New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-08-17
NOTARIFF WAR FEARED
FRANCE AND NEW Law.
Reports of DISCRIMINATION Due to
Misunderstanding of Facts.

Washington Aug 16-If there has been any dis
elimination against France in the application of
the provisions of the new tariff law to that coun-
try officials of this government are not aware Of
it, They are confident that the impression which
seems to prevail in some quarters In France that
such is the case is founded on complete mis-
understanding Of the facts
In the first place. France. together with Switzer-
land and Bulgaria had reciprocity arrangements
with the United States. under the terms Of which
certain of their products were admitted TO this
country at considerably reduced rates compared
with those paid by countries which did not enjoy
such agreements But other countries. chiefly in
Europe seeing the advantage that che three ma
lions named enjoying. entered into similar
reciprocity with United States In their cases,
however. the precaution was taken to state In the
bodies of the treaties arrangements the exact
period of the legal notice required TO terminate
them. This not followed in the arrange
ments with France. Switzerland and Bulgaria In
enacting the tariff Congress directed the Pres-
dent to have regard to the stipulated periods in
terminating the reciprocity arrangements with the
various countries. and also provided that where
there was stipulated term six months from
April 30 was to be regarded as the date of termina-
ton.
This action was duly communicated by the State
Department TO France Switzerland and Bulgaria.
the executive branch of the government being
absolutely bound by the direction OF Congress AT
the time II is said that the President is will
ing consider more carefully any representations
in the nature Of protest which may be made
Indeed. there is believe that exchanges
the subject have already taken place
IL may be interesting 10 know just what effect
the application of the tariff would have on
the commercial relations between France and the
United States. presuming the normal course should
be followed. and also what might be the results Of
a tariff brought about through the application
by both countries OF punitive maximum rates.
The balance OF trade with France in favor
OF the United States In fiscal year OF 1905 show
ing exports of 'lisooo0o against imports of siOa-
10000. In the previous year imports from France
amounted 10 N2S.OdoOoo. against exports TO that
country OF s1l4O0oOO. Both OF the countries would
suffer should tariff war between France and the
United States ensue and reprissls be made by ap-
plying maximum rates. The ma ximum rates Of
France show large increases over her minimum
or conventional rates. while the minimum rates
OF this country also show material Increases In the
articles covered by the reciprocity agreement
America would feel the effect In the expectations
Of canned meats. table fruits. dried pressed
fruits. common wood logs hops. prepared pork. min
eral oils lard and Porto Rican )coee while France
would be hard hit in expectations to the United
States Of brandies still wines and vermouth and
champagne. which form "a large portion Of her trade
with this country. France has placed only about
twenty-five articles on her minimum tariff list TO
the United States. and half OF those intended
mainly for the benefit OF her colonies and do not
profit this country. because they are not produced
here
Under the French maximum tariff lard and it's
compounds increased from Is francs on 100
Kilograms. the minimum rate. to 20 francs. the
maximum. In manufactured and prepared pork
meats the increase is from 80 10 100 francs the 100
Kilograms Porto Ricsn coffee by the application
OF the French maximum would be increased
in duty from l3s francs 100 Kilograms 800
francs. while crude and refined mineral oils would
be required 10 pay IS francs and Is francs 100
Kilograms an advance of francs. and an equiva-
lent OF In francs respectively-the conventional
rates These products form considerable portion
Of exports to France under the reciprocity agree
ment
When the reciprocity agreement with France
pires. on October 81 her exporters will be required
TO pay on American inpOrtations increase OF
from 81 IS 10 81 50 proof gallon brandies or
other spirits distilled from grain or other
materials; increase OF from Is to IS and
20 cents gallon respectively. according TO aIeo-
hOltc strength, on still wines and vermouth in
casks: an Increase OF from 81 * To 81 S when i'm
ported in cases made up OF bottles or Jugs and
also an increase OF from IS TO 50 50 dozen quarts
on champagne and other sparkling wines
Should the maximum rates be levied by the
President as result OF discrimination against
American products there would be an addition TO
these rates Of 70 per cent ad valorem.