cent of iron oxide, carry a duty of three-eighths cent per pound. The imports for 1911 show an increase of approximately 1,250,000 pounds, or in excess of 50 per cent. This increase in importation would undoubtedly have been much larger but for the conditions existing in the industry in this country. For the past five or six years competition has been so active in these various grades of alum that the prices have been reduced to a point where there is not only no profit but an actual loss to the factories which are not most favorably located; and, while business can be carried on in this way for a number of years by strong concerns, it is not likely to be continued indefinitely. Eventually, the natural laws must control, and the manufacturers will either abandon or restrict their output until business shows a normal profit. With the duty as at present any increase in price would undoubtedly enormously increase the proportion of importations. This increase of importations is not going to affect manufacturers of the country equitably, owing to the fact that the value of alum cake is so low that the cost of transportation or freight rates form an effectual protection for the manufacturer located in the interior of the country. If the tariff is fixed at a rate purposely intended to stimulate importations of the various grades of alum which are consumed in this country, it will simply mean the annihilation of that part of the industry which is located along the Atlantic seaboard, while that part of the industry which is located in the interior will not be affected materially, if at all, as the freight rates will furnish ample protection.

Furthermore, in alum as in many other articles, America is considered the dumping ground for surplus product abroad. We therefore feel that the reduction of duty brought about by the Payne bill, which reduction amounted to 100 per cent of the present tariff on one grade and 333 per cent on the other grade, was indeed radical, and a further reduction should not be made.

Conclusion. In conclusion, it is submitted that the rates and classifications contained in paragraph 4 of the act of 1909 should be maintained.

SULPHURIC ACIDS.

Paragraph 687 of the act of 1909 provides as follows:

"Sulphuric acid which at the temperature of sixty degrees Fahrenheit does not exceed the specific gravity of one and three hundred and eighty one-thousandths, for use in manufacturing superphosphate of lime or artificial manures of any kind, or for any agricultural purposes: Provided, That upon all sulphuric acid imported from any country, whether independent or a dependency, which imposes a duty upon sulphuric acid imported into such country from the United States, there shall be levied and collected a duty of one-fourth of one cent per pound." Paragraph 1 of the act of 1909 provides that * vitriol not specially provided for in this section, one-fourth of one cent per pound."

*

* *

*

* "Sulphuric acid or oil of

Paragraph 77 of the proposed bill known as "H. R. 20182" places sulphuric acid and oil of vitriol on the free list without making any proviso. We believe that the proviso contained in paragraph 687, as above set forth, should be retained in any revision of the tariff act. This vitally affects the manufacturers along the Canadian border line. If the American market is to be thrown open to Canadian manufacturers, the American manufacturers should have equal opportunities in the Canadian market. This can only be effected by some such provision in our tariff law as above set forth.

BAUXITE.

Under section 90 of the act of 1909, bauxite is assessed a duty of $1 a ton, the language of the act being as follows: "Bauxite, or beauxite, crude, not refined or otherwise advanced in condition from its natural state, one dollar per ton."

* *

Bauxite is distinctly a raw material, and it is our contention that it should be placed on the "free list."

There are two distinct kinds of bauxite, one of the character of the American bauxite, commonly known as "white" bauxite, and containing less than 10 per cent of iron oxide, and the other known as "red" bauxite, containing more than 10 per cent of iron oxide, and mined almost exclusively in foreign countries, particularly France. The "white," or American, bauxite contains 47 per cent to 57 per cent alumina, iron oxide not exceeding 10 per cent, and from 6 per cent to 20 per cent of silica. The better qualities of this bauxite are used in the manufacture of sulphate of alumina, in the manufacture of which a high percentage of silica is not objectionable, while a high percentage of iron is very detrimental.

