The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-07-13
The Bill OF Modific.tIons-Wim It Pass

The Bill OF ModifcatIons-NIn 1t Pass
That is The question the solution of which is so
anxIousy looked for. viii the tariff bill as it pass
ed the House OF Representatives pass the Senate?
II is our opinion that it will not. We have no
doubt but that notifications and alterations will
be made in the tariff act of 1892 in force, but
we do not believe that the House bill will pass the
Senate, without many important and very material
slt ,rations The ad paiorem principle will, I'M
60 Ibtedly, be modified reduced in its operation,
and specific rate in many cases substituted
The country is not in position to adopt such
liberal experiments immediate and general
establishment of that principle; and gradual en-
furcement Of that system, should, if necessary to
make il general, be resofted 10. No one can pre-
DICT the operauon of the dd palorem principle in
all cases. aud rs adoption might have all effect
upon the revenue totally different from that anti
cpeted.
Many of our specific duties would, OF reduced to
Gd valoreni, exhibit very large average per cent,
and when the specific principle is entirely abolish
ed, and the ad palorem rates are reduced 10 very
low standard, the average upon the aggregate inn
portaiion would be very small, much less than the
lowest average advocated by the most radical
free-trsler
Under the present tariff with all the high spe.
GlllS uttcS, uuu lile tue average az
v1Lorem duty on the total imports of last year was
but fraction twenty-eight per cent; and
this year ii will be about twenty-five per cent 1t
must, therefore, appear plain to every one that
complete abolition of high specific, and the esta-
blishment OF low dd raiorsm duties, must bring
the average below revenue point. All altera-
lions OF tbs tariff laws are dangerous expert
ments, and should be made cautiously; but when
principle which has always been adhered TO,
more or less, in the formation of these laws is
wholly abandoned, we cannot but have our fears
Of the consequences, and it will be found when j,
IS TOO late, perhaps, 10 apply the remedy that our
fears were not without foundation. We are not
disposed to go into details, showing where the dd
plloren principle would not operate successful
ly, or where there have been made in reg,i-
iating the rate OF duty, under that principle as
We are well aware that where the rate OF duty is
concerned, there a variety of interests at issue
and many in favor OF, and against, the proposed
changes Where interest will be injured
another Will be benefited, and we are not OF the
opinion, as many appear to be, that any modifca-
lions Of the tariff will produce any very great
changes, either way, in the country. Our manu-
facturers have become so well established thar
they can live and prosper under any tariff that will
give the government a revenue sufficient to meet
current expenses and it is all nonsense to pre-
DICT ruin to any class by the withdrawal of the tr
fling protection the present tariff affords to any
interest in tie country.
We wish to impress upon the minds OF those in
whose hands this bill now rests the importance of
4 careful investigation into the probable opera
lions Of a tariff Of duties, based exclusively upon
the dd ualoreH principle, before they finally act
upon it.
We want this matter well considered in the
Senate, where party prejudices are not permitted
70 influence legislation 70 the same extent as in
the lower House, and we feel confident the result
VIII meet the wishes OF the people generally
Any alterations the Senate may make in the bill,
as IT came from the House of Representatives,
viii require II to be returned 10 the House for
concurrence. Theye is very little doubt but that
the House would concur in any amendments the
Senate might make, but we have about n. much
10 fear from the delay all these things cause and
the time consumed in perfectng this bill. IA we
have that il will not reach the manufacturing in.
terests, in whatever suit it may be sent into the
world. The fact is, the adjournment of Congress
M more anxousy looked for than the passage of
any Of the bills under consideration.