New-York tribune., 1878-05-24
cUtvGES IN TtPJFF VIEUS.

No fair observer can review the tariff iitCra-
turc of to-day without perceiying marked
moderation of the views on either side of the
question. There are, of course, extremists
still remaining who believe in absolute free
trade or the highest protective duties; but the
mass of those whose opinions are worth con-
sidcring seem to be grayitating toward
middle ground. This is true elsewhere, as
well as In this country. More than once
movements have been set on foot in England
within the past two or three years to bring
about some reconsideration Of her free-trade
policy. Many English newspapers referred to
such change rs an ultimate re-
sort. when commenting upon the products
of American skill at the Centennial
Exhibition. Even John Bright, in a speech
that elected much remark, has admitted the
possibility that British trade may be on the
high road to disaster, because other nations
continue their systems of protection. On the
other hand IN France, where the tariff IS so
stringent that many goods which might COM
pete with her manufactures cannot Oe I'M
ported mt all, and where, if anywhere in
Europe, the merits of protective system
might he thought to have been demonstrated,
there are frequent expressions of the belief
that the scale of duties ought to be regulated
on the reciprocity system, rather than with
reference 10 home production.
Here. however, we have had the most re-
markable evidences of a change, or at least of
a modification of extreme views. Last Sum
mer. one OF the most eminent apostles of
frce-trade, in public letter, set forth his de-
libcrate disavowal of that doctrine and adj
Of, y;0 ,l,,ti in
country would be neither wise nor practicable.
Within a few weeks another of the free-trade
leaders has been reported as having experienced
a similar change of opinion. The history OF
the tariff bill now under discussion in the
House. so far as it has a history, is Drinci
pally composed of notifications and with
drawals from its ext eme-and extremely alb
surd-original position. Within a few days,
The Herald of this city, which long and steadily
opposed tariff duties, on the ground that they
interfere with commerce, has urged the I'M
pOstion of duty upon the most prominent
of our South American imports. The argu-
ments used in this case are precisely those so
often used by extreme prOtectiOnists; that the
gold of this country goes abroad to pay. for
tho import, and hence benefits the foreigner
chcaper here, while it threw away source of
our revenue and finally, that the foreigner
pocketed the whole profit or difference accru-
ing from our abolition of the duty. 1t might
have been further added that the increased
imnOrts of coffee, after our duties upon it
ceased have not been followed by a CORE
spOndng increase of our exports TO Brazil
and thus another favorlte argument of free
traders, that our exports depend upon our inn
norris. would have had it's fallacy exempli-
fed, and another of the props of the Wood
tariff might have tumble9 down. But perhaps
the most remarkable thing in the whole tariff
business this year is the unanimity with which
the laboring populations have come forward
to the support of protective duties. Formerly, as
a sound Democrat the labOrer always voted tor
free-trade. The protests of tens of thousands
of workingmen in Pennsylvania, NewJersey
and other States, have poured in upon the
present Congress, against the proposed reduc-
tions of the Wood tariff.
In reality, there is closer approach to
agreement between opposing interests than
there has been before during many years.
The opposition to the Wood tariff was almost
unanimous, and even since the committees
amendments Is overwhelming. There is, how
ever. a vet more singular spectacle OF oppo-
nents agreeing in tariff matters. The New
York Chamber of Commerce last Summer sent
out letters OF inquiry to leading merchants to
ascertain their views concerning changes In
the revenue system. OF 121 replies, 1l6
favored change from ad valOrem to specific