Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1858-12-21
THE TARIFF.

Business men of all parties appear to agree,
that some Legislation by Congress is necessary
in view of the depressed state of manufactur-
ing industry in the country Although there
are evident indications that a revival is at hand
in the natural operation of events, after the re-
cent almost unparalleled stagnation of bust
ness, still, the opinion of those best posted, is,
that partial return to the protective policy is
necessary, in order to restore the finances of
the country 10 healthy condition, and keep
them there.
Mr.. Comins of this State, it has been no.
ticed, has introduced into the House a tariff
bill, which seems to meet the views of ma
iOrity of that body, although it would APP
pear to propose but a moderate change from
the present system, whether sufficiently so to
remedy the evils under which we are now suf-
fering, remains to be seen, should it be adopt
ed. Evidently, no change but moderate and
gradual one should be introduced.
By the bill of Mr. Comins, the present "a
and 10 per cent. schedules are to be embraced
in one of 25 per cent. the 10 to be increased to
20 per cent. and the y and per cent. to be
put into one of 10; and the 4 per cent. to be
transferred to the free list This will simplify
the law, by getting rid Of some of the useless
schedules, from which no great revenue is de-
rived and with the increase upon the 10 and
per cent. schedules, with specific duties on
iron, sufficient revenue would be received to
supply the wants of the treasury, and, it is
hoped, do something toward protection Of
the great manufacturing interests of the coun-
try.
1T is stated that this bill meets the approba-
ton of a large number of Democrats in Con
gress, and that the Republicans, except those
of the Middle and Western States, who de.
mand restoration of the duties on wool, will
be satisfied with it.
The introduction of this bill will test the sin.
certify of the Presidents recommendation fol
influence exerted by his recommendation. The
following is the manner in which Mr.. Buchan.
an treats Of the tariff in his late message:
"n regard the mode of assessing and collecting du
ties under strictly revenue tariff have long enter
tanned and often expressed the opinion that sound policy
requires this should be done by specific duties in e
which these can be properly applied They well
adapted to commodities which usually sold by weight
or measure, and which, from their nature of equal
or nearly of equal value Such for example, the ar
tees of iron of different classes sugar. and foreign
wines and spirits
In my deliberate judgment, specific duties the best
II not the only means of securing the against
false and fraudulent invoices, and such has been tn.
practice adopted for this purpose by other commercial ma
lions Besides specific duties would afford TO the Amer
can manufacturer the incidental advantages to which he
fairly entitled under tariff The present sys-
TEN sliding scale to his advantage Under it, when
prices high and business prosperous the duties rise in
amount when he least requires their aid On the contra
~ when prices fall and he is struggling against adYers
~ the duties are diminished In the same proportion
greatly 10 his injury"