The ordinary "red" bauxite contains 58 per cent to 60 per cent of alumina, 18 per cent to 22 per cent iron oxide, and 2 per cent to 4 per cent silica. This "red" bauxite is used principally in the production of alumina, which is the principal source of

aluminum used in the manufacture of the metal aluminum. In the refining process of this "red" bauxite the high percentage of iron is not objectionable, while a high percentage of silica contents is almost fatal to economical manufacture. Thus it is apparent that the American, or "white", bauxite and the "red" bauxite, which constitutes the greater portion of the foreign importation, being distinct in their character and purpose, are not in serious competition with each other.

An effort was made at the last tariff revision in 1908-9 to have the duty on bauxite increased from $1 a ton to $2 a ton on the ground that the American mines could not compete with the foreign mines.

We do not believe that importations of bauxite interfere in the slightest with our American mines, nor do we believe that the output of our American mines would be affected if bauxite were placed on the free list. The following are our reasons for this opinion:

(1) As already stated, the "red" bauxite, which constitutes the bulk of the foreign importation, is used for different purposes than the "white" bauxite, which is mined in this country. The only important exception to this statement that we know of is the Arkansas bauxite used by the Aluminum Co. of America in their works near St. Louis. The Arkansas mines in question are, we understand, owned and operated by the Aluminum Co. of America, and it is most improbable that their operations would be in the least curtailed by the removal of the duty because the inland freight on the imported ore would be prohibitive.

(2) Our American mines have shown a steadily increasing output, and there is no indication that the development of these mines has been or is likely to be retarded by the importation of foreign bauxite.

According to the Mineral Industry for 1911, which is the most accurate and official estimate of mineral productions published in the United States, there were produced in the United States in 1911 155,618 tons of bauxite. This is somewhat larger than the output in 1910 and 1909, and three times the output in 1908. In 1911 there were imported into this country 43,222 tons of bauxite, but the major portion of this importation was "red" bauxite, which, as already explained, is not really in conflict with our American ore.

It is submitted that, when due consideration is given to the fact that the American output of bauxite has tripled since 1908, and when it is considered how small has been the importation of "white" bauxite under the present duty, it will be apparent that our American producers of bauxite do not require the protection of this $1 duty.

Conclusion. To place bauxite on the free list would surely stimulate the aluminum industry, and would not, in our judgment, seriously affect our American mine owners, because, as already explained, the American markets for the imported and domestic ore are to a large extent separate and distinct.

Furthermore, should it be deemed advisable to maintain a duty on our American bauxite, a distinction may be made between the "red" and the "white" bauxite, and the duty removed on the former. This may be effected by providing that bauxite containing in excess of 10 per cent of iron (Fe2O3) shall be entered free and bauxite containing less than 10 per cent iron shall pay a duty of $1 a ton.

Respectfully, yours,

S. W. WILDER, President.

[The Roessler & Hasslacher Chemical Co., 100 William Street, New York.] Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act 1909: Paragraph 64. Potassium cyanide, 12 per cent ad valorem. Paragraph 3. Sodium cyanide, 25 per cent ad valorem.

Hon. OSCAR W. UNDERWOOD,

Chairman Committee on Ways and Means,

House of Representatives, Washington, D. C.

NEW YORK, January 4, 1913.

SIR: We respectfully submit that the two principal commercial cyanide salts be dutiable according to their intrinsic value, as follows:

Potassium cyanide, at 2 cents per pound; present duty, 12 per cent-2 cents per pound. Sodium cyanide, at 24 cents per pound; present duty, 25 per cent-4} cents per pound. Or if, for revenue purposes, a uniform rate of duty be desired, that both potassium cyanide and sodium cyanide be dutiable at 24 cents per pound. Even at the higher rate of duty, cyanide of potassium can not now be profitably made here, so that an actual increase in revenue should result.

The first proposed duties on cyanides gives the opportunity for a scientific revision, proportioned to their intrinsic values, both as to quality and price.

