Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-09-24
TARIFF on HARD COAL
PRESIDENT MISTAKEN IN SAYING
ri rs on THE FREE LIST.
1T is HELD TO BE DUTIABLE.
The Board of Appraiser. in New
York Holds II Wa. the Intention
OF Congress. to Put n Tariff on
Anthracite.
Anthracite

u
WASHINGTON, d. C.. September q
Especial. president Roosevelt made the
important statement in his speech at Gin
tinnati the other day that anthracite
coai is on the free list, and this impression
has obtained generally, even among tarlii
experts. A careful reading OF the Dinghy
tariff law gives this impression, but a re-
ference TO the only decision ever made
by the Board of Appraisers in New York
shows that the board regards anthracite
coal DIS dutiable. 1t likewise takes the
ground that the intention of Congress at
the fine the Dingley law was passed
was TO place a duty on anthracite coal.
On some of the hardest grades of coal
OF precisely the same grade as that found
IN Pennsylvania, the belief is expressed
by treasury officials that there would be
no duty but it is doubtful if as good
grade of anthracite coal can be found
in foreign countries as the best in Penn
sylrania.
The DinEley law imposes tax of 81
cents ton on all coal containing 90 per
cent Of fixed carbon. This taxes btu
mi!ous and softer grades OF anthracite
coal. All coal containing 90 per cent or
more of fixed carbon may enter free. but
the changes are decidedly slim. it is de-
clarcd, to find coal that will grade up to
that The Welsh coal that it is proposed
TO import from Wales does not contain
80 per cent. of carbon. it is stated. and
would therefore have to pay 81 cents per
ton of g bushels Of so pounds to the
bushei. The best authority as to Goals
in their analyses of the product in differ
ent parts of the country. agree that the
hardest anthracite of Pennsylvania con-
,ains 81 per cent. Of fixed carbon, while
the soft anthracite of the same region
contains 81 per cent. The dense anthracite
of the New England country contains Sc
per cent, and the anthracite of the
Rocky mountains 7437 The camel coal
of West Virginia contains 81 per cent.
NO TEST OF QUESTION
At the Treasury Department it is stated
that except in one case there has been no
test of the question Of duty on anthra-
cite coal, and in this case the Board of
General Appraisers held that there is
duty of 81 cents Trea sury officials like
wise believe that in preparing the coal
schedules it was the full intention of the
authors of the Dingley bill to grant pro-
lection to anthracite coal.
The case before the General Appraisers
was heard by that body III January. 1898.
1t was a protest by Charles p. Coles. Of
collector of customs Of that port as to
the rate and amount of duties chargeable
on certain imported coal. described in the
invoice as '.Abercraye best large double
screened anthracite coal" 1t was re-
turned by the appraiser as containing less
than 81 per cent of fixed carbon. An
analysis made at San Francisco. showed
it to contain s972 per cent. of carbon.
The protestant did not dispute this. but
contended that as anthracite coal is not
specifically mentioned in paragraph 4l3
CT the DnSley law dutiable, customs
were not to be paid on it. Paragraph 5E5.
to.be taken in conjunction with paragraph
as, eXempts anthracite containing 81
per cent or more of carbon.
In passing upon the question. however.
the board says that an Interpretation of
the provisions of the act manfestly eS-
presses the Intention Of the trainers. but
that comparison of the corresponding
provisions of the previous tariff laws en-
phasizes the view Of the purposes at Con-
gross in the coal rates of the Dingley law.
WILSON TARIFF.
The Wilson bill put duty of 40 cents
a ION on hituminous coal and shale. and
admitted anthracite free. The same Ian
Euage it is stated by the board. was used
in all the tariff acts as far back as that
of June, 1864. the only difference being
as to the rate. The Dingley law trainers,
instead Of accepting the same language,
with different rates. adopted an entirely
new paragraph, worded and framed diff
ierently from any previous tariff law. in
fact. radically different Therefore. the
hoard concludes that the intent of Con-
Sress was plain. In addition TO this the
board cites the discussion in the Senate
June 80, 1897, with reference to the duty
on coal Senator's Allison, Allen, Vest
White, and Perkins. and others partici-
pated and the distinct understanding APP
pears from The following:
Mr.. Vest: AS I understand this pro-
posed amendment it makes an entire
revolution in the taxation upon coal. 1t
puts anthracite coal upon the dutiable
list, although a cursory examination Of
the paragraph would not leave that i'm
preston. I have not the amendment be-
fore me. but nay recollection Of it is that
there is a duty of 67cents or. all bitumiHous
coal and all coal having less than 80 per
cent. of carbon, which would include an
thracite coal.
Mr.. Allison: On coal containing less
than 50 per cent. of carbon the duty pre-
posed is CT cents per ton.
Mr.. Vest: That puts a duty upon an
thracite coal. Mr.. President. l wish to
inquire. if / MAY respectfully, why this
duty is imposed?"
Senator Vest continued his argument
by giving figures as to the expectation
and Importation of coal.
The board concluded its decision by az
dirming the assessment of the duty.