New-York tribune., 1908-11-13
WINE MEN SATISFIED
ASK NO TARIFF CHANGES.
ImDOrters Think Duties on British
Beverages Too High.
frrorn The Tribune Bureau


ing to- day there is no demand for reYision OF
the schedules relating to their products WITH
out a dissenting voice, the growers expressed
themselves as satisfied with the present rates
although in one instance complaint was made
of the reciprocity treaties which place a rate cf
35 cents a gallon on foreign wines, and which
according TO Percy T. Morgan. representing CAL
ifornIa is distinct detrlment to American wine
growers.
The importers who testified too day, on the
other hand had various complaints. the burden
of which that the tariff is too high on GER
tain British beverages. such stout and ginger
ale. All the witnesses agreed that a maximum
and minimum tariff was most efficacious. and 1t
was suggested by several that the present sched-
ules be made the minimum rates. This course
was especially urged by Mr.. Morgan who sug-
gested that his arguments be carefully consid-
cred, as he represented California. which pro
duces most of the wine made in this country
No radical changes were suggested but Chair
man Payne announced that particular care
would be taken with the schedule under dis
cussion, as 1t deals entirely with luxuries and
must bring in fair share Of revenue without
injustice to any industry.
c. NJ King. of New York, who said he was the
largest importer of Dublin stout and Belfast
ginger ale in the United states, asked that the
serting that stout was sold mainly TO persons of
moderate means and that the duty is relatively
higher than on champagne.
NOT HURT BY PROHIBITION.
The wave of prohibition which has spread
over the country apparently has had little effect
on the consumption OF alcoholic liquors and
soirituous drinks. according to evidence at the
hearing.
The morning session was enlivened by a sharp
but good natured colloquy between Percy T.
Morgan and Representative Bouteh of Illinois
Mr.. Morgan telling the committee why the
regulations Of the Dingley tariff covering the
importation of still wines should also apply to
wines imported from countries with which the
United States has reciprocity treaties Address
ing Mr.. Boutell. Mt Morgan said:
my contention is that wines be imported
under the present reciprocity arrangements up
to "a per cent, which is 4S proof while the
whiskey you yourself drink is only So proof"
THE whiskey I drink isn't any proof" was
Mr.. Boutelps quick reply.
You may take some occasionally for medici-
nal purposes" said Mr.. Morgan.
Il never take any, replied Mr. Boutell.
Mr. Morgan asserted that under the present
reciprocity treaties with the principal wine pro-
ducing countries alcohol diluted with wine
could be imported instead of wine diluted with
alcohol.
"In any revision of the tariff on wines there
should be re-established a differentiai between
wines containing only alcohol produced by nat
ural fermentation and those which have been
fortified by the addition of distilled spirits, he
said so that the condition may not continue TO
be presented of the possibility Of importing al
cohol into the United States at less rate of
duty than is exacted domestic spirits by the
revenue laws. of such handicap being placed
on the domestic wine producer the possibility
of importing wine OF such alcoholic strength
that after arrival in the United States the addi-
ton of water may effect the cutting in half Of
the established import duty
L. J. Vance, of New York. secretary Of the
American Wine Growers Association. furnished
much information with regard to the selling
prices and cost of production of wines in Euro
pean countries. He also spoke with regard to
the wine industry in the Eastern states, prin-
cipaIly New York He declared that the reci-
procity treaties gave the importers of foreign
champagnes a reduction of 81 a case on the
duty. and that these importers the 81 thus
saved for the purpose of advertising and keep
ing a trade which the American wine makers
possibly could get if they had similar amount
to spend for that purpose. He also asked for
an increase of the duties on mineral waters to
meet the high tariffs of foreign countries. He
declared that France practically prohibits the
importation of American waters.
At the afternoon session c. NJ. King and John
II. Wheeler of New York, argued for decrease
in the duties ale, porter and beer and de-
clared that as result imported ale and stout
would be cheaper to the consumer.
Tomorrow the committee will take up the
tobacco schedule.
The hearings on schedule A have emphasized
the fact that the safeguarding Of the internal
revenue tax on alcohol or distilled spirits with
the imposition of a high rate of duty on these
articles is of the manifest purposes Of the
tariff law. Among the suggested changes in the
wording of the law, which have been determined
upon as the result OF a thorough investigation
of court decisions, many affecting articles
containing alcohol in the preparation OF
which alcohol is used. This attitude of the
committee with regard to alcohol and distilled
spirits is in accord with the consistent policy
Of Congress in the enactment of tariff laws. #
is evident from the Notes on Tariff Revision"
prepared for the use OF the committee that a
similar attitude will be maintained in the pro-
posed revision of spirits schedule. President
Roosevelt has received a copy Of Notes on
Tariff Revision" The Presidents attitude is
we'll known. and 1t is expected that he will con-
vey to the committee expression of his
views on the changes proposed for further pro4
lection and for continuing the policies advocated
by the present administration and provided for
in the pure food and drug act.
FURNITURE MAKERS TARIFF WANTS.
Grand RAPIDS Mich Nov 12-The Nyafio,ar A.,