New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-08-20
SEE BOOM FOR MANILA
Goods Must Come Direct from
Philippines to america.
From The Tribune Bureau.

Washington. Aug Is-Oficials Of the Treasury
and War departments OF the opinion that what
regarded az the time of its incorporation in
the Payne Saw relatively an unimportant re-
vision the Philippine section is likely 10 have a
commanding influence upon the commercial de-
Nelopment of Manila
II may result in the establishment OF new lines
of steamers on the Pacific and in transferring 10
Manila a great share Of the carrying trade OF the
Orient which is now enjoyed by vessels which
make Hong Kong and Shanghai their principal
ports in the Far East.
This provision was inserted in the tariff bill on
July z, X offered from the floor by Senator
Lodge, chairman Of the Committee the Philip
pines and was adopted without debate. Mr.. Aid
rich nodded an acceptance Of the amendment when
81 was offered and Mr.. Lodge was not asked 20
explain IT'S purpose what its effect would be.
The Lodge amendment provides that the free ad-
mission into the United States Of articles which
the growth. product or manufacture OF the
Philippines 'shall be conditioned upon the direct
shipment thereof from the country OF origin TO the
country Of destination" There is further pro-
viso that direct shipments shall include shipments
in bond through foreign territory contiguous 10 the
United States"
Heretofore il has been the practice Of many eX-
porters in the Philippine Islands ship products
destined Tor the United States in tramp steamers
to Hong Kong. Shanghai and other great centres.
Al these points they put aboard the Pacific
boats bound for San Francisco and Puget Sound.
A question to-day AZ the Treasury Depart
whether merchandise
which had been transshipped at Hong Kong was
entitled to free admission 10 the United States
slnder the Payne law. After consultation with
Colonel George r. Cotton, Insular Collector Of
Customs for the Philippines. Assistant Secretary
Reynolds Of the Treasury Department decided that
trarsshipped merchandise from the islands must
nay the same rates Of 6uty as II IL imported
from foreign territory II was held further that
shipments from the Philippines must be direct in
houi in order to obtain free entry at American
ports.
This decision follows the letter and spirit Of the
s.odge amendment. Government officials 20 whose
attention il called tonight expressed the opin-
Jon taat when its fun significance becomes known
the port Of Manila will experience a great boom
and ultimately will attract much Of the business
which is now enioyed by British and Chinese
ports They said that additional direct steamship
lines between the Pacific Coast and the Philippines
oubtless would be established, in order 10 secure
she advantage the islands OF free trade with this
country.
Another decision made by the Treasury Depart
snent to-day will not he received with favor by the
American friends Of army and navy officers sta
rioned in the Philippines who have been accus-
toned TO receive by mail Filipino cigars. either as
gifts or al the cost of their purchase IN Manila.
Binder the regulations which were made public on
August 10 required that all Philippine products
shipped 10 the United States shall be accompanied
by certificate Of origin
The decision handed down to-day provides that no
certificate OF origin viii be issued I'm the Philippines
for tobacco cigars or cigarettes which destined
for shipment by mail to the United States. This
means that If army officer al Manila, for in
stance. desires purchase box Of cigars for one
OF his friends in the United States he Will be re-
ouired TO send his purchase 10y freight express.
The shipment Of dutiable merchandise by mail is
prohibited except from those countries with which
The United States has parcels post conventions.
The Philippine section of the Payne law limits
the annual importations Of tobacco, cigars and
cigarettes the limitation in the Of cigars being
55oeo0,e0o year While il is not thought probable
that this Limitation will be reached in the near
future. the Treasury officials have thought Il only
proper that strict account should be kept OF all
shipments from the islands.
They decided that II permission were given to
ship through the mails tobacco. cigars and olga
rettes il would he impossible 10 keep an accurate
check on the amount Of such merchandise exported
and that trouble would arise when the expectations
reached point dangerously close the free trade
limitations imposed by law. Accordingly M.
Reynolds and Colonel Cotton in accord in
framing the regulation prohibiting the issuance Of
certificates Of origin mail shipments of this
meter.