UNATTRACTIVE IN CERTAIN QUARTERS.

Northern Advocate, 7 October 1913, Page 5

UNATTRACTIVE IN CERTAIN QUARTERS.

TWO MILLION A YEAR REBATES.

AUSTRALIAN PREFERENCE GREATER THAN IMPERIAL.

(By Telegraph-Press Assn.-Copyright)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6

The five per cent, rebate provided by the Underwood tariff law on goods imported in American bottoms is causing a commotion. It has established something tantamount to a conventional rate from which the British dominions, Russia, some of the South American countries, and possibly Germany will be excluded.

It is estimated that rebates will cost the United States two millions sterling per annum.

According to unofficial judgment the American carrying trade from Australia and the West Indies will be given preferential treatment over the imperial carrying trade.

American vessels oh the Great Lakes will have some advantage over their Canadian rivals. Washington fears that Canada and Germany will institute fiscal retaliation.

The "Standard's" New York correspondent states that the Supreme Court will probably be compelled to interpret the rebate clause, the wording being obscure enough to make suits practically certain.

Mr Underwood states that it will be several years before the effects of the tariff are felt in lowered prices.