Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-08-03
Mould Know Contents OF
Sealed Box-Dispute Right
to Bar Goods.
MAKE PLANS TO TEST
LAW IN THE COURTS
Chest Supposed to Contain Future
Tariff Policy-Many Conjec-
lures Over "Secrets."
By RALPH COURTNEY.
BY Cable to The Star and New YORK
Tribune, Copyright, 1913.

BY Cable to Tne Stnf anu We"
Tribune. Copyright. 1913.
LONDON, August "A concerted
attack on Sir Auckland Geddes Is
soon to be made both in and out OF
parliament in an attempt to compel
disclosure of the contents of the Ia
nous sealed box upon which Ameri-
cas- trade with England depends.
Before the coming of the parlia-
mentary recess the free trade liberals
intend to force a debate on the en-
barge question, contending that the
president of the board of trade has no
legal right to prevent the importa-
ton of foreign goods. One of Eng
lands foremost lawyers has been
consulted with the object of bringing
a test case on the law in the courts.
The enemies of the government con-
tend that 1.-THE statute of monopo-
lies" enacted in the reign of James
], suppressing crown grants of ex-
elusive rights to trade in certain ar
ticles makes Sir Auckland's embargo
illegal.
Guess as TO COntentS.
The contents Of the sealed box in
which is supposed to lie the govern
ments future tariff policy. is still an
official secret. Many believe that the
imports while the sterling exchange
rate continues unfavorable.
Little doubt exists but what the box
does contain an outline OF some kind
of fiscal policy, though the cabinet is not
thought to be in entire agreement on
the subject.
4 Wells Informed American has been
asked BY ths govefnsnes 1sstllet
: the lifting Of the embargo would be
likely to divertk3ny great quantity
of American 6es from other con
tinental markets to this country.
England at present possesses no sur
plus Of manufactured goods, but il
certain articles were to be imported
English wares would then be avail
able for shipment abroad.
May Continue Restrictions.
LONDON. August tby the Assoc
ciated Press).-The American Cham
Der Of Commerce Review for July
says that British import restrictions
are likely to be continued after Sep
TENDER 1. when the government
promised they would be reviewed. The
governments trade policy is expected
to be announced before parliament
meets August is. Premier Lloyd
George says the policy cannot be
made legislative until parliament re-
convenes late in October and he con-
siders the present import restrictions
should be continued until then.
Sir Auckland Geddes. acting presi-
dent Of the board Of trade. on the
other hand. says he is not prepared
to state what import policy will be
in effect after September 1. but II
restrictions are still In existence, the
permissible rate Of Importation will
be at least as high as at present.
The American chamber anticipates
that restrictions affecting many lines
Of American goods win be modified.
1t has obtained concessions for the
import Of 5000 additional motor We
hicles from America. There are no
restrictions on light commercial
trucks up to one and half tons car
rying capacity. but motor cycles
tractors and accessories are still re-
stricted. The chamber also has Just
secured q concession Of an additional
rs per cent Of the 1918 imports of
shoes from America until the end
Of October. according to the review.
Drop in Exchange Retards.
The drop in sterling exchange, II
is asserted, Is causing British i'm
porters to hold back American orders
and, wherever possible. to buy in
countries where the. value Of the
pound is higher than in the United
States. The export trade to Europe
must suffer unless financial assist.
ance In the form Of American pur-
chases Of foreign goods and securi.
ties enable European countries tc
increase their export production to
pick up their exchange.
Meanwhile the government, in con.
sultation with banking and trade in.
terests, is preparing to re-establist
British export trade by providing
sterling credits for the countries not
in a position to pay at present by
exports for essential imports, says the
review.
The official shipping report shows
there are two and half million tons
of shipping under construction. prac.
tically every yard being packed with
orders with favorable labor condi.
tions. This tonnage should take the
water within twelve months, but THU
prospect is unlikely. Virtually all tn.
new construction is cargo tonnage
and the absence Of passenger tonnag,
is regretted in view Of the efforts O.
the United States in this direction
and the plans of the United Statel
Shipping Board for 1,00o-foot liners
{ The government has subscribed TO
100000 shares of the 100000, an,
. appointed two directors of the British
Dyestuffs Corporation. formed. by ar
rangement with the board Of trade. L
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