The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-07-04
illustrating the Danger OF Mon
keying" with the Tariff.

Now that the Canadians are going
in for high protective duties, they are
encountering some Of the troubles the
United States has had to deal with IN
handling the minute details of tar1n
schedules. While the general erect or
the new budget Is to increase duties
there is an occasional item that pro-
yides for reductions. After long and
careful consideration the government
has decided to reduce the duty on artl-
fetal teeth from 20 per cent to 10 per
cent with a view ultimately to placing
such teeth on the free list.
At the same time, the government
feels that 1t must consider with great
care the business interests involved.
It does not wish to disturb the status
of trade, it does not wish to shake pup
lie confidence, it desires to respect
vested interests. When the govern
ment placed a duty Of 20 per cent on
false teeth, it created an implied con-
tract with the Canadian manufacture
ers Of such teeth. Hence any change
in the tariff must be made with the
greatest circumspection. In discussing
this important question In the cana
dian parliament the other day, the
finance minister said:
We have an item respecting the duty
on artificial teeth, which was the cause
of some humorous observations Perhaps
the honorable gentlemen will be surprised
to know that it is an item which created
great deal Of interest and much 1mpor-
tance Is attached to it. We have reached
the conclusion that the placing Of artificial
teeth on the free list should be deferred to
a. date to be mentioned. and the date we fix
is the LIST day Of April next.
We determine to propose to reduce the
duty from 20 per cent to 10 per cent. 1t
is represented to us that there are very
large stocks Of artificial teeth held In
Canada and, indeed, it IS somewhat sur
prising to know the extent to which this
Is the case. We knew it was a consider
able item, but 1t Is even larger than we
anticipated, and it is represented that the
sudden placing Of artificial teeth on the
free list would have a very disturbing and
unfair influence on merchants who hold
large stocks. We therefore propose to
bring about the changes gradually, while
adhering to the essence Of the policy.
We are not sure that with all the
governments care, 1t will be able to
protect the domestic manufacturers
against loss by reason of this tariff
change. People In need Of artificial
teeth are very likely to gum along
and wait until April 1 next before
they buy the required goods. a. In the
meantime, business will be slack
In the artificial teeth line and after
April 1, dealers will have to sell at
O. loss.
But what about the dentists? Had
the government put artificial teeth or
y the free list at once. their business
would have been greatly stimulated
but now they, too, will have a dull
time, tho the renewed activity next
year. following the admission Of man.
made teeth to the free list, may BIZ
OF such proportions as to more thar
make up for the losses Of this year.
This artificial teeth affair we'll illus
trates the soundness of the position
of the "standpatters," when they con
tend that tariff changes always dis
locate business. 1t almost persuade!
y us to Join their ranks.