The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-09-26
The Proposed Alteration La the TaIin-Mr.
Guthrie's Visit TO New York.

Weather, &c.
The Proposed Alteration LA the TaIin-Mr.
Gutnric's Visit To New York.
Some few of our readers are probably aware
that Mr.. Guthrie arrived in town last Saturday.
1t not unreasonable to suppose that his visit is
connected in part with the subject of the pro
posed alteration in the tariff, and that he will
endeavor to obtain by personal inquiry, valua-
BILE information on the points referred to in his
circular of goth inst Want of space prevented
our abiding to that document at the time we
published it. Now however, that its tenor will
be topic of general conversation in mercan-
tile circles few remarks on the subject of the
tariff may not be out Of place. Its merits will
be more thoroughly discussed in these columns
at a future PERIOD when Congress is in session
and there may be chance of suggestions or
structures bearing practical fruit; but, mean
while, we can hardly err in directing the atten-
tion of thinking men to matter Of such grave
moment.
1t is fortunate that the landmarks from
which we start in a discussion of this nature
are clear and well-defned. Nothing is better
known than the practical working Of the tariff
Of ls46-a tariff which. though less grievous to
be borne than the law Of 1912. will still rank
among the high protective tariffs of the COM
mercial world. Under its operation, the people
Of this country have paid to the State an ave-
rage tax OF Is to 20 per cent on all the foreign
produce and manufactures imported into the
United States. In spite Of this heavy impost
o,,r ivporfc bova ipcrao cod at a fahu Ions fa
Taking New York as fair criterion for the
whole Union. and comparing the first eight
months of this year with the corresponding pc
RODS Of 1851 and 1852, we find the duties col
lected at this port as follows
Years. Duties Collected
1851. 1913 ,445 1923
ls52 ......''''..''..:' ad'51o 'SSo
Our total foreign imports at New York
during the months of July and August exceed
those OF the same months last year by twelve
millions of dollars. Such being the state Of
our foreign trade, it is not matter Of wonder
that the treasury should overflow with specie,
and that Mr. Guthrie should be at his wits end
to discover mode Of getting rid of the twenty
eight or thirty millions of dollars which have
accumulated in the national Golfers.
Here, then, we have three tangible facts.
First, the people Of this country are enduring
a heavy tax on the necessaries of life ; second
ly, that tax is not operating to discourage
foreign importation, which is increasing in d.
rect ratio to the increased wants. enterprise
and Development Of the country; and, third
ly the proceeds Of that tax are not only not
needed to carry on the government, but are ac
tually serious Inconvenience bait to lure
ofice-seekcrs to Westinghouse temptation to
corrupt statesmen-and serious obstacle to
legitimate financial operations. The with
drawal Of thirty millions Of specie from the ma
tural channels of trade cramps business and
raises the price Of money; and thus every in
crease in our foreign commerce that is suggest
ed by the enterprise of our merchants actually
initiates to their ultimate injury.
These glazing facts suggest their own RENE
cannot fail to discern it. The tariff must be
altered SO as to relieve the people from onerous
and unnecessary taxes, and the treasury from
the fatal burthen Of an injurious surplus. On
this point we believe that all parties are of one
mind The only point on which diversity Of
opinion may be anticipated, and which now
calls for the calm consideration of reflective
and practical minds, is-How are alterations
to be effected? What dutiable articles are to
be admitted free? On what articles is the pre-
sent customs tax to be diminished or removed
altogether?
We shall not be running much risk OF con
tradiction if we assert that as general rule.
Congress will undertake the solution Of these
problems on a broad free trade basis. By the
frank confession of the protectionists them
selves protection has ceased to be plank of
any platform in this country. 1t is dead,
buried, and forgotten. Nobody speaks or hears
of it. The manufacturers themselves have
ceased to groan on the subject and though
special case may be not unfairly made out
on behalf of the iron workers, who, from
peculiar circumstances, deserve, perhaps,
more consideration than any other class
of manufacturers, we doubt whether any
party pretending to influence would at
this moment oppose fair reduction of the du-
ties on foreign manufactures Mr.. Guthrie
very prudently remarks in his circular, that
articles which enter into our manufactures
and those which do not come into competition
with American products are those about which
there will doubtless be the least question"
But, while we cannot question the truth Of his
surmise we have every reason to believe that
many other articles, which do.not enter into our
manufactures and which do come into certain
competition with our products, will likewise
participate in the changes which it will be the
duty of and enlightened Congress to bring
about. Those changes, in point of fact, ought to
be, and we are sure will be, based on a proper
regard for the interests of the whole country;
and, with the possible exception we have men
toned. will be carried out in defiance Of the
sectional murmurs Of any individual class of
u