Uses of cyanides.-Both the potassium and sodium cyanide are extensively used for electroplating, case hardening, fumigation (the generation of hydrocyanic-acid

gas being the best means of destroying scale insects on citrus and other fruit trees), and principally for the extraction of the precious metals from ores and tailings by what is known as the modified MacArthur-Forrest cyanide processes.

Value comparisons.-Theoretically 100 per cent potassium cyanide contains 40 per cent cyanogen; 100 per cent sodium cyanide, equivalent to 1324 per cent potassium cyanide, 53 per cent cyanogen.

The available cyanogen in both salts being the valuable active principal of the cyanide, the potassium and sodium ingredients simply acting as carriers for holding the cyanogen, the molecule of sodium having a larger carrying capacity for cyanogen than the molecule of potassium.

Commercially-Potassium cyanide. The highest test for this product is 95/96 per cent, with cyanogen contents of 38.4 per cent. Sodium cyanide, equivalent to 130 per cent cyanide of potassium, has a cyanogen content of 52 per cent.

The comparative values of the sodium and potassium salts hence are as 130 per cent is to 95 per cent.

Therefore in order to place sodium cyanide on an equal basis with potassium cyanide the duty on the sodium salt should be as 95: 2 cents = 130: X, making potassium cyanide 2 cents per pound specific, equal to 12 per cent ad valorem; sodium cyanide, 24 cents per pound specific, equal to 12 per cent ad valorem; or should revenue be the object in view, a uniform rate for both potassium and sodium cyanide of 24 cents per pound.

History. Any reduction in sodium cyanide duty below 12 per cent ad valorem would threaten the abandonment of the manufacture of sodium cyanide, same as the enactment of the Dingley tariff act of 1897, making a reduction in the rate of duty from 25 per cent to 124 per cent ad valorem, caused the manufacture of potassium cyanide to be abandoned in this country, and compelling at the same time the ultimate closing down of several prussiate of potash factories supplying the raw material.

CLASSIFICATION UNDER THE PAYNE-ALDRICH TARIFF ACT, 1909.

Potassium cyanide, paragraph 64, 124 per cent ad valorem. Present market value, 8 pence per pound, equal to 16.224 cents United States currency, f. o. b. European seaport. Twelve and one-half per cent is equivalent to 2 cents per pound specific. Sodium cyanide, paragraph 3, 25 per cent ad valorem. Present market value, 7 pence per pound for 100 per cent, equal to 9 pence per pound for 130 per cent, equal to 18.45 cents United States currency, f. o. b. European seaport. Twenty-five per cent equivalent to 44 cents per pound specific.

Import records under potassium cyanide, which include all cyanides imported, do not give a true and correct idea of importation or values per unit after deduction of nondutiable charges. For the past six years the identity of cyanides of potassium was in dispute; various sodium cyanide mixtures adjusted to 98-99 per cent cyanide (39 per cent cyanogen) were claimed for entry under the low, 124 per cent duty rate. The difference between the various cyanides was finally recognized and definitely fixed by a recent General Appraisers' decision, T. D. 326801, abstract 29108, June 27, 1912, so that under the present laws the import records will hereafter give a true record, enumerating separately the potassium and sodium cyanide salts.

According to a second ruling of the Board of Appraisers, T. D. 32823, September 17, 1912, abstract 29723, the mixtures of both cyanide salts in various proportions were also classified as falling under the higher rate of duty.

SUGGESTED MODIFICATION OF DUTIES.

Average imports of the last six years, 2,665,775 pounds, $48,603.25.

We therefore estimate a revenue as follows: All as potassium cyanide, 2,500,000 pounds, at 2 cents per pound, $50,000; 50 per cent each potassium and sodium cyanide, 1,250,000 pounds, at 2 cents per pound; 1,250,000 pounds, at 24 cents per pound; total, $59,375.

All as sodium cyanide, 2,500,000 pounds, at 243 cents per pound, $68,750.

Or uniform rate for both potassium and sodium cyanide, at 23 cents per pound, $68,750.

