The San Francisco call., 1908-11-02

market and 1t is necessary to sell in
the east.
Chrome ore produced in the United
States comes exclusively from Califor-
MIA. Some years ago several thousand
tons Of chrome from ore was shipped
from California to the eastern states,
but shipments ceased because there
were not cheap freight rates by sea-
Since then the foreign producers have
taken possession of practically the en-
tire chrome market of the United
States.
The importations Of soda from for
eign countries caused the suspension
OF soda production in California In 1907.
The output has been decreasing in pro-
portion as the importations have in
creased. More than 2.293,000 tons of
foreign soda have come into the United
States since 1899. and the local pro-
duction, owing to this cause, has de-
creased steadily since 1901.
Some OF the details included in the
Aubury report are as follows:
Shipments OF Bermudez asphalt to our eastern
market has prevented in the past, and does
prevent our California renneries from obtaining
can be shipped and laid down at Atlantic
coast ports at freight rate of SO to SO so per
ton The tariff duty refined asphaltum is
only ~ per ton. The lowest freight rate on
shipments to points east OF the Rocky mountains
is $40 per ton and during the last 10 years
the average price per ton net to the reaner
has not exceeded So per ton ct his pIapt. The
cost OF production is practically 50 per ton, so
that there has been no profit to the asphalt
asphalt has been selling in the east as low as
$l9 per ton delivered. The freight rate
which California asphaltum producers are called
upon TO pay places them in a position OF being
compelled TO sell their material in the east
for practically at cost of production in order
10 get rid OF their surplus asphaltum
The interests allied with Bermudez asphaltuu
nave systematically opposed, through city spe-
ciAcatiOns and through their allied paving con
tractors. the use of California asphaltum Seven
years ago Bermudez asphalt was selling for s85
TO SO per ton. Since that time, due to the
production of California asphaltum, the price of
BermudeS material has been constantly de-
creased. until at present ii has become serious
problem whether the California rehners can
compete with the eastern markets.
Under the present condition of affairs the
California asphalt has established itself in the
eastern market and has on merit alone
try should have a reasonable protection. We
recommend. therefore. that the tariff be ad-
vsnced on asphalt impOrtatiOns from So per
ton 10 IS per ton OF 2 900 pounds weight
The value Of chrome consumed IN the United
States In the years from 1897 20 1907, inclusive
was 81. 44I,s53. Under the adverse conditions
existing. the production Of chrome in California
since has In II years, amounted to 24,013 TONS
worth 80. oee only With protective duty to
chrome industry would revive and the mineral
industries Of the United States would be stim-
An1 ilnpoItAlAo OF curoue TO the
United States are duty free. They come from
Greece. Canada. New Caledonia and Turkey.
There are deposits OF diatomaceous or in
fnsorial earth In California Vermont and New
York. The largest and purest deposit discovered
fn the United States Is in California There is
an ample supply Of such earth in California to
take care Of the entire American domain for
many years 70 come. The imports from foreign
countries are principally from Germany and they
amount TO 1000 TO 1900 tons a year. To this
must be added large quantity and great
variety OF manufactures made from the earth.
The American market ought TO be supplied with
the home product and this could be brought
applicable to ali countries from which the
articles. crude and manufactured. are now inn
ported.