The Saint Paul globe., 1901-04-22
NN PHILIPPINE TARIFF
PRONUNCIATION AWAITS THE DE-
CISION OF THE SUPREME
COURT IN INSULAR CASES
SOME OF SUGGESTIONS MADE
Thirty-Three Paragraphs Have In
vtted Criticism-some of the
Articles That Seek
Free DHfy.

WASHINGTON, April N.--It is not like
ly that the new Philippine tariff will be
promulgated 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 con-
sideration, that this decision may make
it unnecessary for the government to es-
tablish system of tariff rates IN the
Philippines, although the department has
proceeded with the work of equalizing
the rates and receiving and considering
suggestions as though the coming de-
cision 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 ap-
proved by the Taft commission interest
ed parties, especially manufacturers and
shippers, We're invited to examine this
proposed tariff and make suggestions and
criticisms. 1t Is interesting to note that
OF the 4l9 paragraphs in the proposed
tariff, only thirty-three paragraphs have
provoked criticism or suggestion Even
these are in mild tone, and nearly all
take the form Of suggestion. Some of
the more important suggestions are en-
bodied in the following:
1t is suggested that there will be diff
Guilty in making all duties specific, and
that in many cases perhaps ad valorem
duties will be better There are some
objections to the metric system, as
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
promulgation of the tariff and it's en-
forcement. No provision is made for
marking olemargarine to distinguish it
from butter The dairy interests think
such provision desirable. A lower rate
is asked for gasoline to be used for fuel
and for launches. An ad volorem duty Is
advised upon precious stones and watch
es. One firm suggests that copperas and
oxide should be upon the free list.
1t is claimed that cotton should not be
admitted at a lower rate than fabrics
woven from such yarn; also that the
weight and washing Of cotton tissues
should be changed in the interest CT
coarSer cotton fabrics. There has been
quite an extensive discussion of this sub
ject, and 1t has been pointed out that
changes in the Cuban tariff also were
needed in this particular
The free entry of news print paper
is advocated.
reductions are asked of from 20 to 40
per cent on harness and saddlenakers'
wares. 1t is suggested that cheap and
expensive machinery should not pay the
same rates. Certain typewriter firms
want the duty on their machines re-
duced
A change Is asked in the classification
Of meat products. 1t is said that tie
duty on alcohol should be doubled, or
manufacturers of whisky will be able
to use alcohol for making whisky at a
much less cost than the distilled product.
California m fa Cf1 ac1y
ton on flour, cereals, prunes, benzine,
gasoline and petroleum; some of them
suggesting that these articles be placed
on the free list. Condensed milk anl
fish, the Pacific coast desires, also should
be placed on the free list.
One suggestion made is that all ma
terials for the United States forces should
be admitted free of duty
Some rather interesting information
has reached the war department in con-
nection with the tariff, it being shown
that Russia sends to the PHILIPPINES two
fifths of all the petroleum imported by
the people of the islands.