With the proper adjustment of the duty of the two cyanide salts on scientific principles, ample revenue will be provided for the Government, and the producer and consumer will be encouraged to develop their opportunities.

We therefore petition that the rates of duty for these salts be fixed-for potassium cyanide, at 2 cents per pound specific; sodium cyanide, at 24 cents per pound specific; or on a revenue basis, at a uniform rate for both potassium and sodium cyanide, at 21 cents per pound.

Respectfully submitted.

THE ROESSLER & HASSLACHER CHEMICAL CO.
LOUIS RUHL, Assistant Secretary.

Formaldehyde: Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act, 1909, paragraph 3, formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde.

Hon. OSCAR W. UNDERWOOD,

PERTH AMBOY CHEMICAL WORKS,
New York, January 4, 1913.

Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives,

Washington, D. C.

SIR: We respectfully petition that formaldehyde, 40 per cent solution, also commercially called formalin, be dutiable at 14 cents per pound specific; paraformaldehyde, solid, 95 per cent pure, be dutiable at 7 cents per pound specific. Formaldehyde, containing 40 per cent formaldehyde, is an aqueous solution, and paraformaldehyde is a polymerized formaldehyde, formed by evaporation of the aqueous solution of formaldehyde, an amorphous solid product 95 per cent pure.

Both are powerful antiseptic disinfectants and preservatives, employed in a number of ways, separately or in different combinations.

Formaldehyde is produced by the oxidation or partial combustion of methyl alcohol by an elaborate process of purifying crude wood alcohol.

The apparatus and plant necessary for the production of formaldehyde, consisting chiefly of large expensive copper stills and fittings, etc., correspondingly higher in cost in the United States than in other countries, requiring a larger investment of capital, affecting overhead charges, including interest, insurance, and depreciation. The price of formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde is governed by the price of crude wood alcohol. The price of wood alcohol is largely regulated by what the woodalcohol producers secure for their by-products, namely, acetate of lime and charcoal. For acetate of lime a relatively uniform market exists, while for charcoal great fluctuations at times take place, on account of the varying demand on the part of the iron industry, in which charcoal is mostly consumed. Low prices of charcoal almost always mean higher prices for wood alcohol. The price of wood alcohol is also affected by the demand and supply, thus leaving the manufacturer of formaldehyde at the mercy of rather erratic fluctuating market conditions, as far as the supply of his raw material is concerned. On one side the constant increasing demand for wood-alcohol products and on the other the fact that our depleted forests are not being replanted tends toward a marked increase in the value of all wood-alcohol products.

The Canadian competition with its lower cost of labor and immense resources of undepleted forests has cheaper raw material for the manufacture of wood alcohol at its disposal.

As pioneers of the formaldehyde industry in this country, we therefore petition, that the adequate rate of duty on formaldehyde of 14 cents per pound specific, paraformaldehyde 7 cents per pound specific, be established, so that in case the reciprocity question between the United States and Canada should at any time be reopened and concessions on the United States import rates of duty be agreed to it will not endanger the American formaldehyde industry.

The Canadian competition in seeking the nearest market as an outlet for its formaldehyde surplus, which can not be consumed at home, may cause ruinous competition in the United States, which could not be checked, as our customs laws do not embody any "Dumping" provision.

Approximate revenue estimates.

Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act 1909:

Paragraph 3: Paraformaldehyde, basis 100 per cent pure, 25 per cent ad valorem, 25,000 pounds, at 74 cents per pound...

Paragraph 3: Formaldehyde, 40 per cent solution, 25 per cent ad valorem, 250,000 pounds, at 2 cents per pound.......

Modified duty suggestion:

Paraformaldehyde, 25,000 pounds, at 7 cents per pound.
Formaldehyde, 500,000 pounds, at 14 cents per pound...

