Mr. Sherman to Mr. Porter.
Washington, July 3, 1897.
Referring to Olney’s telegram February 24 and Vignaud’s 649, it is learned that proposed doubling of duties on meats and lard is approved by French tariff committee. As this measure means virtual prohibition, it does not stand on the same footing as increased taxation for raising more revenue, which latter is legitimate and imports no national discrimination as the present proposal practically does against a commerce in which the United States is one of the most important sources of supply. You will renew timely and considerate remonstrance against a measure no less onerous to the French consumer than destructive to a large established trade.