The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-05-22
Bi,marck's Projections, Policy.

The latest kilograms from Berlin give as
surance that the new tariff bill 50 vehe-
mcntly urged by the German Chancellor
will become a law. In its commercial aspect
this measure will entail changes far more
sweeping and decisive than were at first
contemplated whileits political bearing are
distinct and significant. 1t appears certain
thatthe central government represented by
BISMARCK will secure at least for a time a
signal accession of strength, and that a
species Of revolution will take place in the
composition and attitude OF parties in the
German parliament.
When this protcctionist bill first came
from the hands Of the Commission It in
vOlved rather partial waiver than whole
sale reputation Of free trade principles.
Its chief object was to foster those cotton
and iron industries which are languishing
In Germany, and which, If the experience Of
the United States could be accepted ~ a
guide, would most notably profit by relief
from English competition. But with each
step toward its final passage the trainers of
the measure have been constrained to con-
ciliate different interests by widening the
field Of protection. As it now stands, the tarim
not only increases the duties on tea, coffee,
and other articles usually taxed for rcve-
nue., but IL imposes Il tax on raw material
like pig iron and timber, rs well as on all
kinds Of manufactured fabrics; and it even
aims TO win over the farmers by n duty ON
grain and live stock. OF course 10 has been
impossible TO avoid a sharp collision of in
forests, signs Of which have been already
forthcoming, and which may hereafter lead
TO violent discussion For the moment, how
ever, the Chancellor has attained his end by
the simple cxpedicnt of throwing a sop Ia
everybody. He has rallied TO his support
almost TIE whole Of Herr WINDHoRsr's fol-
lowing, made up chiefly Of country gentle
men, and he has thus secured an ovcrwhclm-
ing majority for his policy.
BISMARCK cares nothing for the taunt that
he has heretofore, on more than one oeca-
Sion, countcnanccd the doctrines of FREQ
trade. lie does not claim to be an adept in
political economy, and leaves to professors.
he says, the discussion Of its theories He
assumes, however, TO know something about
the art of government and he pcrccives
that the handspring of the new German
empire, as of any other political machine,
Is money. From the outset, the smooth
and effective working of the central
power has been hindcred by pen
ury OF resources, by the constantly in
crcasug excess Of expenditure over income,
and by the necessity Of annual appeals to
the constituent States TO make up the deficit
on the part of the imperial treasury. 1t is
clear enough that a coniodoracy thus de-
pendent on the good will Of provincial logs-
latures contains the seeds Of weakness and
dislntegration, and can hardly be termed a
nation at all. From fiscal point of view,
at all events, the unity Of Germany has
been a much looser thing than the unity %
the United States. With the means of rove
nue. secured to the imperial executive
by the new law the situation of things
Is greatly changed, and tho scparat-
lists lose most potent instrument
Not only will tho Government escape
the necessity of begging subsidies from
half reluctant States like Bavaria, but
1t is certain that its income must con.