$1, 812. 50

5,000.00

1,750.00

7,500.00

We therefore petition that, formaldehyde 40 per cent solution be dutiable at 14 cents per pound. Paraformaldehyde, solid, be dutiable at 7 cents per pound. Respectfully submitted.

>

PERTH AMBOY CHEMICAL WORKS. :
HUGO Du Bois, Treasurer.

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Ceramic colors: Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act, 1909, paragraphs 56, 110, and 576.

Hon. OSCAR W. UNDERWOOD,

THE ROESSLER & HASSLACHER CHEMICAL Co.,

Chairman Committee on Ways and Means,

House of Representatives, Washington, D. C.

New York, January 3, 1913.

SIR: We respectfully petition that the present rate of duty on ceramic colors, 30 per cent ad valorem, be retained and remain unchanged.

For the reason that these colors are metallic and vitrifiable preparations and substances, in powder and liquid form, composed of metal oxides with fluxes, to assist their melting.

The ceramic colors are also used by amateur artists for china and glass painting, and put up in vials and tubes separately or mixed with oil. The rich color effects being principally obtained by the use of precious metals, which limit their consumption to beautifying china and glassware, etc., making them more a luxury than a necessity of life.

CLASSIFICATION UNDER PAYNE-ALDRICH TARIFF ACT, 1909.

SCHEDULE A.-Chemicals, oils, and paints.

Paragraph 56: Ceramic colors proper, 30 per cent ad valorem. Imports, 1910–11, $16,334; 1911-12, $12,323. Artists' paints or colors (in bottles, packages, tubes, pans, cakes, etc.), 30 per cent ad valorem. Imports, 1910-11, $80,130; 1911–12, $106,940 (75 per cent ceramic colors and 25 per cent water-color paints).

SCHEDULE B.-Earth, earthenware, and glassware.

Paragraph 110: Fusible enamels, 25 per cent ad valorem. Imports, 1910-11, $15,511; 1911-12, $14,604.

FREE LIST.

Paragraph 576: Glass enamel white for watch and clock dials, duty free. Imports, 1910-11, $21,702; 1911-12, $17,981.

"White glass enamel, known as a color rather than an enamel, and a material for making color, rather than an enamel itself, heretofore duty free, according to recent decision of the United States Court of Customs Appeals, Treasury Decision 32983, November 21, 1912, is now dutiable as ceramic colors at 30 per cent ad valorem."

Paragraph 412: Decalcomanias in ceramic colors, weighing per 1,000 sheets, 20 by 30 inches, under 100 pounds, 70 cents per pound and 15 per cent; over 100 pounds, 22 cents per pound and 15 per cent; all others (except toy), 40 cents per pound. Imports, 1910-11, $176.481; 1911-12, $171,838.

Description of ceramic colors.-The ceramic colors are a distinct article of commerce, comprising a great variety of vitrified preparations, commonly known as stains, color bodies, fluxes, fusible enamels, enamels (over and under glaze), glazes, etc., only suitable in coloring and decorating metal, porcelain, glass, pottery, and other earthen and clay wares.

The ceramic colors differ essentially from all other kinds of pigments, paints, colors, and dyes used for house painting and in the textile industries, since their application to develop the colors, bringing out the rich color effects and fix the same permanently on the ware, requires a firing process at a high temperature ranging from 900 to 3,000° F.

(Exhibit A, price list ceramic materials No. 12, recently issued.)

The manufacturing and marketing of these ceramic colors is more difficult than other lines of trade, since with the change of fashions in shades and colors, the matching of shades requires a well-trained and competent staff for research work, meaning considerable expense in time and money. Their manufacture necessitates experiments with costly raw materials before the desired shade effects are obtained. Large stocks of both raw materials and finished products are constantly kept on hand, which with the change of fashions do not find a ready sale.

Tariff. This industry, although established by us in this country nearly 30 years ago, has made only slow progress, due to the fact that the customs duty has at no time been adequate to equalize the advantage which centuries of experience give to the products manufactured in England, France, and Germany, etc.