New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
Tariff Readjustments

Important Developments in regard to
an international system of protective
tariffs are expected to follow the cessa-
ton of hostiltics in Europe. The
question Of whether the different
countries can individually have pro-
tectivo tariffs for their national indus
tries and still cooperate is discussed in
length in the current number of "The
Americas" published by the National
City Bank.
"Rcadjustments Of tariffs are in pro-
Cress all over the world the article
states. Italy this month begins con-
sidcration Of a new system of protec-
tive duties to fit her atter-war pro-
cramme of industrial development. At
Vienna a conference is now in progress
10 determine what Germany and Aus
tria will do at the expiration OF pres
cnt commercial agreements IN January,
1918. India has increased protective
duties. in different way from other
British dominiOns, which are working
under systems of emergency sur-taNes
on imports. Argentina has accom-
plished an upward revision through
raising the official valuation on goods,
on which ad valorem duties are
charged. There have been legislative
cnac.ments bringing higher duties
also. Other South American countries
have added TO both import and export
tariffs In fact. the whole world Is
working on a higher tariff basis.
80 Sc e frrr,f4 "a
est 1t is not a war tarf proposed
there. but a permanent machinery. for
carving out a national policy Of high
characterization A commission viii re-
mort at the end of this month the de
tails Of a scientific conventional tarlf,
with q prOhibitive range OF duties IN
the maximum schedule. reductions
from HIGH Italy will concede after
diplomatic negotiation, in exchange Tor
other nations concessions, in CONNER
cIal treaties. If the recommendations
of the commission are adopted, and
they probably will be, since Italy mas
Given formal notice of abrogatlon OF
an enecial tariff treaties TO prepare
for just such a system. Italy Will be IN
q position to act instantaneously, when
occasion arises, with either 1rlcndiV
or an aggressive commercial attitude
toward any other nation. England's gov
eminent can very quickly prepare 10
do likewise when the right time comes,
and probably France also. In every
European country the matter OF future
tariffs and commercial treaties is now
receiving close consideration, on ten
tative basis.
"The politics of tariffs and the com
mcrcial and Industrial effects OF tarli
are bound TO become very important
subjects whenever the time OF making
Ueace approaches, whether 1t be SIM
pIy a military peace or real one
There is now every indication that SINCE
the entry Of the United States into the
war. change has taken place IN the
feeling of the European Allies about
tho character of the future interna-
tioual arrangements that are TO be
made. particularly arrangements OF
tariffs. This change is reflected IN the
rubIic statements of men who Will nave
the strong part in the reconstructive
craftsmanship TO come. hrm set
rurpose to bring out of the war an IN
terrational situation that will Guaran-
10 future peace as completely as u lc
humanity possible animates the pubic
statements Of the statesmen OF all the
Allies. Ii now begins to appear that II
tho Allies win success decisive enough
IN make il possible for these statesmen
10 make practical plans for carrying
ou- these purposes, a conscientious at
+eD1pt is going to be made to find some
.rav in which the different countrl
can individually have protective tariffs
for their national industries and stu
cooperate"