The Washington times., 1902-07-09
Repeal of Law Against
Coupons and Cards in
Packages Gratifying.
CAN NOW ADVERTISE FREELY
Photographs and Other Prizes May Be
Given Away With Bags Of Tobacco
and Packages of Cigarettes-Efect
of This Sessions Legislation.

TIE paragraph of the Dingley tariff
act which prevented the packing of any
card, coupon. etc, in packages of smol;-
ing tobacco or cigarettes has been re-
pealed by law enacted on the iinal day
Of Congress. The manner in which it
appeared in the conference report on
tie Dlngiey act without having been
mentioned in either House or Senate
bill has always been regarded as piece
Of sharp legislation. and its presence
there has never been satisfactorily ex-
pia!ned. 1t was in the conference &c
J.ort however, when presented to the
Two houses and slipped through unno-
ticed. The effect soon became appar-
cnt. for 1t prevented manufacturers OF
new brands OF smoking tobacco or Gig
arettes from introducing them 10 the
public by giving with each package as
an inducer2ent to the purchase: a pao-
;ograph. card bearing one OF series
OF flags. or a coupon as certificate en-
titlirg the holder. when presenting them
in stated numbers. TO receive certain
premiums. ranging in some cases up 10
solid gold rings or watches.
Benefits to Manufacturers.
The benefit of the legislation to old
established manufacturers OF tobacco or
cigarettes, and particularly TO the cigar
ette trust, was so great that it was
charged that the latter was in some way
-espclsibfe for sneaking It through the
committee and into the law. Not only
we're they relieved from the expense OF
putting into the cigarette packages the
pictures or coupons necessary to main
ain competition with those who did use
them. but as the owners OF the new
brands were prohibited from pushing
their goods in this way the old estab-
lished manufacturers profited by this
shutting OF Of competition. Several ar
rests were made under the law, and
finally the United States court at Wheel
ing, some two years ago in test case.
affirmed its legality after a long and
hard-fought legal battle.
Complaints to Congress.
Complaints then began to come to
congross from the tobacco and cigarette
manufacturer that the law We objec-
tionabio hecauec OF the lcck of uni
fcrnity in its application; that it pre-
vented the introduction Of new brands by
legitimate and proper advertising, tend
Cd to continue the monopoly OF we'll
brands by preventing proper
and legitimate competition.
Repealed Objectionable Feature.
THO House Ways and Means Commit
tee. Few days before the final adjourn
ment of Congress drew up a bin repeal
ing tho Objectionable law. and in the
report upon il. after enumerating the !
above complaints pointed out that the le-
sitimatc Use CT tags and coupons on plug
.oDacc1 had been beneficial 10 the CON
fc1-CT ara The new act would admit of |
similar ugc In other forms OF tobacco !
and make the law Uniform on all grades |
OF The article. The House attached the |
ti!l as IN amendment to 4 Senate bin |
the internal revenue laws so |
IS to relieve producers OF perique to-
bacco from the payment of the manu- |
;acturers' tax. The conference report |
was agreed TO and the act was signed |
IN tho last day Of the session.
IN addition TO repeating the old law !
the act provides a penalty OF 81 900 fine |
and ccnlscation OF the entire stock of |
tobacco for putting IN 4 package of |
tobacco, cigars or cigarettes any in |
decent or immoral picture. reprennta-
tion. print or words, or packing M. at
tach!ng TO, connecting with, afflxing to,
OF branding. stamping. marking, writing
upon or printing upon any package OF
ctured tobacco, snuff. cigars, or
cigarettes any papc-, certificate or in
strument purporting TO be or represent
in~ 4 ticket chance share interest in
or dcrclicDs upon the evclt OF lottery.