The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1915-11-26
NOTE BOOK SKETCHES


which has just been harvested IS, ac-
cording to statistics compiled by the
Cincinnati Enquirer, somewhat larger
than that grown in 1914. There W as
perhaps less shrinkage in the apparent
yield during the summer months than
is usual in a crop of similar size. Gen.
erai reports indicate fair average
quality of leaf, but one light and silky
in appearance and in some instances
unusually thin in texture. But for this
fact the 1915 crop would undoubtedly
have exceeded the previous high pro-
duction record The total tobacco yield
of the United States is 999, l09, 25O
pounds, grown on an area of 1,O5l, 62O
acres. Last year the total production
was 882, 854, $50 pounds, grown on an
area of 942,015 acres. Thus an increase
of 116, ICE, 900 pounds, or slightly more
than y13 per cent, is indicated in this
year S yield. The 1915 area harvested
shows an increase of 108, ,975 acres, or
about 10 per cent, as compared with
that of 1914. The official government
estimate Of the tobacco crop for the
past four years was as follows: 1914,
/, ,O34, 679, 900 pounds; 1913, 952, 7S4, 900
pounds: 1912, 962, 855, 600 pounds; 1911,
9O5, 109, 900 pounds. In Kentucky, the
worlds largest producer of tobacco, the
harvested area in 1915 is approximately
307, It's acres, as against 283, l4O acres
last year, making an increase OF y, O35
acres, or almost per cent. The total
yield in the state, including both hurley
and dark types of tobacco, will be
about $50, 093, 900 pounds, or SO, 200
pounds less than was recorded in 1914.
That cigar makers in Wisconsin have
been hard hit as b result of the poor
tobacco crop and that the sale of cigar
cites has been abnormally increased is
the opinion of one manufacturer re-
Gently expressed. C. K. Reichert of
Milwaukee gives the following analysis
of the tobacco situation: IF business
conditions were normal tobacco would
Jump so high that manufacturers of ci-
gars in many cases would be forced to
suspend business. Wisconsin is recog-
producing states in the Union. The
miserable crop this year has been
terrific slap to farmers and tobacco
men in the state and has also strongly
afflicted the industryin all parts Of the
country. Due to a great extent to the
loss in Wisconsin the price of tobacco
has Jumped three cents in as many
weeks and there is little doubt but that
the price will continue to increase. Alb
normal business conditions, leaving
thousands of persons out of employ
! siilent or on shortened income has re-
suited in the big gain in the sale Of CT
garettes. Many men now think that it
is extravagant to buy cigars and so
have become accustomed during the
last few months to smoking pipes and
cigarettes. The big tobacco firms fore
saw this condition and the result has
been the production of cigarettes that
sell for low price,, Estimates show
that during period of three months
this year 100. 200, 900 less cigars were
sold than during the corresponding
period year ago. This does not mean
that these cigar smokers have given up
smoking, but that they are using to-
bacco in different form, mostly in the
form of cigarettes. This years crop
of tobacco will not be available until
next year.
The newest development with regard
to the suggestion Of additional internal
revenue taxes on cigars and other to-
bacco products is the report current at
the Treasury Department that Internal
Revenue Commissioner Osborn is Op-
posed to increasing the tobacco taxes.
Col. Osborn is said to feel that the to-
bacco industry is laboring under too big
handicap already, what, with its nu-
merous taxes, the uncertainties of bus
mess, the war, the blockade of the En-
tente Allies, and other troubles. Mr..
Osborn7is not talking about the matter
He does not have the final say in the
department when it comes to recon-
amending what taxes should be assessed.
This is perogative of Secretary Nc
Adoo, but, naturally, he would obtain
the advice of the Commissioner of In
ternal Revenue about such, matters.
Then he might or might not follow it..
Again, Congress might or might not
follow the recommendation of the Sec
re.ary of the Treasury about revenue
Legislation. Last year it was under
stood that the Departments advice was
not followed when the emergency war
revenue law was framed. 1t is learned
at the Department that statistics have
been prepared in the Internal Revenue
Bureau, showing revenue that might
be derived from certain new or increas-
ed taxes on cigars, etc. These data
are for the information of Secretary
McAdoo. The particulars about this
matter are not available at this time,
but it is fact that prominent men
have been considering 81 per l, 900 in
crease in the tax on cigars, and also
that an ad valorem tax on cigars has
been proposed Officials of the Inter
nal Revenue Bureau are pressing the
soft pedal when the subject is men
toned to them. They say that no other
protests have been received from the
tobacco interests since the National
Cigar Leaf Tobacco Association filed
its brief last week The latest sugges-
ton for new taxation is a two cent levy
on every bank check drawn. Accord
ing to rumor, this is favored by Nc
Adoo, and some estimates are that it
would raise $40, 600, 900 revenue an
nually. Internal Revenue officials,
however, say that SIS, 0OO. 600 would
probably be nearer the mark, as many
people would not use as nany checks