difficulty in making all duties specific and
that. in many cases. perhaps ad valorem
duties will be better. There are some OBJ
jections to the metric system. American
goods are in yard folds, and European
goods are in metric folds. If the yard folds
are continued it would be better for the
American manufacturers
The Manila Chamber of Commerce asks
that four months intervene between the
PRONUNCIATION of the tariff and its enforce
ment. No provision Is made for marking
oleomargarine TO distinguish il from but
ter. The dairy interests think such pro-
vision desirable. A lower rate is asked for
gasoline TO be used for fuel and for
launches. An ad valorem duty is advised
upon precious stones and watches one
firm suggests that cOpperas and oxide
should be upon the free list.
1t is claimed that cotton yarns should
not be admitted at lower rate than fab
RIGS woven from such yarn; also that the
weight and washing of cotton tissues should
be changed in the interest of coarser cot
ton fabrics. There has been quite an ex-
tensive discussion of this subject, and IL
has been pointed out that changes in the
Cuban tariff also were needed in this par
ticular. The free entry OF news print
paper is advocated
Reductions are asked of from 20 TO 40
per cent. on harness and saddle-makers
wares. 1t is suggested that the cheap and
expensive machinery should not pay the
same rates. Certain typewriter firms want
the duty on their machines reduced.
A change Is asked in the classlncauon
of meat products. 1t is said that the duty
on alcohol should be doubled or manufac-
turers of whisky will be able TO use the
alcohol for making whisky at much less
cost than the distilled product.
California manufacturers ask a reduc-
ton on flour, cereals, prunes, benzine, gaso-
line and petroleum, some OF them suggest
ing that these articles be placed on the
free INST Condensed milk and fish. the
Pacific coast desires. also have been placed
on the free list. One suggestion is that all
materials for the United states omcers
should be admitted free of duty.
Some rather interesting information has
reached the War Department in connection
with the tariff, il being shown that Russia
sends to the Philippines two-ffths Of all
the petroleum imported by the people OF
the Islands.