The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-08-17
FRANCE MIXED UP
 ON THE TARIFF Feeling Toward United States Is
 Badly Misplaced APPLICATION OF THE TARIFF 
Balance of Trade Between France and United States Is in Favor of Amer ica and Reprlsals Would Be
 Utterly Useless.

Washington, August, 15-If there has been any discrimination against France in the application of the provisions of the new tariff to that country, officers of this government are not aware of it. They are quite confident that the impression which seems to obtain in some quarters In France that such is the case Is founded upon complete misunderstanding of the facts These may be simply stated from the point of view of the executive branch of this government.
 In the first place, France, together with Switzerland and Bulgaria, had recipro- city arrangements with the United States under the terms of which certain products were admitted to this country at consid- erably reduced rates, compared with those that were paid by countries which did not enjoy such arrangements. But other coun- tries, mostly in Europe, seeing the ad- vantage that the three countries named were enjoying, entered into similar recip- rocity arrangements with the United States. In their cases however, the pre- caution was taken to state in the body of the treaties or agreements the exact period of the legal notice required to terminate them-a course not followed in the arrangements with France, or Switz- errland or Bulgaria
 Period Is Stipulated.
 In enacting the new tariff Congress directed the President to have reduced to the stipulated periods the time for terminating the reciprocity arrangements with the various countries and also pro- vide that where there was no stipulated be regarded as the date of termnatons
 This action was duly communicated by the state department to France, Switzer- land and Bulgaria, the executive branch of the government being absolutely bound by the direction of Congress in this mat ter. At the same time 1t is stated that the President Is entirely willing to con- sider cayefully any representations in the nature of protest that may be made Indeed, there is reason to believe that exchanges on the subject have taken place.
 It may be interesting to note just what effect the application of the new tartfY would have on the commercial relations between France and the United States assuming the normal course were followed and also what might be the results of a, tariff war brought about by the applica- ton by both countries of preventive maxi mum rates.
 Imports and Exports.
 The balance of trade with France was in our favor during the fiscal year of 1908, showing exports of s116O0OO00. AS against imports of SIP 0,00o g. reversal of conditions in the previous year when French imports amounted to $128, 900, 900, as against exports to that country of s114,000,000. Each country will suffer should tariff war between France and the United States ensue and reprisals be made by applying the maximum rates of respective tariffs. The maximum rates of France show large increases over her minimum or conventional rates, while the maximum rates of this country also show material increases in the articles covered by the reciprocity agreement. America would feel the effects in the exporta- tions of canned meats, dried fruits. dried or pressed fruits, common wood logs, hops, prepared pork. mineral oils, lard and Porto Rico coffee, while France would be hard hit in exportations to the Cullcu OlttcS Ol DIduulcbs BULL WlneS and vermouth and champagne, which form a large element of her trade with this country France has placed but about 25 articles on her minimum tariff list to the United States, and half of these are intended mainly for the ben eft of her colonies and do not profit us because we do not produce them in this country.
 French Maximum.
 Under the French maximum tariff lard and its compounds are increased from 26 francs per 100 kilograms. the minimum rate, to 40 francs maximum. In manu- factured and prepared pork meats the increase Is from 30 to 100 francs per 100 Kilograms. Porto Rico coffee, by the ap- pication of the French maximum rates, would be increased in duty from 13e francs per 100 kilograms to 300 francs while crude and refined mineral oils would be required to pay IS francs and 25 francs per 100 kilograms, advance from g francs and an equivalent of 121f francs, respectively. the conventional rates. These products form good portion of our ex- ports to France under the reciprocity agreement.
 When the reciprocity agreement with France expires on October 31. her export CTS will be required to pay on Ameri- can importations an increase of from N .75 to s2.6O, per proof gallon on brandies or other spirits distilled from grain or other materials; an increase from S5 cents to 45 cents and 60 centS per gallon. respec- lively, according to alcoholic strength. on still wines, and vermouth in casks; an increase of from $1 25 to $1.85 when im- ported in cases made up of bottles or jugs and also an increase of from $6 to sS.60 per dozen quarts of champagne and other sparkling wines.
 Should the maximum rates be levied by the President as a result of discrimi- nation against American products, there would be an addition to these rates of 25 per cent ad valorem.