THE INDIAN - COTTON EXCISE DUTIES.
[To TILE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] Sus,—Mr. Cumming asks from what source I derived my information with regard to the Indian excise question. The answer is very simple. I derived my information from the mill owners and mill managers who pay these duties, and not one of them mentioned the point which Mr. Cumming alleges to be the true explanation of the grievance. I may add that Mr. Cumming's information with regard to the cotton industry seems to be derived from strange sources. He states that "cotton yarns are produced in India either on power looms or on hand looms." A writer who comes forward as an authority might be expected to know that yarns are not pro- duced on looms. A little later in his brief letter this same authority says that the Indian manufacturer has to make a return "of every yard he spins." Apparently Mr. Cumming is ignorant of the distinction between spinning and weaving- The duties are only levied on woven goods.—I am, Sir, Joi.,
Previous page
