The National tribune., 1882-06-17
The Tariff Commission,


The Tariff Commission.
The nine members of the Tariff Commits
sion have at last been nominated by Presi-
dent Arthur, and it turns out that they are
all or nearly all Protectionists. Naturally
the Free Traders are greatly disguised and
use very c0ntemptuous language in speak
ing of the character of the Commission. 1t
would have suited them much better had
the President selected such professional
revenue reformers as David 4. Wells, J. S.
Moore (the 'parsee"), or Edward Atkinson.
Doubtless Mr.. Arthur foresaw that some
body would have to be disappointed and
determined to make his choice without re-
gard to whom it would please or offend.
Had he appointed five free traders and four
protectiOnists or five protectionists and four
free traders the same accusation of injustice
would have been brought against him, so
that we do not see how he could possibly
have escaped censure under any circum-
stances; and, indeed, why should the work
Of revising the tariff be entrusted to Free
Traders who are only interested in getting
rid Of the tariff altogether2
The fact is however, that the Commission
is composed of very good material and all
the leading industries OF the country are
very equitably represented in it's makeup.
It's members, with the exception of Mr.. POr-
ter, are not specialists, it is true, but they
are all familiar with the practical working
of the present tariff and will not be apt to
accept ingenious theories as facts. 1t must
not be forgotten that the Commission has
been created with view to taking the testi-
mony of others rather than for the purpose
of recording its own opinion, and that its
action is not in any way binding upon Con-
gress. Its political complexion therefore is
of small consequence, provided that the per-
sonal bias of the members does not prevent
them from giving an impartial hearing to
both the supporters and opponents of pro-
lection, and the character of the Commits
sioners is in our opinion a satisfactory
guarantee that justice will be done.
Ex-Vice President Wheeler, the chairman
of the Commission, who it is now said will
not serve, is a gentleman of long and varied
experience in public affairs, and it was on
that account, doubtless, rather than be-
cause of any special knowledge concerning
the industries of the country, that the Presi-
dent saw fit to place him at the head of
the body. Mr.. Hayes is supposed to be the
special representative of the woolen manu-
facturers He is said to be thoroughly
posted concerning the state of this industry,
and the Commission will benefit by his ex-
perience. Mr.. Oliver is one of Pennsylvania's
most distinguished citizens. He was can
didate for the United States Senate in oppo-
sition to Senator Mitchell, but is more of a
business man than a politician. Scarcely
any one could have been selected with
more intimate acquaintance with the iron
interest than he possesses. Mr. Garland, of
Illinois, is identified with agricultural in
terests, and is well known as the secretary
of several flourishing agricultural societies.
selected on account of his knowledge of the
wool-growing and iron and steel industries
Of fha of h
is also known to have declined to serve, was
at one time Chairman of the Ways and
Means Committee of the House, but has not
taken a prominent part lately in public
affairs He is put dOwn-with how much
reason we do not know-as a representative
of the farmers. Mr. Porter, of the District
of Columbia, is too well known to need
comparatively young man, he has acquired |
the reputation of being one of the ablest |
statisticans of his time, and his work in !
connection with the last census has won the |
highest praise abroad as well as at home. The |
two Southern memberships Underwood. of !
Georgia, and Mr.. Kenner, of Louisiana
represent respectively the cotton and sugar |
interests and bear an excellent reputation, |
so that the Commission, if not brilliantly |
constituted, promises at least to be good |
working body
Reduce the Postage.
Postmaster-GeneralH Howe estimates that !
his Department will be selEsupporting dur
ing the coming fiscal year This is very