New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-11-14
TlRLEE IND TAY1TION.

II Is predicted ~ many lhaJ Inc DcHlO'Id''
party in Congress will fix its mighty intellect
during the coming session, upon revision OF
the tariff and internal revenue acts As this Is
probably the most foolish thing that party can
do, the prediction is not unlikely To prove
true If the Democratic party had been wisely
led. il would have seized the opportunity to
propose some wise and patriotic measure when
il had majority in both houses of Congress.
If it had been shTcwdly led, it would not have
missed the opportunity to put itself on the
record in favor of some measure that would
at least have been popular, if not in the
highest sense wise or patriotic But its day
has passed. If that party attempts anything,
now that it is ont of power and shorn OF re-
sponSibility, it will be met with sheer Men
who are honestly in favor of any measure are
not i'm the habit of waiting until the power
has passed from them before taking the first
step in that direction. But the cheapest and
shallowcst of cheap demagogues are quite apt
when kicked out of power, to boil over with
zeal for all sorts of reforms, to which, when
in power, they had never given "A moments
thought.
The country understands quite well the
difficulties which prevented a Democratic re-
vision of the tariff and tax laws. The Demo-
Gratis could not agree. They knew that they
would lose a great many of their supporters
if they should take position either for or against
vital changes. They knew that any attempt
to make any tariff bill whatever party meas
IRE would immediately disrupt the party.
Hence they lodged. But the same difficulties
now exist in more aggravated form. IL Is no
LONGER within the power of the Democrats to
shape the measure upon which they will debate
or vote. Their opponents will now control
| the order of business and the reports from
committees The Republicans will decide what
sort of tariff or tax-bill, if any, Democrats
shall be- forced to vote upon. Very likely, the
Democrats may be prodicd quite often with
| test votes ol tine most unvclcomc character
! bv which they will be exposed to all the
odium of a position TO which they may commit
themselves, without any chance Whatever TO
! prt credit for the framing on enactment oi any
or dItabIc measure.
II is altogether probable that the Rpubli-
cans may see fit to take mp these questions.
! They have "A far better reason than a mere de
sire to cXpo-e Democratic disagreement, in
compctrucc and insiuccriy. The time is not
) far distant when legislation on these matters
will be- necessary. In the heat of a session
needing "A Presidential election IL will be- cN-
| trrmrly difficult to act wisely. nor can the
par,, well afford 10 20 before Che country with
change of policy which has not yet been
! fairly tested The first effect of almost any de-
| sirablc change would bc inconycucnt, or even
! disastrous. to many individuals, while tine fruits
! of il. however excellent, would need time to
ripcn. II is claimed by the abIcst advocates OF
! the protective system that, having now stood
| for twenty years, 1t ought to be adapted by
intelligent and friendly revision TO new condi-
tious This work cannot be- done in hurry,
and ought to bee done with patient and thor
onsh investigation by carefully selected COM
mission. If such a commission should be APP
pointcd this winter, its work could not take
| the form of completed enactments before Jan
nary. 1883, and would then have little more
than a year of trial before the people would he
called 10 pass judgment upon It, Hence ii
! fine Republicans mean to take any step in this
direction, they cannot wisely defer the begin
| uiu.g beyond this winter.